What’s Cooking?

With all the rain the last few weeks, we've basically been housebound.  Hunkered down on the couch with blankets and cooking up lots of good food.  I thought I'd share some of the yummy meals we've been eating recently. Roasted Red Kuri Pumpkin & Coconut Soup *recipe found here  Autumn Vegetable Roast *toss with olive oil, s&p, garlic, and chili flakes.  bake at 400º for 30-40...

Summer Recipes: Lemon Dill Quinoa Salad

Ok, I realize I've already shared a few Quinoa Salad recipes with you all (seen here and here) but lately, I've been particularly addicted to my latest creation and I had to share it with you.  We've been on a serious low-carb kick and this has been a nice alternative to our usual green salad combinations. I'm not going to lie, this salad is really easy to make, but it does take some time to get everything...

Summer Recipes: Salad Montpelliérain and How to Make Dressing

You've probably heard of a Salad Niçoise, but have you ever heard of a Salad Montpelliérain?  I assume not, because we just made it up.  A basic Salad Niçoise contains tuna, green beans, potatoes, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, olives, and anchovies.  The Hub and I don't particularly like anchovies, only like olives occasionally, and prefer the salmon here in France to the tuna, so we decided to put together our...

Summer Recipes: Fish “Taco” Lettuce Cups

Since it's been soooo hot here in the South of France, The Hub and I have been trying out some new recipes that require very little cooking.  A few weeks ago, we were craving fish tacos, but wanted something a little lighter and fresher than the traditional fried fish with corn tortilla shell, so Fish "Taco" Lettuce Cups were born. These little suckers were so easy to make and tasted refreshing and...

Richard Goes Crazy and a Shrimp-Quinoa Salad

Before I get into today's recipe, I just have to share a few thoughts on last night's episode of  Top Chef, which is obviously one of my favorite shows.  I've seen every season (including Top Chef Masters) except for the D.C. season.  I love, love, love Richard Blais.  I think he is the best chef who has ever been on the show, period.  Game Over.  When you think about what makes someone a "Top Chef", Richard...

Pretty Parchment Packets: Salmon en Papillote

A lot of times when friends come into town, they want to take advantage of being by the ocean and go to a "seafood restaurant" for dinner.  I'm always a little perplexed by that request because in San Francisco, you can get fish at almost every restaurant, not just seafood restaurants.  However, I do have a go-to spot to satisfy that craving:  Hyde Street Seafood House. My favorite thing to get is the Salmon...

Hub Specialty – Seared Ahi Tuna Delight

Last night The Hub and I spent the evening drinking a fantastic red, listening to some Martin Denny, and cooking a delicious meal for Valentine's Day.  Well, more like he cooked and I was his sous chef.  You see, my husband is a fantastic cook.  In fact, I think he's way better than me.  But don't tell anyone. One of my favorite meals that The Hub makes is his Seared Ahi Tuna Delight.  It's seared, sushi grade...

Like Father, Like Son: Todd’s Fish Tacos

As I mentioned last week, my father in law, Todd,  is a really fantastic cook!  It's easy to see where The Hub gets his creative streak in the kitchen.  While we were back in Wisconsin, Todd made us some really delicious Fish Tacos, adapted from this Giada DeLaurentis recipe.  I decided to replicate the dish for a little dinner party we had last week with our friends Erika, and  Jim and Abby, who are...