Happy New Years

December 30, 2009 By 1 Comment

The end of year always brings the endless stream of “best of lists”.  Well, I had to create one of my own.  I compiled my top 10 favorite posts of this last year. It wasn’t easy, as they are all close to my heart. This year I had the opportunity to meet many other bloggers and had a blast learning more about food photography.  I created new recipes and even have one being published in an upcoming publication.  Lot’s of things that made me smile. I am planning and looking ahead to new recipes to share with you. Thank you [...]

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Sweet Onion Tartlets

December 29, 2009 By 1 Comment

Last week I hosted a dinner for my dear friend Deanna and her husband.  Twice a year, if we are lucky, we get to see them out here in California.  I was reminded of how food brings people together.  We share great conversations, our hopes and dreams around the table with people we love. My hope is to do entertain more often in 2010.  To learn to do it simpler and be less worried about all the details.  To invite family and friends, cook up a meal and sit around.  Because the meal is really the backdrop for the time [...]

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White Chocolate Lemon Biscotti

December 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

My 2010 has already been zooming by. What about yours? While trying to focus on 10 in 2010 I have not been in the kitchen as much.  Rest assured, that is changing and I have many new recipes to share in the coming days. Here is one I made during the holidays but it is perfect year round – White Chocolate Lemon Biscotti.  Biscotti is the perfect side to a cup of coffee.  These also make a pretty gift to bring to a friend. Lemon Almond Biscotti adapted from a recipe by Giada de Laurentis 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 [...]

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Molasses Cranberry Granola

December 26, 2009 By 3 Comments

I hope all of you had wonderful holidays.  We had a big Prime Rib dinner with all the trimmings.  It was a great evening with family.  In the morning my mom and I joined my brother and his family to watch the kids open presents.  It was fun to watch their anticipation.  We played Lego Rock Band and laughed a great deal. There are so many recipes I tried out but never posted before the craziness of the holidays kicked in.  I loved this granola.  I eat it alone as a snack or with greek yogurt and fresh berries. It [...]

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Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Risotto

December 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

A little over a year ago, a great new Italian restaurant, Canaletto’s opened in Fashion Island.  Fashion Island is that great outdoor shopping center in Newport Beach.  The restaurant is modern, noisy and bustling. It is part of the Il Fornaio organization. They have a great wait staff and every dish I have tried has been great.  We had a birthday celebration in their private room off the back but I like sitting in the main area. One of my favorite things to order is a risotto that has tomato, arugula and mozzarella in it.  It is juicy from the [...]

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Crispy Pan Roasted Chicken with Garlic, Lemon & Thyme

December 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

In the midst of the Christmas craze I was craving a home cooked meal. Between work, Christmas programs and festivities I hit a wall and decided to hole up at home.  I had noticed a chicken dish by Emeril on Good Morning America the week before and for once had everything I needed. This dish was so simple yet such a great meal.  The skin became the perfect crispy and yet the meat was tender and so juicy.  It was perfection in 30 minutes. Crispy Pan-Roasted Chicken with Garlic-Thyme Butter From the Kitchen of Emeril Lagasse Servings: 2-4 Ingredients One [...]

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Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti

December 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

[donotprint] I decided it was time to serve up some Christmas cookies here at Adventures In The Kitchen.  Like every family we have our family favorites.  Our Pecan Tootsies are at our family gatherings every year.  Last year I discovered Orange Madeleines and Ginger Creme Sandwiches. This year I tried the Chocolate Hazelnut BIscotti’s in one of GIada’s cookbook. She uses Nutella, which is one of my sister-in-law Joy’s favorite things.  They are very crisp and nutty and are a perfect treat to serve with a warm, hot cup of coffee.

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Bacon Wrapped Dates and Pecorino Crackers

December 11, 2009 By 2 Comments

[donotprint] Today I give you foodie crack.  I am warning you these are terribly addictive.  You need to make extra because you will eat a few before they make the serving plate. Last weekend I brought these to my good friend Carol’s annual Christmas party.  One partygoer ate more than half of them.  He commented on how additive they were asked what was inside.  I thought I would die laughing when I said they were dates, he said oh, I hate dates.  The empty plate told a different story. Just remember I warned you. As an extra I am including [...]

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Cranberry, Caramel and Almond Tart

December 6, 2009 By 4 Comments
Cranberry Caramel Tart

                    This is one of my new favorite tarts.  I made this for Thanksgiving and feel in love with it, as did my family. It is a perfect holiday dessert. The mixture of creamy, buttery caramel, the tartness of the cranberries and the crunch of the almonds is wonderful.  The tart is pretty studded with the red of the cranberries. I used the pastry dough from Nancy SIlverton but I confess I continue to  struggle with my tart dough.  I still have lots to learn in that arena. I do not [...]

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Apple Cider Panna Cotta & Ginger Cookie

December 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

I have to confess I had never tried Panna Cotta until now.  This recipe kept calling to me.  The Apple Cider with Ginger cookies seemed to scream fall. I loved the contrast of the cold apple cider gelee with the cream panna cotta.  The Ginger cookies were crisp and spicy. Food is my expression of love to others.  I cook for the people that are most dear to me.  I love to see people experience new tastes and flavors.  It makes me smile. This dessert would be the perfect ending to a small dinner party. Hopefully in this holiday season [...]

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