Snacks

Spicy Tots

Tater Tots – the ultimate potato product I have noticed that Tater Tots are showing up on many restaurant menus.  You’ve gotta admit, there are “freaking” good.  Yes, I am a Napoleon Dynamite fan. I love the complete blur of “what the hell decade is this anyway”!? Randy: Napoleon, give me some of your tots. Napoleon Dynamite: […]

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  March 21, 2011   No comments

Quesadilla Loco

Quesadillas make a great lunch.  I love coming up with different interesting combinations.  One of my favorites is apple / pear and cheddar.  Slice the apples paper thin and use a sharp white cheddar.  Kids seem to really like this on Here are some other ideas: Cheddar & Chutney Goat cheese, caramelized onions & walnuts […]

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  February 18, 2011   No comments

Cheesy Chili Dip

Game Day Dip or Dame Gay Dip? If you must watch the super bowl, this is a wonderful dip that I made up. You can make it ahead a store in the fridge until ready to bake.  Make sure you put the beer glasses in the freezer!   Cheesy Chili Dip 8 oz cream cheese […]

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  January 28, 2011   1 comment

Caramel-Almond Popcorn

Handmade Holiday Gifts  December, to most people, means a very long to do list. Hostess, teacher, mailman, etc gifts are always difficult. Handmade gifts are the best kind, particularly when they’re edible and nicely packaged. Here is an easy recipe that fits the bill. Caramel-Almond Popcorn Makes about 18 cups 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted […]

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  December 1, 2010   No comments

Shishito Peppers

Little Tokyo at 100 Degrees Farneheit! Yesterday, I roamed aimlessly around Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles in the 100 degree heat.  I walked through many supermarkets, “gift shops”, clothing stores, Hello Kitty shops, etc.  I can’t get enough of all that little, beautifully designed stuff they sell. For instance, erasers that come in every single […]

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  August 25, 2010   No comments

Artichoke Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Grill Me Up Some Jalapeños! My best foodie friend, Chris, introduced me to the chile grill.  Probably one of the coolest low tech culinary pieces of equipment I own.  You can use it on the grill or in the oven.  It is made by a company called Iron Desert.  The come in all shapes and sizes, like […]

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  January 18, 2010   No comments

Olives with Fennel Seeds & Orange

A Holiday Hostess Gift It’s always nice to bring a unique, handmade gift to one’s hostess over the holidays.  I think if you bring something you made, it makes it more special.  This is a one of the simplest recipes.  You need to buy some nice jars, decorate them with a personalized sticker, nice ribbon, etc. […]

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  November 5, 2009   No comments

Arancini with Fontina

Rice Balls Rock! I have been deeply involved in developing a menu for a very important dinner for a very good friend of mine. It’s to celebrate his birthday and the theme is the Sopranos. I will blog about the entire party once it has transpired, as long as I don’t get “bumped off”. For the […]

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  October 12, 2009   No comments

Curry Popcorn

Peppy Popcorn Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks.  Two of my favortie chefs here in LA, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger have a wonderful recipe for popcorn in from their City Cuisine cookbook from 1989.  My husband and I made this a lot when we were first married and poor!  It’s pretty spicy, so you […]

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  September 18, 2009   1 comment