Being Vegan and/or Raw in San Diego

It’s just amazing how our Vegan and/or Raw community is developing in San Diego! Today I attended a pre-Thanksgiving ‘give and get’ ideas event at Nate and Jade’s home in the Point Loma area of San Diego. Was that the best? Or what? Yes. Yes it was. They have a beautiful backyard. Not only did … Read more

Cook in Parchment Paper – Here’s how to create a BIG WOW from Chef Marian

Here’s some fat free flavorful and easy advice: Cook in parchment paper. CAN I REALLY DO THAT CHEF? WON’T THE PAPER BURN? Ha! I see. That is a concern….. if you use any paper other than parchment. The French have been doing it for centuries. It’s called en papillote. It doesn’t take much effort or … Read more

You drew on your pumpkin instead of carving it. Now what? Apple Pumpkin Crumble ~ a better way.

One of the things I did over the weekend is turn my organic pumpkin into Apple Pumpkin Crumble. Look ~ there are always people carving pumpkins. So, it’s not like people are going to really care if you decide to use a permanent marker instead, right? RIGHT CHEF! And it’s really sad… but did you … Read more

Shrimp Dinner – Another nice night ‘in’ from Chef Marian

Shrimp Dinner ~ That was my menu last night! From any angle, the meal I made last night looked good! And better yet? It tasted good! And better even better yet, it was good for me! Triple Play Winner! Winner, Winner, Turkey Dinner! lol Except it was a ‘pescetarian‘ meal! One of my favorite things to eat is shrimp. Now there are several reason to eat anything but shrimp: … Read more

Leftover Sunday

  So, last night we decided to put together appetizers and pair that with wine. Nice light dinner, then a movie in front of a rip roaring fireplace. One of the things I decided to do was take my original polenta and add parmesan/gouda/sun dried tomato (as a coating). Mmmmm.   So here we are … Read more

LEARN. COOK. LAUGH. SIP. TEACH.

It’s been a wonderful ‘trip’ so far …. talking with you about things I know having to do with food, wine, events I have created, recipes…. and I have really enjoyed having a place to ‘rant’! Many viewers come here from San Diego Foodies, Encinitas Chop and Sip and Encinitas Chess Club (believe it or … Read more

Is Maple Syrup that different from Pancake Syrup?

  Do we know the difference between pancake syrup and Maple Syrup? Geez, after all this time, I hope so. All those brand named Pancake Syrups have High Fructose Corn Syrup. And while there are differing opinions – with some saying studies show High Fructose makes people obese, we  have to recognize other people saying … Read more

Anyone need a ‘sure fire’ way to make Pork Ribs this Memorial Day?

2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 2 pounds pork short spareribs You marinade the ribs overnight. If you have a FoodSaver, sucking the air out of the bag and spreading the meat … Read more