Author Archives: Cathy Thomas

Tweet St. Patrick’s Day is a party day enjoyed by Irish and Irish-wannabes alike. From coast to coast, at the core of the celebration is satisfying, easy-to-prepare fare. It’s the corned beef and cabbage that first comes to mind. The … Continue reading →

Tweet   Trying to make sense of what comprises a healthful diet can be a challenge. The news is filled with information about what not to eat, which sometimes leads to a what-to-eat conundrum. Most experts say that the solution … Continue reading →

Tweet Deborah Schneider, executive chef-partner at Solita (Huntington Beach) and SOL Cocina (Newport Beach and Scottsdale, AZ), draws on her rich culinary background to bring the seductive flavors and relaxing vibe of the Baja Pennisula to the plate. Street foods … Continue reading →

Tweet USE THIS SLOW COOKER CHICKEN in recipes that call for cooked chicken! Fall off the bone tender and juicy shredded chicken. Easy, very easy. Sometimes less is more. Fewer ingredients to gather and a minimal amount of dishes to … Continue reading →

Tweet Debra Sims’ Banana Bread Pudding is so scrumptious that it won Best Dessert in Orange County at the 2013 Golden Foodie Awards. Sims, the executive chef at Maro Wood Grill in Laguna Beach, turns humble bread pudding to an … Continue reading →

Tweet Five ingredients (or less), yes, and no canned cream of celery soup! So darn easy … Sometimes less is more. Fewer ingredients to gather and a minimal amount of dishes to wash is appealing, especially after the challenge of … Continue reading →

Tweet Time magazine’s 2014 trend-focused issue, touted that kohlrabi is gaining popularity among the nation’s chefs.                                                    (photo shot at my local Albertson’s) Kohlrabi, they wrote, is “more like a dinosaur than a vegetable … hiding inside jagged armored skin, … Continue reading →

Tweet Deviled Pickled Eggs are sweet, tart, spicy nirvana … The Devil Wears Pink, indeed … Greg Daniels is executive chef-partner of Haven Collective, a group of eateries that include Haven Gastropub and Provisions Market in Orange, as well as … Continue reading →

Tweet Amber’s Ful Medames (fava bean dip or salad base) I’ve known Amber Cauble since she started preschool with my daughter more than three decades ago. It’s so heartwarming when grown children share their friends with parents, and even better … Continue reading →

Tweet Michael “Mike” Doctulero, executive chef at Scott’s Restaurant & Bar in Costa Mesa, fell in love with cooking early in his childhood. Working in the kitchen with his grandfather fueled the fun. One of his fondest early memories is … Continue reading →