I am unapologetic in my love of France. No tattoos adorn my body, but I suspect that a royal-blue fleur de lys insignia is branded on the surface of my heart. My time spent in Paris has fostered treasured memories, and that includes the revelry of Bastille Day celebrations. France celebrates Bastille Day on July 14, a date that marks…
Cathy Thomas Cooks
Cookbooks
Ginger-spiked baby back ribs are served with dipping sauce. When it comes to innovative grilling, my first strategy is check out what Steven Raichlen is working on. His best-selling “Barbecue Bible” cookbook series (4 million copies in print) and PBS TV show series (“The Primal Grill” and “Barbecue University”) have helped people all over the world learn to grill. Last…
Grilled cheese sandwiches are comfort food that takes me back to lunchtime in my childhood home. Treats that makes me smile. Especially grownup versions such as those created by cheese expert-cookbook author Laura Werlin. Her latest book, “Grilled Cheese, Please!” (Andrews McMeel, $16.99) offers contemporary approaches to the classic bread-and-cheese indulgence. One of my favorites is the sandwich that uses…
Individual Blackberry Napoleons Crazy about “Desserts 4 Today” by Abigail Johnson Dodge (Taunton Press, $17.95). It’s a treasure trove of flavorful desserts that utilize no more than four ingredients. No prepared mixes are used, just components that are packed with flavor. Lots of fresh fruit, and I like that. I have lazy days. But mostly, I have way-too-busy days. With…
‘Working on recipes for Book #3! ‘Made this spring-esque melange of petite peas, sugar snap peas, Belgian endives and shiitake mushrooms. Absolutely delicious. I fell in love. OK, I used frozen petite baby peas and they were delectable. You can use fresh peas, you who have the time and maybe a backyard garden. But for me the little frozen beauties…
OK, OC METRO! I’m flattered to be included in the 20 Women to Watch list. Not sure that I’m hotter the Betty White! But, here is what they had to say: First job:I taught kindergarten in Fountain Valley at Cox Elementary. Worst job: Selling cheap cologne door-to-door at Christmastime when I was 14. Biggest break: The Register let me write…
Candy Cane Cake takes 5 minutes to prepare. And of course, it’s a lotta fun to break up the candy with a hammer and throw the broken bits on a whip-cream frosted cake. You might want to give your guests a glass o’ wine and ask them to help. The recipe is in “The Sunset Cookbook” (edited by Margo True,…
Even the most scurrilous Scrooge on my gift-giving list seems to appreciate the appeal of cookbook gifts. “BAKE! Essential Techniques for Perfect Baking” by Nick Malgieri (Kyle Books, $29.95), 224 pages “This book is meant to have enough easy, straightforward baking recipes that people who haven’t baked before can use successfully,” says author Nick Malgieri, who heads up the baking…