Blueberry Betty is a one-dish wonder, easy to prepare and scrumptious to eat. Watch this quick how-to video and see just how quickly it comes together. When serving this for company, I assemble the dish before guests arrive. When the doorbell rings, I put it in the oven and set a timer. It’s still warm (but not bubbling hot) when…
I’ve tasted some very-so-so blueberry pies. The fillings were a snooze, too sweet and a little mushy or sometimes too loose. Yes, some are gummy, others runny. My favorite recipe is from Cook’s Illustrated magazine, the periodical for nitpick-y cooks that want to know every culinary detail imaginable. I love this jammy blueberry filling, and it is their attention to…
A long-ago tale of rice and seafood … Thanks to pal Judy Shepard for the photo! I worried about the waiter. He risked life and limb to deliver my first taste of paella, Spain’s revered rice-based one-dish delicacy. In a tiny outdoor cafe on the Spanish island of Majorca, perched on a bluff overlooking the sea, I relished every kernel…
Chef Ross Pangilinan Spreads His Wings – Departs Leatherby’s For His Own Mix Mix
Chefs, Cooking, Recipes, Restaurants, UncategorizedOrange Coast Magazine’s restaurant critic Gretchen Kurz just named Mix Mix Kitchen Bar as “Restaurant of the Year.” Vision, talent and guts. That’s what it takes for a chef to leave a much respected restaurant to plunge into the hazardous waters of restaurant ownership. Count award-winning Chef Ross Pangilinan as one of those brave owners. In December he opened Mix…
On a recent Sunday, I dropped in for brunch at The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach. Although I was initially focused on the splendor of the Pacific coastline, it wasn’t long before it was the dishes that had my attention. With plenty to choose from, the menu offered a pleasing balance of updated traditional dishes and lively surprises. Their Blood…
Good Tidings of Comfort and Joy, my friends. Savory OR Sweet! With meat or as dessert … I’m always looking for easy ways to create palate joy on the plate. But … without creating much work. Roasted Pears are so easy to prepare and armed with spices to make them perky. Cinnamon and cloves + lemon juice and sugar. Ripe…
Babette’s Truffled Cauliflower Almond Soup The ingredient list puzzled me. I’ve made hundreds of pureed soups, showcasing everything from asparagus to zucchini, most often including dairy products (cream, yogurt or milk) to achieve lush texture and taste. Cooking with Zach Layton, executive chef-owner of Babette’s in Newport Coast, opened my eyes to a vegan approach. His Truffled Cauliflower Almond Soup…
Sweet and Spicy = Delicious piquant-sweet melon. Perfect for the buffet table and holiday entertaining! Use any ripe melon for this delicious dish. I like to serve it as part of a showy buffet. (AND, remember, cantaloupe is on of the most nutrient-dense fruits on the planet.) (Make the syrup in advance if you like, and then drizzle on the…