Raisin Bread Pudding

This breakfast was inspired by nothing other than the neglected Raisin Bread waiting untouched and unloved for a month in my freezer :(

My Melting Pot

In our blue and white kitchen,

this is where it all goes down (right into my belly!)

I have the pleasure of living with my cousin, slash best friend, and thank goodness we have the same taste when it comes to home decor. Partially inspired by her love affair with Greece and Greek men (her wonderful fiance) we decided to decorate our kitchen using a sea-side Mediterranean blue and white pallet.

We mix-match our dishes and keep them on display in our open cabinets

Braised Chicken Marsala and Sage Polenta

Don't be intimidated, this is simple to make and

so mouth watering delicious

I first made this for clients, and now I just keep coming back to it when

I'm in a jam and need something fancy to whip up

Broccoli Rabe Pizza

I'm currently obsessed with Udi's gluten free pizza crusts

I had some broccoli rabe going old in the crisper and thought what better than garlicky sauteed greens on pizza!?

China Cabinet

one man's trash is another's treasure

My inner Martha Stewart came out...

now it beautifully displays my limoge, crystal and silver

once blue with white wooden knobs

Zach Ashton - Sugar & Spice Video

my theme song!

Buckwheat Blini

so light and airy, these little guys are perfect paired with

smoked salmon or trout

Alicia Keys - Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart (The Element of Freedom A...

I am not currently in love, nor am I mending a broken heart

But, I am in love with this song!

I've had it on repeat all week since she popped up on my Pandora list

Alicia Keys is not only incredibly talented, but humble and beautiful too!

I hope you enjoy this as much as I!

Bello Yellow

from head to toe, red carpet to the beach, yellow is hot!

Fashion week in Paris

Julia Jamoise, Fashion week in Milan

Prada banana skirt

Fashion week in Ghana

Fashion shoot in Turkey

Baja or Bust

In the Northern region of Baja, near Ensenada,

there is a lovely wine region called the Guadalupe Valley

Who knew? Not me!

I met my friend in Ensenada, where we stayed for a few days,

and took day trips to the valley

I was so lucky to arrive during harvest season and the

Vino Vendimia Festival

(what's being said: LA Times)

Paella Festival:

great wine, gorgeous scenery, delicious paella and beautiful people

Earring Organizer

Vintage looking ribbon and push pins from an art store

Don't push the pin flat to the wall. Leave space so you can hang necklaces too!

you're just one in a trillion

To the world you may be one person

but to one person you may be the world

I love this quote so much!

while balancing my au laite on a ledge I snuck a pic

What a great afternoon; the sun is out and I've decided to stroll around my neighborhood and pop into one of my favorite SF clothing shops, Picnic.

Picnic has recently opened up shop next door too- selling more things for the home and garden.

Granola

This is so delicious over plain Greek yogurt

and topped with fresh berries

Ok, this is as healthy and low fat as Granola can get

I used apple sauce as the sweetener, along with vanilla extract and a tad bit of honey.

I added cinnamon, flax seeds and raw nuts too for flavor and nutritional and medicinal purposes.

Studies show that cinnamon helps to stabilize blood sugar and especially good to have first thing in the morning, while flax seeds provide omegas (healthy fats) and are high in protein and fiber.

Baked Dates filled with Chevre and Wrapped in Bacon

Ok, I don't eat bacon, buuuuuut, these I had to try.

These bad boys are a crowd pleaser for sure. They are so rich so you wont need to make more than about 2 per person.

Iron and Wine - Boy With a Coin

A Room with a View, written by Claudine

I am so much more productive when I am working while enjoying a view, fresh air and natural sunlight!

After a few hours though I get antsy and either need to make a snack or play Boy With a Coin and dance around my room! Listen! (Click and Dance)

Moroccan Tangine

This is a "winner recipe" for sure

served over quinoa and topped with Cowgirl Creamery Creme Fraiche

I've served this for many occasions: private dinner parties over quinoa for the vegetarian, clients I'm a personal chef for and my Kid's Summer Cooking Camp.

Today we went to North Africa... enjoying pita too.

Potato Leek Soup with Hearty Croutons and Creme Fraiche

As my cousin said, "very flavorful and not too rich"

A soup before a meal really does not, and should not, have to be heavy and rich. You want to finish your soup feeling satisfied and ready for your main entree.

Point Reyes, Tomales Bay and Lunch at Nick's Cove

I just had the most lovely Saturday afternoon with my mom.

We left San Francisco around 11 am and headed north about 50 miles up highway 1.

Rain, shine, dusk or dawn, this drive never fails to leave me breathless.

My FAVorite part of the drive was seeing all the big beautiful black cows up against the bright green rolling hills. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of them

Almond-Chive Crusted Salmon

Vary the herbs according to your preference; try dill, thyme or basil