Nori Rolls with a Raw Almond and Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

Get creative with the fillings.  Really anything works in Nori Rolls.  I used quinoa to make this a full protein lunch and a raw almond and sun-dried tomato spread to add healthy fats, protein and flavor.
Once you get the hang of rolling and assembling you'll be amazed at how easy it is and wonder why you don't make them more often

BBQ oysters at Heart's Desire

For those of you who think you don't like oysters because you've only experienced them raw (like I) it's time you have a BBQed oyster!
I'll admit, it may just be the butter and hot sauce smothered on that make oysters so delicious.  But whatever it is, I don't care, they are amazing!  So meaty and fresh, how have I been living life without these little fishy bites of heaven?  Ok, that's a little much, but,  shame on whomever thought my first oyster experience should be raw.  Shame on you.  You've ruined me for the past 10 years.

Picnic and BBQ area at Hearts Desire Beach

A friend who's currently living in Switzerland has returned home for a short two week visit and we figured what better reason to squeeze in some fun day trips and things we don't do nearly enough (like hikes, Tomales Bay, movies, BBQs...)

Almond and Coconut Berry Tart

I've been waiting for an excuse to experiment with coconut flour and coconut butter for some time now.
So, when my friends and I decided to take a trip to Tomales Bay to BBQ oysters, I thought, "What better opportunity?  If I happen to not like oysters, I'll still have an entire tart to enjoy!"
Well, I happened to love BBQ oysters, especially the butter and hot sauce smothered on top (check out the BBQ here)

Aunt Izzy's Brown Sugar Nut Shortbread

I can't believe I've lived 26 years without these, how did I ever survive!?

Someone tell me, honestly, is there anything better than butter, sugar and nuts melting in your mouth?

Momo's Date Drop Cookies

This cookie recipe has been passed down in our family for years.  Momo is my great Grandmother on my mom's side.  A family gathering is not complete with out a batch of Momo's cookies served.

My mom, Aunt Izzy and Nana were headed on a road trip for Mother's Day and I sent them on their way with a box of Momo's and Brown Sugar Nut Shortbread cookies to munch on in the car.  My favorite cookies for my favorite women!

Life is too short...

I'd much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size 0!
-Sophia Loren

For Your Party, Start with Style

One thing I love most in life is throwing dinner parties for friends and family.
The other thing I love most is making a party beautiful, stylish, creative and chic!

Favorite Places to Get Inspired:
Hostess with the Mostess
Hello Naomi
Cakes Likes a Party
Society Picnic
Joyful Wedding and Events
Style Me Pretty

Favorite Places to Buy the Goods:
Acme Party Box Company
For Your Party
Paper Source
Luna Bazaar
Shop Sweet LuLu
Etsy
100 Layer Cake

And lastly, the proper placement of silverware

A Hostess...

...must be like a duck- calm and unruffled on the surface, and paddling like hell underneath 

Audrey Hepburn

Green Curry

I am currently obsessed with Thai Curry!  What's better than a big bowl of warmth with a bit of a kick!?

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

 This delicious bread pudding was inspired by my mom's famous french toast.  She would soak cinnamon raisin bread in eggs, vanilla and milk overnight to really allow the flavors to come together and the bread to get nice and soft.  I have many memories of waking up to the smell of sweet cinnamon aromas coming from the kitchen

Savory Breakfast Cake

I'm a firm believer that Brunch is not complete without eggs

Berry Parfait with Homemade Granola

Easy Peasy...

How to Host a Brunch (and still Sleep In and go for a Run)!

The key to hosting a stress free brunch is serving dishes that can be prepared the night before.
Friends were asked to arrive at 9 and we had planned to take off for 3 mile run by 9:30.
This gave us just the right amount of time to throw things in the oven before heading out, and 30 minutes later be greeted by the welcoming aromas coming from the kitchen as we run through the front door.

Sunday Run and Brunch

What better way to spend your Sunday morning than exercising and enjoying brunch with your girl friends!?


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Panzanella

"Panzanella" is Italian for Bread Salad
I make this with heirloom tomatoes, asparagus, Italian black olives, big hearty croutons made with 2 types of Acme breads, fresh basil and a simple balsamic vinaigrette

Thai Coconut Rice with Fresh Mangos

 My favorite Thai dessert!

Super easy to make for a crowd, this recipe can even be tripled
and made way in advanced

Thai Cucumber Salad

Spicy yet Cool and Fresh

So nice on a hot sticky summer day in Thailand... or SF

The Land of Smiles

I spent my last semester of college studying at Rangsit University in Bangkok, Thailand.
At the end of my semester I stayed an additional 3 months to continue traveling, exploring and learning all that South East Asia has to offer. (Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Hong Kong)

From the friendly people, unfamiliar yet alluring culture, peaceful religion, exotic and lush land, delicious food and ancient traditions, Thailand is unlike any other country I've been to.

Carmel Graham Cookies

My Aunt Izzy is the inspiration behind my love affair with food and cooking.  I have many childhood memories of summers spent in the kitchen whipping up treats with Izzy and Mindee (my cousin).
These Graham Crackers were a favorite of mine and Mindee's and were requested often.
With only 4 ingredients, these tasty treats are super easy to make, even for kiddies

Seasonal Produce

Keeping track of all the yummy fruits and vegetables in season this month can be tricky.

Spring Veggie Platter