I used to have a tendency to over-think things. Whether a business decision, a should-I-cut-my-hair decision or an “is-this-photo-good-enough-for-the-blog”-decision, I would labor to the point of IN-decision. In my corporate life, we called this “analysis-paralysis!”
A very wise man by the name of Charlie Tremendous Jones {I’m not kidding} shared a mantra at a sales meeting years ago, that was life changing :: Continue Reading →
If I was going to open a restaurant tomorrow I think I’d build it around these. The flavor combination in Cooking Light‘s Roasted Zucchini and Black Bean Tostadas with Crisp Radish Relish {and the addition of my Avocado-Lime Cream Sauce} is knock-your-socks off good.
Celebrating milestones with friends is a gift. Celebrating with a girls’ getaway weekend is priceless.
Destination: Scottsdale. We were pretty much guaranteed great weather, terrific food and lots of laughs. Landing a few suites was a total bonus. We had booked a couple of regular rooms, but once we checked in, let’s just say there was a “plumbing issue” in the block of rooms we had, and the hotel had no choice but to move us. Continue Reading →
I’ve got a secret weapon up my sleeve for Valentine’s Day, and yes, it’s chocolate… If you’re looking for a dessert to serve for a special dinner, and you want it to be deliciously different, look no further than these decadent and delicious Boca Negra Chocolate Chipotle Cakes. Continue Reading →
For years, Husband and I had a Saturday night ritual. We’d go to the 5:15 service at church, sit in our “usual” spot, then head to Tejas, our then-favorite restaurant, for dinner. Francois * always got us a great table. Friends knew exactly where to find us, and we often ended up with a group of 6 or 8. Without exception, I always ordered the “Grilled Chicken-Wild Rice Burrito with Mango-Habanero Sauce.”
Sadly, Tejas closed a few years back. Talk about throwing us for a loop!
Hola amigos!
While I’d love to commit to a big ol’ Mexican feast with homemade tortillas and an authentic mole sauce, this year’s Cinco de Mayo celebration falls in the middle of an absolutely crazy schedule. {I’m not even Mexican anyway, so I don’t feel obligated…} This weekend, I’m going for another one of my it’s-so-simple-I-could-make-it-in-my-sleep recipes.
Start the evening with some sliced jicama sticks, chips and guacamole or a make-ahead dip… Serve the enchiladas with rice, and maybe a side of black beans, roasted corn and tomatoes*, and you’ve got yourself a meal. Pour your favorite tasty adult beverage, turn on your favorite background music {that’d be Gypsy Kings for us}, and you’ve got yourself a fiesta!
I had an amazing group of women over last night for a networking/happy hour of sorts. Since almost all of the guests were folks I’d never met, I decided to stick with some of my tried-and-true apped’ouevres. This one is pretty much a slam-dunk every time…
It’s an adaptation of a recipe that a caterer traded with me after a party years ago. It’s great because it’s super easy to throw together the day before, it freezes well (before it’s baked) and you can lighten it up a little if you like.
photo from foodrepublic.com
There’s been some competition between my neighbors over the years. It involves guacamole, and whose is best. We’re told it’s a tie between mine and my friend Doug’s. Well that makes sense — he and I use the same recipe!
I love to cook, and I’ll tackle a difficult recipe without blinking. But for whatever reason, I can’t whip up a batch of rice worthy of company. I don’t own a rice cooker — though I’m told that if I did, my rice-failures would be behind me. But I don’t need or want another appliance — especially one so “specialized.” Anyway, I figure it would be “cheating.”
Then my sister introduced me to an alternative. Continue Reading →
I'm glad you stopped by ... pull up a stool, grab your favorite beverage, and let's make something delicious!
