Raspberries are one of our favorite fruits, my toddler especially loves their sweet and tart flavor. They are harvested in Utah during the autumn months, and our family has a tradition of driving out to a pick your own farm to pick baskets and heaps of raspberries to make jam, sometimes syrup, to freeze, and to eat fresh until our tongues hurt. I don’t usually buy things out of season, but had to buy some California raspberries for Valentine’s Day next week.

Did you know raspberries are said to be dated back to prehistoric times? That’s a berry that can hold its own. Keep reading to find out more fun facts about raspberries. Continue reading “fyi: raspberries” »

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There is something simple and elegant about a nice meat, fruit and cheese board.  It can be arranged in no time, but the presentation is a huge wow factor!

There isn’t much rhyme or reason to putting one together either.  I like to put out a few of favorite cheese selections, some sliced dried meat, fruit, olives, and crackers.  But, really you can do a number of combinations.

With the Super Bowl coming up this Sunday, a nice spread like this may just be the winning ticket at your party!

For my cheese board I used:

Castelvetrano olives
Carr Table Crackers
Dried Dates
Gruyere Cheese
Dried Sliced Salami
Cambozola Cheese
Green Grapes
Cutie Clementine Oranges

It also makes for a great snack or a fun lunch!

xoxo,

Caroline 

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I know we often associate lemonade with Summertime, but given that lemons are in season during the dead of winter, why not enjoy some now?  Homemade lemonade is very refreshing, regardless of the weather outside, and is leagues ahead of any powdery mix.  And when you add in sophisticated upgrades like Meyer Lemon juice and fresh rosemary from the garden, you’ve got yourself one, outstanding glass of lemonade!

{my recipe for Rosemary Meyer Lemonade after the jump}

Continue reading “Rosemary Meyer Lemonade” »

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Over on my blog, I’m getting ready for Valentine’s Day with my 2nd annual Red Velvet Week.  And of course, I needed a reason to eat red velvet for breakfast!
Continue reading “recipe: red velvet crepes” »

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Ready for another lemon flavored dish? Meyer lemons are in season and I love that they can be used in sweet dishes as well as savory. This pasta dish is filling and bright, which is always a welcome thing at our winter table. I also love that it comes together in minutes.

What’s your favorite way to use up lemons?

Continue reading “recipe: meyer lemon and greek yogurt pasta” »

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A couple of years ago, we took a trip to Oregon to see some of my husband’s extended family. While we were there, at his aunt’s house, we discovered that she had a huge Meyer lemon tree. I knew what Meyer lemons were, but had never seen them locally and had never tried them before. I felt like we hit the jackpot that day! We went home with a big bag of the lemons, and it was a sad day when they were gone. Continue reading “recipe: creamy meyer lemon crumb bars” »

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 My favorite comfort food in the wintertime is a roast chicken.  Served with potatoes and gravy, it’s a memorable meal fit for guests too.  To celebrate the availability of the sophisticated Meyer lemon, I had to make a variation incorporating this delectable citrus fruit.  I hope you enjoy it!  Recipe after the jump:

Continue reading “Roast Chicken with Herbes de Provence and Meyer Lemon” »

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Chinese New Year is on Monday, January 23rd, and although we will be celebrating with extended family this weekend, we are planning our own little party with delicious and lucky foods, and a few fun (and easy) crafts. This upcoming lunar year is the year of the dragon, a very lucky year that is said to bring prosperity and good fortune. Keep reading to see all the ideas to throw your own celebration to bring in the new lunar year. Continue reading “how to: throw a chinese new year party” »

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Last summer I talked about pairing fruits with meats on the blog.   On of my favorite combinations is sweet juicy ripe cantaloupe and thinly sliced proscuitto.

At first it may seem like a weird combination, but once you try it, you’ll realize that they compliment each other nicely.  This is a very common combination in Europe.  I remember eating it in France quite a bit!

So, what are your favorite fruit and meat pairings?

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My most recent discovery is how much I love roasted butternut squash…it’s like candy to me.  You may laugh, but it becomes delightfully sweet once roasted in the oven at a high temperature..all carmelized and yummy.  This risotto recipe is true, winter comfort food at its best.  And don’t let risotto intimidate you…it’s not difficult, just requires attention.  Have all your chopping done ahead of time and all will go well.  Serve with a crusty bread and a butter lettuce salad for the perfect meal!

p.s. Be on the lookout for more recipes with butternut squash…I can’t get enough of it lately!

Continue reading “Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto with Mushrooms & Chives” »

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