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Easy Dinners A Week Before Thanksgiving – part 1

I don’t know about you but my counter space is starting to get filled up with preparations for Thanksgiving. With spiced nuts, savory jams, stuffed olives, stuffing, pumpkins, spices, stock, fried onions, and other scrumptious bits waiting for the BIG day taking up space on my counter, it’s super hard to get inspired to cook…
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Bakesale Betty Knock-Offs

There’s a restaurant in Oakland called, Bakesale Betty. Funny enough, I’ve never set foot in their establishment but have eaten these infamous fried chicken sandwiches of theirs on a number of occasions (my friends brilliantly picked up a bunch for their son’s first bday party). The sandwich is delicious. I think the draw really is…
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Enchilada (sauce)

Did you know that enchilada sauce doesn’t have a tomato base? Or at least this recipe doesn’t. I was so surprised! Enchiladas seem complex to make but they’re actually really easy. I used to buy the sauce and add tomatoes and extra cumin to “make it my own”. That was until I tried to make…
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Burrata in my pasta and salad

I ordered a salad at lunch a while back and was so disappointed. It was a Burrata salad and the chef had added garlic salt to the cheese. The salt and powdery garlic flavor was so over powering, my salad was ruined. On Sunday, we were shopping for the week’s meals and I saw Burrata.…
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Salad Hugs
Did you know salads are capable of giving hugs? I had no idea either – until I had this salad and every time I’ve eaten it since (which has been a lot). The roasted jalapeño in the dressing is the key to the warmth. But the richness of the avocado, the refreshing jolts from the…
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Coastal Kale Salad

Warning: this recipe is extremely addictive for “healthy eaters.” Healthy eater definition: Someone who loves salads, snacks on fruits, has eaten kale and liked it. This does not however mean that they don’t indulge in the double-double every now and again. And this doesn’t mean that they ever skip dessert for any other reason than…
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Late Spring Lobster and Mint Pasta

I know. I know. At least I’m back and I have loads to share. This recipe is so random that it inspired the return just so i can archive it for frequent rotation. Who knew mint and lobster were delicious together. Oh and be aware, we showered it with Parmesan – a classic “no, no”…
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Old Fashioned Potato Salad
Along with the chili (below), mac and cheese (recipe to come) and pulled pork (see”Carnitas”) sammies, we’re making potato salad for the 60 or so people coming over on Saturday for the kiddo’s 3rd birthday party. I know! We’re bonkers. But it’s fun because I have the best team of Nanas and Papas and Daddies…
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NinaLee’s Chili
Do you have lots of people to feed and want to give them something scrumptious and filling? Check out my BFF’s recipe for veggie chili. It’s a hit every time. NinaLee’s Chili 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 large onion, diced 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped a large handful of mushrooms,…
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My First…Pot Roast
I’m generally a bit anxious about cooking big hunks of meat. Like what happens if it sucks? It seems so disrespectful. So, I’ve avoided things like whole roast chicken, prime rib, pot roast. Until yesterday when a cooking show inspired my cravings. I knew I wouldn’t settle until I shoveled that comforting roast into my…
