In the spirit of simplicity, choose a few special items to make and get your ingredients squirreled away in advance. I’ll share some hard-earned wisdom: do less.

browse the recipes:

Panna Cotta

Panna Cotta

Panna cotta is a dessert made with lightly sweetened cream that is delicious with fresh berries,...

Fior di Latte Gelato

Fior di Latte Gelato

Campione got me going on this fior di latte/fleur de lait topic. They serve it two ways for...

Artichoke Nibbles

Artichoke Nibbles

My Mom made a lot of recipes from Sunset magazine in the 1970's and these Artichoke Nibbles are...

Chive and Caper Cream Cheese

Chive and Caper Cream Cheese

This is an easy appetizer to keep in mind for Thanksgiving and holiday get togethers. Add smoked...

Mignonette for Oysters

Mignonette for Oysters

Most of my oyster memories are midday affairs with either a waterfront view or heaping mounds of...

Salted Almonds

Salted Almonds

The best results for homemade salted almonds come from a hot brine and a hot oven. I've adapted...

Saffron Rosewater Ice Cream

Saffron Rosewater Ice Cream

A small scoop of saffron ice cream concludes dinner on a sweet note without being a sugar bomb. I...

Celery Root Mashed Potatoes

Celery Root Mashed Potatoes

What's even better than mashed potatoes? Celery root mashed potatoes!  When I first tasted Chef...

Eggnog, Small Batch

Eggnog, Small Batch

Eggnog latte?  No thanks.  A small glass of really good eggnog with a shot of Cognac or bourbon?...

Crab Cakes

Crab Cakes

  I'm not going to lie. These babies are a project. On the upside, make them ahead (night...

Cocoa Buckwheat Granola

Cocoa Buckwheat Granola

Chocolate for breakfast. Sure you can! Maximize nutrition with this cocoa buckwheat granola,...

Candied Kumquats

Candied Kumquats

"Be sure and eat the skin."   I shot my then boyfriend, Christopher, a skeptical look, but...

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

I made these at CSC last night and we preferred a less sweet version that put the sugar in the...

Potato Gratin

Potato Gratin

Make this the next time you bake a ham or throw a nice piece of meat on the grill.  Potatoes and...

Your House Granola

Your House Granola

Make your own house granola. It's a delicious topping for your morning yogurt and a great way to...

Peppermint Stick Ice Cream

Peppermint Stick Ice Cream

What kind of birthday cake do you want, Jane? "Cream puffs!" Aiming to satisfy, and wanting to try...

Overnight Meringues

Overnight Meringues

These meringues are simple to mix and bake overnight while you sleep, like magic! Meringues are...

Checkerboard Shortbread

Checkerboard Shortbread

When my brother lived in Seattle, I frequented Café Besalu on every trip. Many of their...

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