Chinese Five Spice Ribeye

There’s just something about the aroma of sweet anise seed, cloves, and cinnamon, mixed with the refreshing sense of fennel, and then spiced to the max with a hint of Szechuan pepper. The combination almost tickles the faculties, causing the perceptions to dance with delight. Thus, allow yourself to be tickled pink with the fragrance, flavor, and…

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Fall Mole

Thick, deeply savory sauces aren’t what typically come to mind when you think of Mexican cuisine. But, Mole sauces (or the “curry” of Mexico) are amazing, complex, and so very traditional. They’re made with unexpected ingredients like chocolate and prunes, and every one is been slightly different. Just as with Indian curries, there’s no set recipe for mole sauce,…

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Winter Vegetable Mash with Fresh and Zingy Zucchini Noodles

Traveling abroad is quite phenomenal in many ways. Many, many ways. New foods, new people, new culture, new scenery. I tried some amazing food and wine while traveling in France for the month of October. It was an experience of a lifetime. However, I found myself going through a bit of withdrawal. Actually, it was…

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Salt Crusted Sea Bass

Following the profound treat I experienced in France, I simply could resist the temptation to try crusting my own fish at home ~ creating My OWN French Heaven. Stéphane and I agree on many things, one being that cooking should be simple. In order to truly taste and fully savor all the dimensions of the multitudes of fresh foods…

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Grilled Mediterranean Steak Roulade

The spice and flavor combination in this creation is not necessary “mediterranean,” but it’s unique and interesting and is inspired by different elements of the mediterranean, I suppose. And besides, I’m constantly dreaming of the warmth and sunshine offered along the French and Italian Riviera and the Mediterranean Sea. And, since I wrote the recipe,…

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Cumin Cayenne Tomato Jam with Fresh Herb Ricotta

  The tomatoes just keep on coming. And that’s simply okay with me. It seems the tomato crop in this neck of the woods is always awfully late. Better late than never, I say. And, reduced into a spicy jam, these ta-maters made my heart smile…and my eyes water too. Oh, with creamy herbed vegan…

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Wild Zora – Product Review

How about some Awesome Sauce with that? No need – these Wild Zora Meat and Veggie Bars already exude awesomeness in every way. Check this out: “In early 2011 our family started to learn about Gluten-Free, Paleo, and Primal food. We just didn’t feel good about feeding the typical sugary, grain-filled snacks on the market…

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Zesty Fresh Mixed Beans

Inspired by Bon Apetit Magazine, I simply had to pair with my dearest of dears, Valerie, to recreate our own version. She has a garden bounty. And, she’s so very generous. I just love her. Oh, and I just LOVE this salad. It’s amazing. And, I believe our version is waaaaay better than the original….

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Spicy Crusted Chicken and Sweet Balsamic Berries

I love a good crust on my chicken. LOOOVVVE it. In fact, I don’t really care a whole lot for grilled chicken without a good spice crust of sorts. The crust locks in the super moist juices, and imparts the most amazing profile imaginable ~ spiced correctly, of course. The collection of goodness can be…

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