August 2, 2009.   Categories Fabulous Side Dishes, Seasonal Vegetables, Summer, Vegetarian.

Baked Baby Artichokes in Sauvignon Blanc Adapted from The French Market Cookbook by Joanne Harris and Fran Wade I’ve mentioned my Northern California roots in many of these recipes.  The farm fresh vegetables found at the local produce stands and farmer’s markets are second to none.  Now that I live in Colorado, access to fresh baby artichokes at the beginning of summer is something I miss.  I could have them 100...

August 2, 2009.   Categories Cookies from Home, Light / Healthy.

Favorite Homemade Granola Protein Bars Adapted from a recipe by Alton Brown Ingredients: 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats 1/4 cup whey protein 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds 1 cup sliced almonds 1/2 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup flax seed 1/2 cup locally made organic honey 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar 1-ounce unsalted butter, plus extra for pan 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 6 1/2 ounces chopped combination of your favorite...

August 2, 2009.   Categories Cookies from Home, Desserts.

Best Peanut Butter Cookies I love good peanut butter cookies.  When I make them, I make a lot of them to give to other people.  This recipe will make about 5 dozen cookies.  If you don’t want to make that many, you can simply cut all ingredient quantities in half. I opted for a larger recipe as many of these cookies are being made by military families who want to send cookies to Iraq or overseas.   This recipe was...

August 2, 2009.   Categories Fabulous Side Dishes, Seasonal Vegetables, Summer, Vegetarian.

Heirloom Tomato Salad During the peak of summer when heirloom tomatoes are at their best, why get complicated?  Heirlooms, olive oil and garden fresh herbs are all you need for a delicious summer salad.  The taste is incredible and the wide variety of colors from green to yellow and purple with add life to your dinner table. Ingredients: 4 large heirloom tomatoes of varying colors, cored and sliced 1/4 inch thick 1/4 cup basil...

August 2, 2009.   Categories Fabulous Side Dishes, Seasonal Vegetables, Summer, Vegetarian.

Shaved Summer Squash with Squash Blossoms from A Platter of Figs by David Tanis.I can’t say enough about this book.  Every recipe is so fresh and simple, allowing the seasonal ingredients to shine without over seasoning or complicated sauces masking their flavors.  When I was looking for a fresh way to enjoy summer squash this recipe did the trick.  It only takes a few ingredients and minutes of your time to assemble this beautiful...