• Gluten-free Derby trifle

    chocolate bourbon pecan trifle

    Are you Team Pie or Team Cake? I’ve always been more of a Team Pie girl myself, so, of course, I thought about making something akin to a Derby pie for the Kentucky Derby. But there are a few problems. First: Derby pie is copyrighted, and the recipe is closely guarded. Second: One of our friends — […]

  • Beergaritas

    pitcher of beergaritas

    It would be lovely if we all had endless supplies of margaritas made from fresh-squeezed lime juice, agave syrup and premium tequila, rimmed with a fancy artisanal salt blend and garnished with a sliver of orange peel. But sometimes, you just need a bunch of margaritas, stat. Maybe you’re having a party… or maybe it’s […]

  • Slow cooker Buffalo chicken

    buffalo chicken sandwich

    A couple of years ago, every party we went to had the same dip. I’m pretty sure it was related to the beginnings of Pinterest, but for whatever reason, it seemed like Buffalo chicken dip was taking over the world. I have never liked Buffalo sauce, and canned chicken grosses me out, so I never tasted […]

  • Grilled vegetable salad with avocado

    grilled vegetable salad with avocado

    Even though Super Bowl is all about beer, meat and football, I thought we should have at least one healthy thing at our party. And I wanted it to be something delicious and interesting, not just a couple of wilty celery sticks shoved on the table at the last minute. Usually, I’d make this guacamole […]

  • Beer-braised brisket

    beer-braised brisket

    First things first: You won’t be able to make this for dinner tonight. But if you’re looking for something meaty and delicious that is easy to put together and goes into the oven hours before it needs to be served, this is perfect. It would definitely work for Valentine’s Day dinner, or for any night where you […]

  • Salad with squash, pomegranate and goat cheese

    salad with squash, pomegranate and goat cheese

    As a lifelong salad avoider and picky eater, trying to eat more healthy on a regular basis has not been easy. There are tons of things I can make at home, of course, but finding something at restaurants is a different story. Thankfully, there are a lot of good places in San Diego County with […]

  • Oatmeal-coconut-chocolate chip cookies

    cookie dough balls

    Remember how I said the Christmas ornament cookies weren’t the best thing to make if you’ve never baked anything before? These cookies are a much better option for beginners… or for anyone who wants some delicious cookies without a ton of fuss. The recipe has developed over time: It all started a few years ago, […]

  • Turkey trot beanie

    turkey trot beanie

    For the second year in a row, we are planning to run a 10K in the snow less than 24 hours after leaving the near-tropical climes our bodies are used to. So, I’m going to need a hat.   Since we’re running in a Turkey Trot and I’m going to wear a turkey tutu, I thought I […]

  • Peach-pecan upside-down cake

    peach pecan upside down cake

    A couple of years ago, I learned that my friend Dan’s favorite dessert is pineapple upside-down cake. I had never made (or even eaten!) pineapple upside-down cake, but it sounded pretty good, so I figured I’d try it. Long story short: It was delicious and really easy to make. Anyway, I saw this recipe when […]

  • Slow-cooker veggie chili

    veggie chili

    After I graduated from college and moved to South Carolina, my dinners generally came from a can, a box, the freezer, or a restaurant. I baked cookies and cakes and muffins occasionally, but I really didn’t know how to cook “real” (non-sugary) food, particularly meals that could go from stove (or microwave) to my tiny table in about […]