Tomato Jam with Burrata | Friday Night Bites

Do you ever try something at a restaurant and say to yourself - I must make this?  I do all the time. Recently I was in Chicago for a business trip and we had cocktails and dinner at Siena Tavern. It was a extremely humid and rainy night in Chicago where you could cut the air with a knife.  Despite the weather, which being from California this was not the norm for me - the vibe in this Top Chef, Fabio Viviani created restaurant was extremely cool.  It had concrete floors, rustic decor and hip music being piped through everywhere.  Although a bit loud, we enjoyed cocktails at the bar with friends.  I had an aviator and a last word - don't typically swing out with a couple cocktails at once, it was a fun treat.  The bartender was hip and cool and make some darn good drinks.

Trio of Crostini Recipe + Livermore Valley Wine Country Weekend

A couple weeks ago I attended the Livermore Valley's "Taste of Terroir" weekend to experience the tasty food and wine of this special sometimes forgotten wine country region in Northern California.  I was personally invited as a media guest by the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association and was quite honored they thought of me.  I was able to take hubby with me and he is always thrilled when he can be part of my blogging events.

Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Canapés | Friday Night Bites

Well HELLO almost summer - oh how I have missed you!  My birthday was last Sunday and we swung out for this years birthday gift - a new wicker patio set from Living Spaces.  It is part of the the Adventura collection.  We got the 4 piece sectional, 2 lounge chairs, the cocktail table with 2 ottomans and 2 end tables.  I feel like we have a true outdoor living room set.  Since it was simply understated, it needed a POP of color, so I headed to Homegoods and got some fun pillows and decorative items for the tables.  Oh and an outdoor rug from Cost Plus World Market.

Egg and Olive Salad Bites | Friday Night Bites

Do you ever wish you had an elegant yet easy appetizer to make for guests that you want to impress? Have I got a simple, tasty and easy recipe for you. It has just a few ingredients and can be virtually made ahead of time and I promise will "WOW" your guests.  They will think you spent hours preparing.

Red Bell Pepper & Sun Dried Tomato Soup Shooters | Friday Night Bites

Do you want a quick and easy show stopper appetizer?  If you answered yes, then I have an easy and delicious recipe for you.  You can actually simply shop your pantry.  If you are like me and stock your pantry with an assortment of items, then you should be set.

Cranberry, Orange & Ginger Chutney Brie Bites | Friday Night Bites

One of my favorite things to do is to make handmade jam and chutney.  I will make a large batch to can and save for gift giving along with enjoying.  With the holidays in the rear view mirror, I made a batch of my favorite chutney – Cranberry, Orange & Ginger Chutney.  The weather in Northern California has been quite stormy over the last several weeks and this week was not exception.  The good news is we are officially over the drought. The last 5 years have changed our water usage patterns and has become a new norm for hubby and me.

Individual Cheese Plates | Friday Night Bites

One of my absolute favorite things is to entertain. I love the process of planning along with the actual preparation and execution.  Have one to two other couples over is the perfect party.  You can actually carry on a meaningful conversation and truly enjoy each others company.  Rather than sitting down in the dining room table, I have found that starting in the kitchen and then moving to the family room to get a bit more comfy is my preferred route.

Simple Tacos Al Pastor | Friday Night Bites

You know those restaurants that you frequent over and over again because they are just that good.  I have one that I patron almost every other week for lunch.  It is called El Aguila and has the BEST Al Pastor street tacos I have ever tasted.  Everything is house made and organic.  The flavor on these tacos is out of the world delicious.

Orange, Pecan & Parmesan Endive Bites | Friday Night Bites

With the holidays now here, the appetizers will be flowing at my house.  The holidays are a time to celebrate with friends and family.  It is a time to be thankful for what we have, to celebrate what is important and to kick off a new year.  We continued the long standing tradition of having Thanksgiving at my parent’s house and it was a full house for sure.  All four of my darling nephews were there and they are getting so big and so old.  They range from a junior in high school to the littlest one in second grade. I just adore them.

Crab Bites with Persian Cucumber Dip | Friday Night Bites

Who doesn’t love anything fried?  I can’t think of too many people.  The crispy, deep fried taste is like none other.  I have to admit that I would much prefer a fried anything over something sweet.  Albeit, not good for my health – in moderation, it is an allowed indulgence.

Manchego and Fig Jam Crostini | Friday Night Bites

The countdown has begun.  I am referring to when this election will be OVER.  I am typically not political but this year, you can’t help but get swept up in it all with the two primary candidates.  Regardless of your political party affiliation, in my opinion, this year’s election is a train wreck.  It is causing fueled conversation and strong opinions among many.

Charred Sugar Snap Peas with Shallot Garlic Dip | Friday Night Bites

I had not been summoned to jury duty since I was 19 years old.  The system finally caught up to me.  I had to call the night before and was hoping they would just say – thank you for your service.  However, that was not the case – I was to show up at 8:30am to the courthouse.  I came early to find parking and get through the security process.  I walked down the long hallway to the jury assembly room where I was greeted with a lady who said to scan my summons and fill out a questionnaire.  Once I completed it, I sat down with the other 150 people whose fateful turn for jury duty happened to be the same day.

Tomato and Pesto Bruschetta | Friday Night Bites

A morning at the farmer’s market can be an inspiring event.  As I stroll through the isles of produce and artesian items, I am intrigued by where the produce came from and the story behind it.  Whether it is the handmade artesian cheese, hand extracted honey or pickled vegetables - the story is fascinating. When hubby and I walk to the farmer’s market on a Saturday morning, we get our exercise in along with an assortment of market delights.  Typically hubby goes to the coffee vendor and I rush to the bakery to get the last few cheese puffs.  Hubby gets me a hibiscus tea to carry with me through our journey. A bit of ritual and tradition is nice thing to have in your life.

Grilled Scallion and Sour Cream Toasts | Friday Night Bites

I love how toast is trendy now.  You can top is with just about anything and it becomes a hip appetizer.  It has to be one of the easiest appetizers to make and it will certainly WOW your friends and family.  The combinations are endless.

Watermelon Bites with Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette | Friday Night Bites

Summer and watermelon are one of those perfect combinations.  The warm air along with a crisp and cool bite of sweet watermelon is the ultimate in refreshment.  It just screams SUMMER.  Since we are in the midst of summer, I thought that I needed to create a Friday Night Bite to celebrate the season.

Apricots and Stilton Bites | Friday Night Bites

Several weeks ago I attended a performance for Broadway Under the Stars from the Transcendence Theatre Company in Sonoma.  My company sponsored half of the performance while Moss Adams took care of the other half.  It was a great way to end an all day meeting in Sonoma.  The weather was simply perfect for an evening of great wine, food and entertainment. What a great way to spend a Thursday evening.

Soft Funfetti Cookies

Life has gotten super busy lately and I have neglected my little space on this vast space we call the internet.  I have thought it about many times over the last month, I need to post something and then life continues to happen.  We are now in the middle of remodeling our kitchen.  Not a full remodel but a face lift of sorts. 

Beet and Lemon Crostini | Friday Night Bites

Hubby and I have a new weekend ritual – we walk to the farmers market almost every Saturday morning.  As we say, it is a “two-fer”. We get our exercise in with a round trip walk of 3 miles and some farm or baked fresh goodies make their way home with us.  Last weekend, we picked up some gorgeous beets from a magnificent farmer who is one of our favorites.

English Pea, Mint, Parmesan and Radish Crostini | Friday Night Bites

We just experienced day light savings time this last weekend.  I know it is only one hour lost, but some years it certainly feels like more than one hour was swept away from us.  There is a lot of chatter about abolishing this archaic tradition.  I say let’s put it in the trash can and never look back.  Mother Nature will compensate for us and it may just take a few more weeks.

Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

El Nino hit the Bay Area with a vengeance over the weekend.  The storms are predicted to continue off and on through the end of the week.  I heard on the news that we had over 4 to 5 inches over the entire weekend.  Sure hope this puts a big dent in our drought.  Despite having big storms and spring is around the corner, I am sure we are in store for more. Bring it on!

Perfect Guacamole | Friday Night Bites

The weather in the Bay Area this week feels more like spring than winter.  Considering we are in an El Nino year, the last two weeks have yielded no rain. I heard on the radio today during my drive back from a client appointment that in the next week or so we should have some more rain. Keep your fingers crossed – we really need here in the Bay Area.

Parmesan and Thyme Wonton Crackers | Friday Night Bites

It is Friday Night Bite time already!  This week is extra special since we have a holiday weekend ahead.  Gosh I love a three day weekend.  No worries about having to get up early on Monday and your Sunday evening feels more like a Saturday.  One extra day makes all the difference in the world.

Classic French Onion Soup | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

This week the days have been a bit warmer in the Bay Area, yet the evenings are crisp.  I crave a brilliant bowl of piping hot soup when there is a chill in the air and the sky is dark.  It brings a sense of comfort and warmth.  Our fireplace has gone non-stop this winter and it brings us much joy. 

Spicy Oyster Crackers | Friday Night Bites

I am not a real sports fan BUT I am excited that the iconic Super Bowl 50 is being played in the San Francisco Bay Area.  The hype around the Bay Area for this historic event is epic.  San Francisco is buzzing, the embarcadero is shut down except for Super Bowl City and the south bay is gearing up for the crowds to descend on Sunday. 

Cranberry Rotisserie Chicken Cups | Friday Night Bites

You know when you have a winning recipe and you want to make it over and over again.  Well I created such a recipe over the holidays.  I brought it to a party.  I made it for a party at my house.  I even enjoyed it for a Friday Night Bite appetizer.  You are probably wondering – what the heck is this grand recipe.

Blue Cheese and Walnut Endive Bites | Friday Night Bites

It is hard to believe it is already Friday!  Frankly I am thrilled to simply chill this weekend.  Or as like to say “chillax” – chill + relax. My work week was full of many miles on the car, a crammed BART ride to San Francisco for an all day meeting and never a dull moment during the work week.  All good - but so happy it is FRIDAY!

Cherry Crostini | Friday Night Bites

I love a great appetizer! I think it is the small bite that is packed with flavor that gets me each time.  Appetizers make me happy.  I love eating them.  I love making them.  I love creating new recipes for them. I love enjoying them on a Friday night.  Speaking of Friday Night – my weekly series "Friday Night Bites" is BACK. Yes I said it is back!

White Bean Chili | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

Happy New Year!  I can’t seem to say it enough.  I am looking forward to a great year ahead.  A lot of folks vow to eat healthier and exercise more.  That is a motto I always like to follow even if it is a not new year.  Do I always practice?  I wish the answer was yes, but I do pretty well, not perfect. 

Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad

At the beginning of December, we had our 4^th annual Food Blogger Cookie Exchange and Gourmet Pot Luck.  How lucky am I to have met such wonderful ladies from all over the Bay Area.  I love that we met from a non-traditional method and all from writing food blogs. Everyone was able to join the festivities and Jean held the event at her warm and inviting house.

Favorite Recipes of 2015

As they say, out with the old and in with the new!  It is time to say goodbye to 2015 and hello to 2016. (Okay I can't seem to get the Adele "Hello" song out of my head - you too?)   I am ready for 2016. May it be a year filled with much happiness, fabulous health, much time with family and friends, divine food and wine and lots of laughs.

"The Bridgett Cocktail" | Cocktail Hour

Milestones are epic moments in life that are unforgettable. Whether it is the birth of a baby, high school graduation, college graduation, first real job, marriage or buying your first house – they are all milestones. Milestones are locked in your memory forever and pave the way through this journey we call life.

Orange Pecan Cookies | Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap

One of my favorite holiday traditions is to make festive cookies and share them with friends and family.  I love the reactions and looks I get when I know that I am sharing a bit of myself and putting a smile on the person’s face.  It is a priceless gift.

Almond Shortbread Cookies (Mantecaditos) | Blogger C.L.U.E. Society

Tis the season to celebrate!  We wait all year long for this time of year and then it is over in a blink of the eye.  I try to relish every moment and not rush any day.  When I think of the holidays many things come to mind – sparkling lights, holiday decorations, parties, festive cocktails, spending time with family and friends and cookies.  Yes, the last one I mentioned is cookies.

Banana and Berry Smoothie

The Bay Area weather is quite dreary today.  Not quite a steady stream of rain, which we need, but the slow and consistent drizzle.  There is nothing like a vivid berry and banana smoothie to brighten a Sunday morning. I happen to have all ingredients on hand to make hubby and me a nutritional glass of fruit wonderfulness to start our Sunday.

The Modern Wedge Salad + "Dole Fresh Fest" Highlights

I am enjoying the distinct honor of being chosen as one of eleven DOLE Brand Ambassadors for 2015 and being part of their campaign – Get Up and Grow.  DOLE is one of those iconic brands that I am proud to represent amd believe in their products and company mission and values.  One of the many perks to being an Ambassador was being invited to the “Dole Fresh Fest” which was held in North Carolina.