Lemon Curd with Meyer Lemons

Meyer Lemon Curd, Shortbread, Coulis, Blackberries (c) jfhaugen

A Beautiful and Most Luscious New Year’s Dessert

“If Cézanne had lived not in France but in Southern California, his still lifes would have overflowed with Meyer lemons. Plump, smooth-skinned, colored an unmistakable dark yellow—canary yellow, the color of egg yolks or the sun at noon—they’re sweeter than other lemons, with an intoxicating aroma that has hints of honey and thyme.” Continue reading Lemon Curd with Meyer Lemons

Roasted Vegetable & Lentil Salad

Roasted Vegetable & Lentil Salad (c) jfhaugen

Good Fortune & Good Health in 2012!

The truism to be mindful of what we eat is especially important on and around New Year’s Day, as it may affect our fortunes throughout the year. So goes the thought and traditions of many cultures around the world regarding which foods to eat and which to avoid. Certain foods, such as legumes and leafy greens Continue reading Roasted Vegetable & Lentil Salad

Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah!

Sugar Plums (c) jfhaugen

From My Kitchen to Yours

Whoa, what a most wonderful time of year! Colorful lights brighten our long winter nights and Christmas songs play Continue reading Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah!

Salmon or Corn & Potato Chowder w/ Saffron Broth & Almond Cream

Corn & Potato Chowder (c) jfhaugen

Christmas Eve Chowder

Chowder is ideal for Christmas Eve dinner especially after we’ve all had a number of busy weeks since even before Thanksgiving. Whether it is white or red, with seafood, clams, fish or vegetables, chowder “breathes reassurance…and offers consolation.” Continue reading Salmon or Corn & Potato Chowder w/ Saffron Broth & Almond Cream

Sugar Plums

Sugar Plums (c) jfhaugen

Everything Sweet and Delectable and Lovely

“The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads;”

Haven’t you always wondered what those children were seeing? Sugar plums must be something most wonderful, but what are they (and, as I love to cook, how do I make them)? Continue reading Sugar Plums

Fig Black Olive Walnut Tapenade

Fig, Black Olive &Walnut Tapenade Ingredients (c) jfhaugen

Healthful & Delicious Holiday Hors d’Oeuvres

“May the Calendar Keep Bringing
Happy Holidays To You.”

As the calendar brings us closer to Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, so it also brings happy holidays with an increase in parties and gatherings from now until New Year’s Day. With more and more of us eating cleaner and healthier diets, there also comes a quandary around the holidays—what to prepare and what to eat that is both healthful and delicious Continue reading Fig Black Olive Walnut Tapenade

Gluten-Free Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Maple Pecan Shortbread (c) jfhaugen

Cookies for the Holidays

“Cookies are made with Butter and Love.”

This lovely Norwegian saying most certainly refers to shortbread cookies—and you’ve got to love these, filled as they are with lots of toasted pecans and real maple syrup. Continue reading Gluten-Free Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies