As I have mentioned time and time again on my blog, I do not consider myself a baker. I do not have the training or second sense when it comes to baking. Nor, do I have the patience to meticulously decorate my baked creations. I gravitate towards simpler desserts, where a primary ingredient gets all [...]
Tips for Dad about Mother’s Day
Yes, that’s me. I am in front of the hospital going in to deliver baby #3, my Princess. There’s no other way to say it: I wAS HUGE!! It’s only normal for me to think about my own babies as Mother’s Day is approaching. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to [...]
Strolling Through the Avocado Groves
Last month I was invited by the California Avocado Commission to tour an avocado ranch and packing house. Considering my obsession with avocados, this was a no-brainer! Unfortunately, family commitments and a death in the family kept me from attending this amazing event. So, I asked my dear friend, recipe tester and bargain-queen extraordinaire, Annabell, [...]
Green Almond Stew (Khorest-eh Chagaleh Badam)
It is mid-spring and we are in the peak of green almond season. This is the unriped almond and the whole pod is edible. Never tried a green almond, let alone heard of one? Well you are missing out! It’s crunchy and tangy inside and Persians love to eat them with a bit salt sprinkled [...]
A Lost Treasure in San Diego: The Leo Carillo Ranch
There are some weekends in our family life, where it seems we have nothing at all to do and no one calls the house. No invite anywhere. No phone ringing. Just an average boring weekend. Then, there are those weekends where we have 5 activities all occurring at the same time. You are go-go-go from [...]
Sangria Artichokes with Garlic Butter
Aaaah… my artichoke love affair continues! Steam them, grill them or roast them, even canned and pickled, I love artichokes. Some may argue it’s all about the dipping sauce. It’s like a chip that needs a dip. But sometimes a really good artichoke only needs a bit of salt & drizzle of lemon juice. Frieda’s [...]
Tequila Lime Artichokes
I think I’m in love. Actually, I know I’m in love. Sssh!! Don’t tell my husband. It’s my new lens. I’m so in love with this new lens that it’s making simple food photography so much fun. After years of photography frustration, I’m finally happy with my pictures. And honestly, I’m not just in love [...]
The Sake Mojito… YES, PLEASE!!!
The warmer weather means it’s time to take the party outside! From the grill to the pool to the park, everyone is starting to pour out into the sunshine. And with every party, barbecue or hang out, you need a party drink. And boy, do I have THE drink for you. The Sake Mojito. I [...]
A Lesson on Oils
I never thought much about the oils I used in my food when I first started cooking for myself. I think I had just one bottle of vegetable oil in my cupboard. Sometimes, I’m sure, I had butter in the fridge, but that was mostly for my toast or baking. When I delved deeper into [...]
Summer Dreamin’ Orange Sherbet
We’re almost halfway into April and that means the warm summer months aren’t too far behind. If you are thawing out of an icy winter, then you are totally looking forward to warmer weather. I’m a wimp to cold weather so I am always wanting the sun to shine. But, it’s only spring. And there [...]
Welcome!
Hi! My name is Laura Bashar, recipe developer, graphic designer, photographer, food writer, wife & mom of three living in San Diego, CA. I'm on a mission to get families back at the dinner table by sharing over 400 recipes here on my blog!
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