Chile Relleno Casserole and Calabacitas

We have been making some version or another of this casserole in my family for as long as I can remember. My Grandmother (whose recipe this is) called it chill-y re-lenno casserole despite spending her entire life in southern California and being immersed in the cultural mix. Of course, it sounds a bit better pronounced … Continue reading Chile Relleno Casserole and Calabacitas

ffwd – warm scallop salad with corn, nectarines and basil

For the second week in a row, we are making one of my picks for the month of August. Really, when I was choosing, I was only thinking of what's available in the market or at the roadside stand, so to be honest, I didn't really look at this recipe. I had planned to make … Continue reading ffwd – warm scallop salad with corn, nectarines and basil

Sonoran Hot Dogs

Sonoran Hot Dogs have become very popular in Arizona over the past year or so, with hot dog stands popping up seemingly on every corner, as well as fancy renditions that you can find at restaurants. I've been wanting to have one for a long time. The other night, my niece J surprised us with … Continue reading Sonoran Hot Dogs

Wood-Fired Pizza (throwdown)

Last weekend I got the chance to visit my brother and his family. He's just starting his new business, making wood-fired pizza for different events (concerts, fairs, parties...). This has been in the works for some time, but apparently it takes a bit to get a pizza oven custom-made, etc. Of course all while holding … Continue reading Wood-Fired Pizza (throwdown)

ffwd – almond flounder meuniere

I live in the desert southwest. There are many people who ask themselves when thinking about buying or ordering fish - am I on the coast? or near a large body of water? Alas, not the case here. Though there are wonderful trout to be had up north if you're a good fisherman, and delightful … Continue reading ffwd – almond flounder meuniere

ffwd – roasted salmon and lentils

This recipe delivered on its promise. Delicious and easy. I've not cooked with lentils much. I'm not really a huge fan of the texture, but I was looking forward to trying the French du Puy lentils. They were a bit difficult to find, and a bit of a surprise because they're described as green. Well, … Continue reading ffwd – roasted salmon and lentils

ffwd – mussels and chorizo (with or) without pasta

Mussels are one of the foods I really love. But here in the desert southwest of the US, not always the easiest to find. I'm more likely to pick them up as a treat when they are available, than to seek them out. Good thing, it took me my 4th (and 2nd extremely fancy) grocery … Continue reading ffwd – mussels and chorizo (with or) without pasta

ffwd – m. jacques’ armagnac chicken

This week's recipe was incredibly easy, but also incredibly good. The simplest of ingredients - things that you'd likely have on hand - a chicken (!), carrots, onions, potatoes, some herbs (I only had rosemary fresh) and the secret ingredient... armagnac. Armagnac is a spirit very similar to cognac, brandy or calvados - each have … Continue reading ffwd – m. jacques’ armagnac chicken