Seared Sea Scallops with Golden Raisin Puree and Bacon Braised Brussels Sprouts

2 | February 12, 2013

Every Valentine’s Day I stay home and cook. Don’t feel sorry for me because I love it. It’s actually a gift. I get cook whatever I choose to and The Husband watches Mia while I belt out some Memphis Minnie or James McMurtry, drink wine, and cook up a storm. This year The Husband will most likely be out of town on the special day so while Mia was taking an extra long nap I took it as a sign from above that this was my Valentine’s Day present and cooked myself up a meal fitting for Cupid himself. It …

Filet Mignon with Cabernet Cremini Sauce

7 | February 11, 2012

If I was on a deserted island living off of coconuts, seaweed, and fish that I caught with my bare hands because I’m awesome like that, I would constantly be dreaming about this meal. I would make little sand castles in shape of porterhouses, sirloins, and filets and sear them on an open flame while the hermit crabs laughed at my insanity. I’m not ashamed to say it, I love love love love beef. I also love cows which makes this marriage of passions as wrong as a the Pope drinking straight Kentucky bourbon from a mason jar. Oh well, …

flourless chocolate cake with blood orange sauce

13 | February 10, 2012

Martyred saints, chubby cherubs, hearts and lace… it’s Valentine’s Day and what better way to celebrate with a rich dark chocolate cake and a beautifully tangy blood orange sauce. This cake is a chocolate lovers dream as the absence of flour lends its way to a moist velvety texture with a crisp crust that pairs perfectly with a uniquely tart red blood orange sauce. Flourless Chocolate Cake with Blood Orange Sauce serves 8 to 12 6 Tbs unsalted butter, plus more for pan 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips (70% cocoa) 1/4 tsp instant espresso 1 pinch sea salt 6 large …

a valentine’s day dinner {simple filet mignon}

2 | February 13, 2011

I wasn’t surprised when I asked my husband what he wanted for Valentine’s dinner and he said filet mignon. We don’t do flowers or cards here. No, it’s always been a good meal, break out an old bottle of wine, and talk until the sun comes up or these days pass out on the couch. Filet mignon is very simple to cook, actually. And when paired with some simple rosemary and garlic roasted potatoes and steamed green beans, you have an elegant and delicious meal in 30 minutes with little fuss. Seared Filet Mignon serves 2 2 filet mignons kosher …

A Valentine Giveaway from Etsylo Jewelry

42 | February 5, 2011

***The Giveaway is now closed and the winner is #12 Dawn*** When I was contacted by Etsylo Jewelry to do a review, I was a little hesitant because I usually don’t do reviews that have nothing to do with food, family or kids. But when I checked out her collection I was instantly drawn in by the sophisticated, whimsical designs that speak of elegance with every piece. Created by Sandra Callaú, Estylo Jewelry is based in San Francisco and offers a wide range of handmade designs with high quality materials, including Sterling Silver, Gold filled, Genuine Swarovski Crystallized Elements, Czech Crystals …

love is…beet cheddar crackers with flax seed

26 | February 4, 2011

With today being another snow day, I wanted to be able to make a recipe that Mia could help out with and enjoy. I searched and searched and all I could come up with were cookies that I had no interest in making. But as I was scrolling through the blogs I frequent most for ideas or recipes, I found the perfect savory snack for a snowy day. On one of my favorite blogs, Smitten Kitchen, I stumbled upon and old recipe, Cheese Straws, and was immediately inspired to create these…Beet Heart Shaped Cheddar Crackers with flax seed. I choose …