Tasty Recipes Archives - Page 58 of 109

A Very Special Kind of Cupcake

On the counter sat 25 homemade Swedish cupcakes.

Earlier that day our 11-year-old neighbor and her friend had stopped by to play with Wilson.
They could see I was very busy cooking and setting the tables for a big dinner party.

After a while they left, but were back about an hour later.

“How many people will be at your dinner party?”
24
“What time does it start?”
7 o’clock
“OK, good, we have time to make dessert for your party.”

I said, “We already have two gourmet desser…oh, you like to bake? Sure, of course, that would be lovely, girls. Thank you so much.”

A few hours later they came back in their aprons with a platter of their signature cupcakes.

Swedish Cupcakes with Fruit

One cupcake was very different from the rest, the girls made it for Wilson. And it just so happens that Wilson’s wonderful veterinarian and her husband were guests at the dinner party that night. Being in the midst of a remodel, they came into the kitchen to discuss ranges and noticed the platter of cupcakes. Dr. Jones took a closer look, “Is that …dog kibble??” I shared the story of the cupcakes, and how fortunate Wilson and I are to have such kind and generous neighbors.

Happy Adoption Day

Dear Lori,
Thank you for sharing your home and showering Wilson with love.
We are thrilled that you love all things that snort and snore –
and bring so much joy to our lives. Wishing you and Wilson a “pawtastic’ adoption day!
Love,
Boston Buddies

I adopted Wilson 5 years ago from Boston Buddies Southern California Boston Terrier Rescue.

Wilson is 8 years old now; we got him after Homer passed. Five years ago, poor Wilson was brutally attacked by another dog, his eye severely damaged. And then, as if things couldn’t get any worse, his previous owners decided to dump him at a shelter. Boston Buddies rescued Wilson, but were unable to save his eye. Yet, in spite of his bad experience, Wilson is a love bug. I read about him on their website and soon after, he came to live with us. He and Mrs. O’Mally were great pals.

On a very sad note, just this week Wilson’s blood work indicated the onset of Cushing’s Disease. This is heartbreaking news, as my previously rescued Bostons, Mrs. O’Mally and Homer, both passed away from complications related to the disease two years after showing symptoms. In the meantime, Wilson will continue to receive top notch medical care, unlimited love and affection, fluffy pillows, long walks, play dates with the neighbors, and special treats…including an occasional doggie cupcake.

Homer’s story here.
Mrs. O’Mally’s story here.

Tan Tan Udon, for Japan

Tan Tan Udon
udon noodles in a spicy miso soup with soy milk, ground sesame, pork and bok choy

I had been wanting to cook something Japanese – something substantial, warm and comforting. Our hearts break for the people of Japan. The jaw-dropping destruction from the devastating 9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami is painful to look at…have you seen this stunning Photography Framework by the Los Angeles Times? I can only imagine the sadness, fear, and sense of loss that they are feeling. I’m grateful that we are able to help. I just wish we could do more…God bless the US Military and all those helping in the relief efforts. God bless Japan.

Continue reading “Tan Tan Udon, for Japan”

Vote for Fish Taco!

midnight sun halibut & crab tacos

crispy rice paper wrapped alaskan halibut with leek and dijon mustard
king crab/ meyer lemon garlic mayonnaise
grilled meyer lemon wheel/ shaved fennel/ fresh dill

THE FIRST EVER WILD ALASKA FISH TACO RECIPE CONTEST

Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger read through hundreds of Alaska fish taco recipes;
some good, some interesting, and some that made them go, huh?
The winner has been crowned, from Great Falls, Montana – Edwina Gadsby’s
Black Thai Grilled Alaska Cod Tacos with Green Papaya Slaw and Sambal Crema.
Sounds great!

Now it’s time for the People’s Choice Award.
Take a look at the 20 top contenders and cast a vote for the top taco.
My Midnight Sun Taco is unique and mighty delicious,
so please, take a taste with the eyes, and cast a vote here.
And if you are looking for inspiration to jazz up your own fish tacos,
head up to Alaska and check out the 19 other fantastic recipes!

The Midnight Sun Taco is one of 20 finalists, please scroll down,
it is the last one on the voting page. Voting open through March 15, 2011.

Original recipe posted here.

Muchas Gracias!

FROZEN Halibut? You bet.

Panko Crusted Wild Alaskan Halibut Steak (Previously Frozen)
Shiso Red Jalapeño Ponzu Sauce
Baby Bok Choy/ Sweet Savory Red Miso Broth

how to ROCK the halibut in your freezer
ROCK: (urban dictionary) to use. to make do with. usually to great effect.

Frozen fish has a new fan, me! We live in Southern California, we can walk to the docks where fresh fish arrives by the hour. Our local markets have fish that is flown in daily. Why in the world would I buy frozen fish? I don’t. I haven’t. Until now. The Alaska Fish Taco Recipe Contest inspired me to create a fish taco recipe using halibut & king crab. The problem: no fresh halibut available. The solution: wild Alaskan halibut steaks – wild, pure, all natural, and FROZEN.

Continue reading “FROZEN Halibut? You bet.”

A Special Jelly Bean “Wreath”

A Special Jelly Bean “Wreath”
Reagan Jelly Beans on Lincoln China
In Honor of the Ronald Reagan Centennial Celebration

Dear Mr. Reagan:
Thank you for your eternal optimism, strong yet gracious leadership,
your championship of freedom, and unwavering love for and belief in our Country.
Happy 100th birthday Sir!
Yours Sincerely,
Lori Lynn

In 1861 Mary Todd Lincoln commissioned the Lincoln White House China of white porcelain with a scalloped edge, a hand painted solferino (red-purple) rim and gold rope border. The center is decorated with clouds, an American bald eagle with wings outstretched, holding arrows and olive branches in its talons, standing atop a shield with stars and stripes, with a banner bearing the national motto “E Pluribus Unum.”

E PLURIBUS UNUM – Out of many, one.

Ronald Reagan’s favorite presidents were George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Calvin Coolidge. He disliked liver, Brussels sprouts, and tomatoes. His favorite candy was jelly beans, his favorite flavor jelly bean – licorice. He loved the soundtrack from The Sound of Music and Rudyard Kipling’s If. In addition to jelly beans, he was very fond of chocolate cake, macaroni & cheese, meatloaf, eggplant lasagna, and split pea soup.

During the presidency of Ronald Reagan, Jelly Belly beans were served in the Oval Office and on Air Force One. A holder was designed for the plane so the jar of Jelly Belly beans would not spill during turbulence.

In 2006 my mother and I visited The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Library in Simi Valley, California. Here we are listening to an audio tour in the hangar of the Reagan Era Air Force One. We were delighted to be able to tour the plane, and guess what, there is a jar of jelly beans there on Mr. Reagan’s desk!

The Red, White, and Blue

The blueberry flavor was created for Ronald Reagan’s presidential inauguration in 1981 so red, white, and blue jelly beans could be consumed during the festivities. The first jelly bean was created by an unknown American candy maker in the 1800s. An 1861 advertisement recommended sending jelly beans to soldiers fighting in the Civil War.

“All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” 1989
“We the People tell the government what to do, it doesn’t tell us.” 1989
“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with conflict by peaceful means.” 1982
“Freedom is one of the deepest and noblest aspirations of the human spirit.” 1985
Ronald Reagan

Today we honor and celebrate the life of a great American.

My Patriotic Presidential Posts:
I recreate one of the dishes served at the Fourteenth Annual Lincoln Dinner in 1900 here:
Lincoln Dinner at Delmonico’s, February 12, 1900
I cook a special birthday meal for President Lincoln here:
Happy 200th Birthday Mr. President
A recreation of the 2009 Inaugural Luncheon at Statuary Hall here:
Our Inaugural Meal

Credits: Fun Facts About Jelly Belly and Ronald Reagan Facts, Presidential Library