How to Make Bleu Cheese

How to Make Bleu Cheese (acrylic on canvas)

Bleu Cheese and Olives
acrylic on canvas

I couldn’t resist signing up for a painting class that was all about…food.

“Indulge your creativity and appetite with artist Shari Tipich, and paint from a menu of sumptuous fruits, voluptuous vegetables, and sinful sweets! Tempt your tastebuds with elegant hors d’oeuvres, decadent desserts, wine and libations. Discover additional treats and trinkets among the Crafted aisles! All artistic levels always welcome!”

Shari Tipich has been a full-service decorative artist for 25 years, specializing in custom residential and commercial interiors: murals, specialty finishes, historic ornaments, etc. Her Shari Tipich Decorative Artist business at Crafted features hand-painted furniture, home décor, accessories, and gift items. The artist has been nationally published and has appeared on television; and she is also a very talented cook, preparing an exquisite buffet of appetizers and desserts each month for the class attendees.

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Smoked Salmon Pizza, Chive Blossoms, Fried Capers, Horseradish Cream Cheese

Smoked Salmon Pizza, Chive Blossoms, Fried Capers, Horseradish Cream Cheese

Smoked Salmon Flatbread Pizza
Chive Blossoms, Chives, Fried Capers
Dill, Lemon, Maui Onion, Horseradish Cream Cheese

Smoked salmon pizza was one of a trio of flatbreads we served for lunch aboard Oasis on a recent cruise over to Two Harbors at Catalina Island. Lunch on the aft deck could not have been more delightful – with perfect weather, breathtaking scenery, and wonderful company.

Our three light and crispy flatbread pizzas (smoked salmon, roasted brussels sprouts, and a version of vegetable with arugula) were accompanied by a lively chopped Israeli salad and refreshingly cool sangria.  Flatbread pizzas make for a super-satisfying lunch on board. They are fast and easy to cook in the galley, and they’re not as filling as traditional pizza – so after lunch we were buoyant and ready for a fabulous 6 mile hike around the island.

Cruise to Catalina Island

Smoked Salmon Pizza Recipe

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Crispy Shaved Brussels Sprouts Flatbread Pizza

Crispy Shaved Brussels Sprouts Flatbread with Bleu Cheese, Dried Cranberries, Balsamic Syrup

Crispy Shaved Brussels Sprouts Flatbread Pizza
Bleu Cheese, Dried Cranberries, Balsamic Syrup

Keep flatbread on hand and you will never be without a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Flatbread pizza is fast and easy to prepare, and it can be topped with any type of cheese and an unlimited creative combination of items from the pantry or the fridge. Today’s fusion of flavors and textures was especially harmonious.

Brussels sprouts are roasted until the edges get crispy and caramelized. Flatbread with covered with a layer of mozzarella, topped with Brussels sprouts and bleu cheese then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Dried cranberries add a layer of sweetness with a pop of color. An artful drizzle of balsamic syrup also brings sweet and subtly sour notes.  Crispy shaved Brussels sprouts flatbread pizza joins my “flatbread pizza collection” along with the Croatian Sausage Flatbread Pizza and Potato Arugula Flatbread Pizza. There will definitely be more to come.

Brussels Sprouts Flatbread Pizza Recipe

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Grocery Outlet – Elegant Tuna Dinner w/ Glass of Wine for Under $4

#GroceryOutlet Elegant Yellowfin Tuna Dinner WITH a Glass of Wine for Under $4.00 per Person!

Pan Seared Yellowfin Tuna
Brown Rice, Chia, Orzo Blend
Clams and Bacon in a White Wine, Garlic, Butter Broth
Scallions and Parsley

Served with a Glass of Sauvignon Blanc
FOR LESS THAN $4 PER PERSON

Motivated mainly by convenience and quality, rarely do I go out of my way to find a food bargain. Yet I was utterly intrigued by Grocery Outlet’s business model. Their marketing team invited me to attend the recent grand opening of the newest store in Long Beach, California.

There I met operator Jonathan Lawton and his very enthusiastic team of professional people who are seriously in love with their retail concept. They take pride in the products that they have chosen to stock and genuinely care about their new customers with plans to exceed customer expectations on a regular basis.

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Chocolate Pots de Creme with Passion Fruit

Chocolate Pots de Creme with Passion Fruit, Chantilly Cream, Maldon Sea Salt Flakes

Chocolate Pots de Creme with Passion Fruit
Creme Chantilly and Maldon Sea Salt Flakes

Share a bite of luxurious French chocolate custard paired with intoxicatingly fragrant, simultaneously  sweet and tart passion fruit or sexy creme chantilly or flaky sea salt. Treat your valentine to an interactive trio of flavors alongside Chocolate Pots de Creme to tantalize his tastebuds. Revel in the silky chocolate texture, the tropical musky passion fruit aromas, the dreamy whipped cream, and the satisfyingly pleasurable combination of sweet & salty. It’s entirely captivating!

Passion Fruit = Love

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