Cranberry Blahhhg

Cranberry Raspberry Conserves

I've never been the type of person to suffer from any holiday blues but this does not mean that I don't appreciate that others do.  So of course, my answer to holiday depression is....(wait for it) food!

Cranberries, ruby red on the plate with their combination of sweet, tart, bitter flavors combined with the various consistencies ranging from gelatinous (hello, my daughter's favorite canned variety which keeps it's shape for life, with the ridges still visible even after removed from the can and refrigerated for days!) to the smooth, silky conserve version (my fave). 

I've been making this raspberry version of cranberry sauce for years, because I love raspberries.  I'd be telling a lie if I did not say that I am hesitant to even share how simple this recipe is, because I'm pretty sure people think it's a big deal to make. (Shhh).  Get over your holiday blues with my Cranberry Blogg and recipe for bright and delicious conserves. 

Lusty Spanish Rice Sauté

I admit that sometimes I am not really interested in the ceremony of eating.  It's true, although I know it may come as a shock.  I love to cook and I believe that life is too short to eat food that isn't worthy.  I have been known to drive miles out of my way or suffer an extra 30 minutes of intense hunger, in search of something that tastes great.  So, when I am hungry but tired or short on time but hungry, I have a "go to" repertoire of really simple recipes that taste great and qualify as dinner if eaten by itself.  (mission accomplished).  This sauté of rice can be customized with any ingredients you have on hand or love.  I also like the fact that I can flavor this with some meat, but the meat is not the star of this show (good for two girls trying to be healthful).  I typically have onions, carrots and celery (great start to any sauté, in my opinion), as well as some canned artichoke hearts (which are perfectly acceptable for these purposes) and frozen peas.  Spicy Chorizo sausage, the real Spanish kind also often shacks up in my cheese drawer (perfect!).  I threw this together rather quickly tonight for Ella and I, as we both had work to do.  The combination of flavors (garlic, onion, artichoke, saffron and Pimentón de la Vera or Spanish Paprika) tasted so Spanish and so lusty.  I only wish I had thrown in a handful of frozen peas or some cilantro!

Mexican Shrimp Tacos (Tacos De Camarón)

Shrimp Tacos (nirvana)

Recently, I had the good fortune to spend a week on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, in the area known as The Riviera Maya. This magnificent beach runs from Cancun South in the direction of Tulum.  

On the main drag, (the West side of highway 307 near Calle 8) I discovered La Floresta. After reading all of the stellar reviews, I was sold by the fact that this spot is a favorite of the taxi drivers...I was then on a mission to find the amazing shrimp taco place next to the tire store on the highway. Can you say Camarón Nirvana?  

Feel The Beet

I love roasted beets...the texture and earthy sweetness of this super food is the perfect vehicle for various oils, fruits, herbs, and cheese.  

Tangerine juice, zest and thyme mixed with the ruby colored oil of the roasted beets is to me, a sublime reminder of The Provençal countryside.

¡Hola!

Welcome to my blog! I don't speak Spanish (other than some really bad quality kitchen Spanish), but I really like the way ¡Hola! rolls off the tongue. I plan on using this space to try and share my passion for all things food, drink + travel. Stay tuned for photos, recipes and random thoughts.