Author: MS

Food: Sunday Morning Apple Cider Doughnuts

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I needed to make sweets for this morning’s breakfast for a houseful of guests who are getting ready to leave after a special occasion get-together on Saturday. This recipe for spiced apple cider doughnuts popped up and although I am watching what I eat, I figure indulging one day is not going to kill me or set me back –  unless I scuff down 8 of these beauties. 🙂 .  And yes, a dozen softly boiled eggs and non-GMO bacon is always available in case, I chicken out of having a doughnut. Oh who am I kidding. I am not chickening out of anything. Doughnut or bust I say. INGREDIENTS 3 cups apple cider 1 stick cinnamon 6 tablespoons salted butter 1/4 cup real maple syrup 1/2 cup apple butter 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon  high heat natural oil, for frying (such as vegetable oil) {more}

Food: Dinner Tonight – Roasted Chicken and Burrata

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Here’s what’s happening this week – I have family in town. Which means, there is no deciding or organizing any meal at home. Everything is decided last minute and meals are consumed at any number of wonderful eateries around the city-San Francisco.  Except tonight – where I am left on my own and the meal I prepare will be a healthier variation to the mostly overly salty meals I’ve been having each night since last Thursday.   By the way, this is also the explanation for my lack of posts. I will be on track next week for sure. So, here’s what I’ll be switching up to take my dietary needs into consideration ORIGINAL INGREDIENTS – RECIPE 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (skin on or off, I prefer skin off)  – {sticking to chicken breast, not a fan of thighs} 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme, plus more for serving 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper kosher salt and pepper 1/4 cup all-purpose flour   {Not adding any flour} 4 …

Food: What You’ll Find In My Mediterranean Kitchen

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For every site I find suggesting what constitutes healthy consumption of food, there is another, stating otherwise.  I have to admit. I take all of the information offered with a grain of salt and continue to, simply follow what I’ve learned from generations past about our Mediterranean cuisine and lifestyle. Sure I tweak the recipes a little or experiment with a ‘healthier alternative’, but at the end of the day; I think my grandmother, and my aunts had and my mother has to this day, the secret to the best method of preparing the healthiest of meals. The reality is – the ingredients produced in masses today, no matter organic or otherwise, mostly filled with additives, or certain mystery matters, lacking the pure quality from decades ago, make it difficult to sustain a healthy cooking style. As a result, in some cultures today, we can only strive to learn and do our best with what we have, to  create the healthiest meals possible for ourselves and our family.  Everything else is simply information overload.  Meat: …

Sunday Read: Research Has It

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I normally sleep with my window open. I’ve done it for years. The crisp air, sometimes chilly and other times just warm enough helps me get a good night sleep.  The only nights I struggle to get to sleep is if I’m in a place, a hotel or someone’s house, where I cannot open the window. Those are the nights, I toss and turn and count the hours until the morning. Do you sleep with the window opened?   While searching for a recipe, I came across this article – about the most popular recipe in every state (U.S) according to google. And when I clicked on it, I found some of the options very surprising – especially California – where I live. I would have guessed delicious guacamole dip or sushi – but never quinoa. Check out the rest of the list. Is it true for your state?     Being a San Franciscan – I have seen the city develop into an expensive metropolitan one and although I have been here all of my …

Boutique Hotel Pick – Belmond La Residencia – Mallorca, Spain

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I can’t say it enough – October is a wonderful time to travel and with the need of taking a week or so to simply unplug, you may want to consider Mallorca, Spain and this spectacular boutique hotel, which is  wonderful anniversary present, or a honeymoon destination or just because. I mean really, what more do I need to say?

Food: Dinner Tonight: Coconut Curry Noodles or Chicken

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I do love coconut curry or around this time of year, butternut squash curry I normally order from my favorite eatery in the city here, and here.  So, here’s whats happened. I assumed we were finally getting our warmer temperatures in the city, but it turns out, we’ve had nothing but cold windy days, overcast, and definitely the feel of Autumn in the air.  Which of course has me craving soups of sorts – and so this recipe for tonight’s dinner: INGREDIENTS 8 ounces rice noodles  {or I’ll add boiled chicken pieces instead of the rice noodles for my diet} 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1 sweet onion, diced 2 zucchini, or summer squash, diced 2 ears sweet corn kernels, removed from the cob 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 2-3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste 1 14 ounce can full fat coconut milk 1 tablespoon fish sauce (soy sauce for vegan option)   {not a fan of fish sauce so that will be omitted} 2 teaspoons honey   {not necessary, but it’s all up to you} juice and zest from 1/2 a lime 1/4 cup fresh cilantro OR basil, roughly chopped (use you personal favorite) sliced …

Just an Observation…

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The end to summer is only a week or so away and although most of us welcome the season change with open arms, with  ideas of putting on sweaters and boots, and ordering warmed hot chocolates or that seasonal pumpkin spiced latte are what we look forward to, I know soon enough we will be longing for a lot of this and that {photo source}