Recent Posts

Packaged Dinner Kit Services – Are They Worth It?

Packaged Dinner Kit Services – Are They Worth It?

I have several friends who subscribe to dinner kit delivery services that offer pre-measured ingredients with recipe instruction. The meals are relatively easy to prepare. Often some of the time consuming items are already premade, such as dough and ramen noodles. However, chefs-to-be still need…

Cooking with Avocado Oil

Cooking with Avocado Oil

I recently received some samples of avocado oil and decided it was time to play with it in the kitchen. Avocados are typically pricey, so as a cooking oil, my concern is always health first, but secondly – can I afford it?

Heart Healthy Valentine’s Day Dinner Party

Heart Healthy Valentine’s Day Dinner Party

I love Valentine’s Day! It’s not only a day to celebrate my cherished relationship with my husband, but it’s also a ‘month’ whereby I celebrate my great friends. Here’s a super easy dinner to prepare for friends to say ‘thank you’, and best of all it’s nutritious and heart healthy!

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Do Natural Beauty Products Work?

Do Natural Beauty Products Work?

I love the thought of using natural based beauty products that are also cruetly-free, but do they work?  I’ve taken the following products for a spin to see if they really work. I’ve also broken down beauty ingredient basics as to which ingredients to look…

New Year, New You, But Without Trying Very Hard

New Year, New You, But Without Trying Very Hard

I’m all about resolutions and self-improvement, but when January rolls around, life starts to feel like a chore. This year, I’ve taken the whole resolution thing off my plate, but have added natural products and easy ideas to help improve my life, but without major…

Easy Caramelized Onion Tart: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

Easy Caramelized Onion Tart: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

This savory caramelized onion tart is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks and parties. It’s made with a simple flour crust (or use your favorite store-bought gluten-free crust) filled with sweet and caramelized onions. Feel free to add feta cheese for an extra flavor boost, but it’s delicious on its own too!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons ice cold water

For the Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 large red or yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
  • Balsamic reduction sauce (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Make the Crust: In a food processor, combine the flour, cubed butter, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water while pulsing until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix.
  2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Prick the bottom of the dough with a fork a few times.
  5. Bake the crust for 12 minutes, or until golden brown but still slightly soft. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  6. Caramelize the Onions: While the crust bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for 35-40 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and golden brown. Don’t rush this step, or the onions will burn.
  7. Once caramelized, remove the onions from the heat and set aside to cool.
  8. Assemble the Tart: Increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Spread the caramelized onions over the cooled crust. If desired, fold the edges of the crust over the onions. Top with crumbled feta cheese (optional).
  9. Bake for an additional 12-14 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the crust is golden brown.
  10. Let the tart cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic reduction sauce (both optional).

Tips:

  • Feel free to use a store-bought gluten-free pie crust if needed.
  • The tart can be served warm or at room temperature.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven before serving.

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Host a Holiday Cookie Exchange (& Tasting!)

Host a Holiday Cookie Exchange (& Tasting!)

The holidays are all about spending time with friends and family and enjoying special treats. One of my most favorite holiday traditions is having a Cookie Exchange Party.

2016 San Diego Bay Food & Wine Grand Tasting Highlights

2016 San Diego Bay Food & Wine Grand Tasting Highlights

This year’s San Diego Bay Food & Wine Grand Tasting did not disappoint. Not only did we have our stellar San Diego weather, but the event was loaded with quality wine and restaurant offerings. Here are some of the highlights from the event and a…

Things that I NEED while Traveling so I don’t go CRAZY

Things that I NEED while Traveling so I don’t go CRAZY

This morning I was looking through my emails and saw that many retailers are already having Black Friday sales. What? It’s only November 2nd! With that sentiment however, I was reminded that the Holiday season is almost upon us. With sales and shopping and cooking, it also means that most Americans will be shuttling off to one location or another for gatherings with friends and family. (more…)

Hosting Thanksgiving: A Survival Guide for the Perfect Feast

Hosting Thanksgiving: A Survival Guide for the Perfect Feast

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and feasting. But hosting this holiday can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you navigate the planning, cooking, and entertaining, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable Thanksgiving:

Succulent Pumpkins for Fall

Succulent Pumpkins for Fall

This beautiful succulent pumpkin project looks like it took a ton of time, but it’s so easy that you’ll find yourself decorating a whole pumpkin patch! This is a great project to do with friends because you can share supplies and have a nice mix…

Dinner Cheats: With Trader Joe’s Seasonal Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli

Dinner Cheats: With Trader Joe’s Seasonal Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli

In an ideal world, I’d make everything from scratch or grab a vegan snack from Arden’s Garden – but, ain’t nobody got time for that.

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