I never get tired of salads! Chopped salads, grilled salads, grain-based salads … if ever a city was made for salads, it’s San Diego
Artichoke Dip
I’m definitely the kind of California girl who can skip dinner in favor of an indulgent treat like artichoke dip. In this case, the most amazing artichoke dip you’ve ever tried. I could seriously eat this for lunch and dinner (as long as slipping into a bikini wasn’t on the horizon for a few days). If you’ve ever been to a church supper or a family potluck, you’ve likely had a variation of this recipe
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Waking up on a school day to chocolate chip pancakes is a guaranteed way to get them out of bed with smiles. Luckily, this recipe, from Mark Bittman, makes everyday pancakes a reality. I mix the batter on a weekend while my griddle pan is heating up. By the time the pan is sizzling, the batter is ready to go
Homemade Tomato Sauce
This buttery tomato sauce, inspired by Marcella Hazan, couldn’t be easier to make, and you most likely have the ingredients in your pantry. You will need a Vitamix or other high-powered blender, so if you don’t already own one, this recipe may be the reason to add one to your cart the next time you’re at Costco.
And, oh my … this is soooooo much better than anything you’d find on the shelf at the market.
Make a batch or two this weekend to stash away in the freezer. You’ll never look at jarred tomato sauce again!
Homemade Tomato Sauce
Author: Lisa Dearen
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 2 cups
This buttery tomato sauce freezes well and is amazing over pasta or pizza.
Ingredients
- 1 28-ounce can San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 6 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Combine the tomatoes and their juices along with the onion and butter in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low.
- Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce has thickened, carefully transfer it to a high-powered blender and pulse until smooth.
- Add salt to taste.
- Serve immediately, or freeze.
Artichoke Pesto Crostini
Sometimes a girl just wants to nosh on something savory that pairs perfectly with wine. This artichoke pesto crostini, served on top of thinly sliced rounds of sourdough bread, fits the bill
How to Make Homemade Croutons
Homemade croutons are super easy to make, and even easier if you save stale bits of bread and baguettes in your freezer. And with a savory crunch that’s light and fresh, nothing elevates your Caesar salad faster than homemade croutons
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Southern Californians take their Mexican food very seriously. Whether we’re talking about fish tacos, spicy margaritas, or breakfast burritos, everyone has their favorite (often “secret”) spot. But there’s one SoCal Mexican dish you can make at home, time and time again, with better-than-restaurant results: chicken tortilla soup
Pasta Salad to Feed A Crowd
Ask any San Diegan if she has air conditioning, and the response is always the same: “No, it’s only hot here a few weeks a year.” Truth be told, I’m a total heat wimp, because my air has been running off and on since February, and there’s no end in sight. Call it global warming if you will, but my temperature is rising and there’s only one place I want to be: the beach
Fried Chicken
There’s no food on earth that frying doesn’t make better. Tomatoes? Fry ‘em. Potatoes, why yes, I do love French fries. Fish and chips? You had me at fish