Last night's dinner: chicken stuffed with jalepeno and almond

Yes, it was as good as it sounds! Unfortunately it took forever to bake. The package said bake at 350 degrees until internal temps got to 160 degrees. After waiting an hour and still not seeing any progress, I raised the temp to 400 and covered the dish with foil. That sped things along and we were able to eat 20 mins later. Melinda made rice and some broccoli with cheese for sides and we washed it down with a not-bad Cabernet Sauvignon from "Man" vintners. (It's a screwtop wine, but it was quite tasty!)

Texas Hill Country Food and Wine Festival

I would love to go to this festival; however, it's way outta my price range. I put together a mock-schedule and once I saw the price for just one of my chosen events, I balked.

It sounds like it would be a wonderful way to spend an April weekend, but I guess I'll stick to my own kitchen and watch re-runs of Top Chef instead....

Getting to know Me, part 2

My favorite weird food: cheese toast where the bread isn't burned but the cheese is. Lucky for me, my partner has perfected the method of making cheese toast this way!

South Africa: country where I think the best wines currently come from! I've bought SA wines 3 out of 4 times at the past four wine tastings I've attended. (The oddball was from Portugal.)

My least favorite herb: definitely cilantro. I can't stand it. It tastes like soap. Ick!





Do I consider myself a "foodie": No, not if you consider a foodie to be a snob. I just enjoy food --- preparing it, serving it, and eating it.
I will try anything once -- it's how I found out I don't fancy anchovies or Phoenix Claws, but that I love green olives, edamame, and raw tuna.


Am I afraid to eat American beef? Sometimes. I only use soy burger in my spaghetti recipes, but there are times I feel I just gotta have a big juicy all-meat burger from Hut's or I'll die!

What is my most guilty eating pleasure? Homemade vanilla buttercream icing and a spoon.