Post image for Meyer Lemon-Black Quinoa Plum and Avocado Salad Recipe

Making this salad felt a bit like painting a picture.

You see, as I was cooking the black quinoa, I spotted my big bowl ripe plums out of the corner of my eye. I thought their bright reddish color would look so pretty against the beautifully textured, black quinoa. Then I imagined how lovely the soft green color of an avocado would would look against the red and black.  And I knew the purple curves of the onion would be dazzling.

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Post image for Apricots with Spiced Creme Fraiche and Blackberry Port Sauce

Stone fruit and berries.

They’re quintessential summer treasures.  Just look at them — soft, sparking and vibrant.

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Happy Father’s Day!

by valentina on June 16, 2013

My dad with me exactly 11 years ago, on my wedding day . . . .

and a couple of weeks ago with his two favorite dogs, me and my boys.

My husband, the other best dad in the world.
~    ~     ~
Wishing you all a very happy, warm, and love-filled Father’s Day!
I hope you and your families are all sharing a wonderful
day and delicious meal together!
xo
Valentina

And what’s for dinner for these two special dads?  So happy you asked . . .

(Click on the titles below the images to get the recipes.)

Top left: Roasted Poblano Guacamole
Top right: Mexican Chopped Salad with Spiced Pepitas and Honey -Chipotle Dressing
Bottom left: Halibut Ceviche Tacos
Bottom right: Kahlùa Espresso Gelato

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Kahlùa Espresso Gelato Recipe

June 15, 2013
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I was introduced to the flavor of coffee at a very early age, probably under ten-years-old. No, not in a mug with half and half!  Rather, in pint-sized container of Häagen-Dazs coffee ice cream.  You see, it was, and still is my dad’s favorite flavor.  It didn’t have to be Häagen-Dazs, but I think more [...]

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Smoky Jalapeño Roasted Corn Recipe

June 12, 2013
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I love corn. And it’s no wonder because it’s so very sweet. As you probably know by now, I have a serious sweet tooth.  As far as I’m concerned if you love cookies, semisweet chocolate, and strawberries at the peak of their season, it only makes sense that you’d love corn.  And you know what [...]

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Best Basil Recipes

June 10, 2013
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Recently on my Cooking On The Weekends Facebook Page, I asked the question, “If you had to name one food that most quickly brings your mind to summer, what would it be?”  Amidst all of the peaches and strawberries, basil was a recurring answer. So while I plan to bring you many peach and strawberry [...]

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Spicy Sriracha Salmon-Basil Burger Recipe

June 8, 2013
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You have my dad to thank for all of the gorgeous basil we’ve been cooking with all week. You see there’s a lot going on in his garden right now.  The tomatoes vines are thriving with new growth, the plum tree is full with ripe, succulent fruit, the peaches will be the perfect color and [...]

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Chilled Cucumber-Basil Soup Recipe

June 6, 2013
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My husband goes through culinary phases. There was the juicing phase, then the bloody mary phase, followed by the kale phase, the hard boiled egg phase, margarita phase, salad phase, and now, making a strong comeback . . . . the juicing phase has returned. Pin It

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Lemon-Basil Strawberry Caprese Recipe

June 4, 2013
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I’ve been tasting strawberries for the past few weeks at my local Farmer’s Market, and they’re getting sweeter and sweeter, and this past Sunday they were so amazing that I bought two, three packs at once.  To be clear, that’s six baskets! Pin It

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Friday Flowers: Campanulas and Chocolate Almond Nougat Recipe {Gluten-Free}

May 31, 2013
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My husband is the best! He runs out to get me frozen yogurt if I’m suddenly craving it at 9 or 10 PM while we’re relaxing on the couch.  He always has my back.  He’s the best, most fun, dad in the world.  He allows our dog to be both on the couch and the [...]

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