When my friend, Carolyn Kates, filled me in on her new venture with co-creator, Josh Timmerman, cannabis pairing dinners by Lego Optimo, I was mildly intrigued. Having been partially raised, in tandem, by a guru chasing, foot kissing, sandal wearing, macrame practicing, seer-of-the-light, tie-dyed 70’s hippie of an older sister and a Mom who was…
In the Kitchen
Firehouse Boards – Three Ain’t Enough
The auction had been going about 10 minutes. At stake was a custom engraved mahogany cutting board and 9″ Miyabi birchwood sujihiki knife donated to Collaboration Kitchen by FireHouse Boards. On the one hand, it was exciting to see the bids reaching into the high hundreds of dollars, all of which would be donated to the…
Crispy Pork Belly Recipe, Orange Soy and Chili Pepper Braised
The pork belly boom is here to stay. Every chef and establishment has a version of the melt in your mouth goodness, from appetizer to entree, usually braised, with melted collagens and tender meat forming a salacious, mouthwatering experience. Come to think of it, why would anyone want the pork belly boom to go anywhere? This…
Saffron Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Whenever I think of a great breakfast spread, grits is always in the picture, even though it’s been decades since my childhood of eating them almost every morning. It wasn’t until many years beyond my childhood that I first had shrimp and grits, though, and now, they top my list as one of the great…
Spicy Peking Duck Recipe
Your first time eating Peking duck is likely to be one of those life changing culinary revelations. The citrusy sweet and sour flavor combined with the crispy duck skin make it one of those dishes that never fades from memory. Even the mere mention of Peking duck amongst those who’ve eaten it incite cravings that overshadow…
Thai Beef Red Curry Recipe
This Thai beef red curry recipe is quick and easy to make and is guaranteed to satisfy your family’s cravings for one of the unique flavor combinations that distinguish Thai food – ginger, lime and basil. For a little extra herbal kick and since I always have plenty of homegrown fresh cilantro around, I…
Louisiana Style Fried Seafood Recipe
My local trusted fishmonger was having a sale last week and I was a little homesick for some good Southern Louisiana style fried seafood. Growing up, fresh seafood from minutes away in the bayous and Gulf of Mexico was a staple. In fact, even today, with as little as a cane pole, a burlap sack…
Roasted Bone Marrow with Chimichurri Sauce
Bone marrow falls into one of those categories for me that, if it’s on the menu, I’m going to order it. It’s right up there with sea urchin, foie gras and caviar – decadent, rich, a little goes a long way. This roasted bone marrow recipe is a quick and simple way to prepare it at…
Oxtail “Buco” Recipe
This recipe is mostly because I love oxtail and it was raining yesterday. It’ll make you feel warm inside and out on a cold day. It is similar to an Osso Buco, except with red wine instead of white and oxtail instead of veal. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings as you cook this…
Shrimp Lettuce Wrap Recipe
If you’re looking for a way to cut some calories before the holiday season, this shrimp lettuce wrap recipe might be the thing you’re looking for. It’s flavorful, light and filling. You can tweak the protein to be chicken or even beef if you like. Definitely make the sauce, it brings all the flavors together…