C – Proper tools and a good crust are key to making great pizza. You can’t just bake pizza in an oven. A pizza stone is key to a successful pizza. We have one! I am so surprised that a pizza stone could cost so little. Why haven’t I bought … Continue reading
C – There’s nothing more nerve racking than a professional chef … looking over your shoulder and saying “I don’t think the recipe you’re making is working.” Luke didn’t want to make this recipe. He wanted to watch me make it, instead. Making ricotta cheese is really simple. But, it … Continue reading
J – Why in the world do I struggle with gnocchi? What’s wrong with me? Gnocchi are delicious, heart-warming and oh-so-addicting. When we made it the first time, Luke reminded us to pace ourselves when eating. Too much gnocchi and you are flat on the couch in food coma. A … Continue reading
J – I’m a huge fan of basil pesto. I’ve also had some really-not-very-good “green stuff” that passes as basil pesto. I think the trouble with most of them is that the recipe is too complicated. Here’s a simple, fool-proof recipe we’ve used many times with great success. Simple Basil … Continue reading
C – Cherry season is almost over!! Already?! It just got here. I love cherries. But, I think I missed the bandwagon this year. It’s a shame. Now, I can only enjoy cherries when they are in season for one more week. So sad. Oh well, I guess I can … Continue reading
J – Double your pleasure… Bacon pleasure, that is. One of the wonderful parts of the lamb we broke down last week was the breast. It’s sort of a super-mini version of pork belly, with very little fat. Lamb bacon sounded over-the-top good. Luke suggested that, since we were smoking … Continue reading
C – I am so grateful for the abundance of food we have been able to show on Be Mindful. Be Human. It’s not just the abundance. It’s also the quality of food we have attracted. I knew Sacramento and the surrounding area had great things to offer. I just … Continue reading
J – I LOVE rack of lamb … when someone doesn’t mess it up by over-complicating the cooking. Fortunately, Luke is one of those chefs who neither messes things up, nor over-complicates the cooking. My kind of chef. One of the reasons we get along. This dish is a supreme … Continue reading
C – My boyfriend isn’t a big fan of fish sauce. I am not too surprised. I really didn’t expect a Southern boy from Tennessee to like all the things I eat all the time. Although, it might be an issue when he comes with me to visit my parents. … Continue reading
J – Why do most of the salads we get in really good restaurants taste so good? Note: I say “most” because I’ve had poorly done salads at all levels. However, for the most part, salads you get in better restaurants are made only after lots of practice. They are … Continue reading