http://coastalcookingonline.iblog365.com Good Food, Good Wine, and California's Central Coast Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:40:20 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en As the holidays approach (yikes!), we’re all thinking of calmer, simpler ways to handle the hustle and bustle. Dinner planning and meals may well be farthest from our minds, yet those times of restful replenishment are essential to our well being under stress. The answer might seem to be take ... http://coastalcookingonline.iblog365.com/2008/11/06/zinfally-hearthy-healthy-minestrone/      Let’s face it… the current economic news (not to mention our household budgets) have the affect of dampening autumn spirits. We’re not even sure how we’ll manage the holidays at this rate, let alone enjoy the prelude to the holidays. As I whittle my own budget, I’ve discovered a ... http://coastalcookingonline.iblog365.com/2008/10/23/this-fall-throw-a-wine-party/ I lived in Texas for just over four years, and one of the things I learned there was how to make a KILLER beef brisket. The thing about brisket is it has to cook at a low heat for a long time. Another critical factor is seasoning. Recently, I purchased ... http://coastalcookingonline.iblog365.com/2008/09/26/sumptuous-simple-beef-brisket-for-a-group/ Stretching grocery dollars is important to us all, and we still want delicious meals. Doing both on a budget seems like “Mission Impossible”. They also can’t be simple to prepare, right? Oh… are YOU in for a surprise!   The past few months have been—in my life—a challenging opportunity for growth. ... http://coastalcookingonline.iblog365.com/2008/08/24/one-recipe-three-ways/ Have you enjoyed browsing the farmer's market or a road side fruit stand this summer? Many sense-sational fruits are reaching harvest times... among them, fresh figs! Before rolling your eyes or making an "icky" face, consider the words of Pliny (52-113 AD): "Figs increase the strength of young people, preserve the ... http://coastalcookingonline.iblog365.com/2008/07/12/flirting-with-fresh-figs/ Worried about food prices? I admit... I'm a serious "foodie". Those of us who love great food and delectable wines may believe there's an inherent cost to tempting our pampered palates, yet this truly isn't the case. Another personal confession? I cook enough to feed a small army on most ... http://coastalcookingonline.iblog365.com/2008/06/28/save-money-buy-fresh/ Spencer's Fresh Food Market is roughly two blocks from my house... give or take a half block. A local supermarket is--in this day and age--irreplaceable because it's the most efficient, convenient place to go for manager's specials and other discount pricing when you know the staff. Get to know your ... http://coastalcookingonline.iblog365.com/2008/06/26/why-i-love-my-local-market/ Recently, my local grocer marked down ground sirloin for a manager’s special, so I (wisely) stocked up. Grilling season is upon us: sirloin is rarely cheap. Given my budget and my frugal tendencies, extending the meat becomes important to me. Below is a marvelous burger recipe using ground sirloin with ... http://coastalcookingonline.iblog365.com/2008/05/25/fantastic-summertime-burgers/ The past few weeks have been spent planting a kitchen and herb bed in our front yard--with rising costs of fresh produce, our modest garden should pay for itself this year. I’ve discovered a few money saving ideas as well. For example, our local market sells cellophane packages of dried ... http://coastalcookingonline.iblog365.com/2008/05/15/simple-sensational-sourdough-starter/ Have company? Need something on hand that's easy, unique, tasty and memorable? Try Cab-Apple Butter with Cab-Apple Light Wheat Bread made from Cayucos Cellars 2003 Cabernet. Before you say only those who are alcoholics or otherwise not-quite-mainstream would serve wine for breakfast, it's important to note that when cooking with wine, ... http://coastalcookingonline.iblog365.com/2008/03/22/wine-for-breakfast-are-you-crazy/