Despite the fact that I had decided my previous grilled chicken wings were hands down the best chicken wings I’d ever had, I couldn’t help but wonder how they could be topped. Grilling the wings is a must – it gives the skin a nice crispness and the chicken a smoky flavor that I love. As for the flavors, I’ve long toyed with some Asian-laced chicken wing, and being on a Thai kick, I started thinking about flavors that would lend lots of flavor, a little spice, and taste oh so nice. (more…)

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Appetizers, Cooking outdoors, Dairy free, Gluten free, Lunch, Snack time, Thai by Courtney

I remember the first time I saw a version of this salad posted on theKitchn. It looked so tasty that I had to A) figure out what it was (because it was in a generic post and didn’t link to the recipe), and B) make and consume it right away. A quick google image search helped me confirm the ingredients, and off to my garden I went to harvest some kale.

Yes, during some seasons I’m lucky enough to not only have the kale growing in my backyard, but avocados growing in the front. And the other ingredients – cannellini, dried apricots, parmesan, and vinaigrette – are staples in my house. Even when these items are not in season, a quick stop by the store, 5 – 10 minutes of prep time, and I’m eating this hearty, healthy salad in no time. (more…)

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Dairy free, Gluten free, Quick and Easy, Salad, Vegan, Vegetarian by Courtney

I’ve long wanted to make this recipe, which is in on of my favorite cookbooks, the Food of France. After my first dinner paired with La Fiorita’s Brunello di Montalcino, I decided this might be the perfect wine to accompany the dinner. After all, if I’m going to the trouble of locating venison here in the Bay area, I’m going to make this a special meal! Plus, the brunello has a somewhat fruity flavor, with more than a hint of berries that I wanted to see if I could coax out more by pairing with blackberries. (more…)

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Dinner, Gourmet, Sunday Suppers, Wine pairings by Courtney

While we’re experiencing the last bits of summer here in the Bay Area, fall has been flirting with us a bit. Harvest has started in wine country, the summer fruits and vegetables are having their last harrah! in my backyard, football is in full swing, and the temps are occasionally dropping. My mind has been teeming with all the wonderful cool-weather foods I want to make, so I thought I’d not only share my lineup, but give a little order to the running list in my head. (more…)

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miscellany by Courtney