Rosemary-Sage Rubbed Pork

Adapted from Williams & Sonoma's Outdoor Entertaining, this rub for pork was so delicious.  Do not add any additional salt to the rub or during cooking, as the pancetta and capers, along with the rub are plenty.  (My love for salt has ruined meals, so I am very conscious of it for my guests' sake!)  I served the pork with mashed potatoes with chives and steamed broccoli. 

-------------------

Rub (mix all ingredients and spread on pork)

1 tablespoon EVOO

2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

1 tablespoon of fennel seeds, crushed

1 1/2 teaspoons of salt

1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper

-----------------

Use pork loin or pork chops.  Spread rub on pork, slice into pork and stuff with quartered fresh garlic cloves, wrap think slices pancetta around pork.  Bake at 375 degrees (about 30 minutes or until cooked).  Remove, slice, and dress with rinsed capers.  Serve over potatoes and enjoy!

Gobble Gobble

Even though we should all take some time each day to reflect on how how lucky we are and to be grateful for all that we have, today is a good excuse to celebrate those blessings!  I am baking yet another loaf of pumpkin bread for today's gathering, and watching the infamous Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade (which reminds me of my late Poppy- love him!).  Before I go and indulge in a turkey feast and imbibe some delicious spirits, I am going to take my own turkey trot along Cardiff Beach with the pup.  It's a gorgeous SoCal day, just one of the many things I am lucky to have at my fingertips!

...................................

the best boyfriend

the most wonderful family (+ growing)

my health and my mind

the unconditional love of my pup

creative outlets

my outdoor shower

web of amazing friends

a warm yoga studio 

the ocean breezes in my backyard

sweet guava tree outside my bedroom window

ingredients and means to cook, cook and cook some more

ice coffee

......................

and to think, this is only the beginning of a very long list!  Happy Thanksgiving Day  :)

Tart: Los Angeles

Last weekend I met my girlfriend for a delicious brunch at Tart in Los Angeles.  Attached to the Farmer's Daughter hotel on Fairfax Avenue, Tart is a blend of urban meets country.  Rustic decor hangs from the patio walls, like over sized farming tools and metal sculptures, and the tables and private booths are tucked amongst tall succulents.  The food was delicious, as was the spicy Bloody Mary.  I had a spinach frittata (with roasted red peppers, leeks and goat cheese).   If you find yourself in The Grove or the Farmers Market, I recommend stopping by Tart to grab a bite! 

Pumpkin Bread

I am the first to admit, I am not a baker.  But for a recent Thanksgiving potluck at our friend's condo in Cardiff-By-The-Sea I decided to try out my Mom's pumpkin bread recipe.  Following the advice to stick to the exact measurements (unlike my approach to cooking), I was happily surprised when my loaf was a success!  

Momma Lyders' Pumpkin Bread

1 2/3 cup flour

1 tsp cinnamon

3/4 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

2 eggs, well beaten

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup cooking oil

1/4 cup water

 

Mix together first 5 ingredients; set aside.  Thoroughly beat eggs in bowl and gradually add sugar and beat until thick and lemon colored.  Add pumpkin, oil and water.  Blend well.  Add the dry ingredients.  Beat well.  Spoon into greased and floured loaf pan.  Bake at 350 for about 1 hour (may take a little longer - check for doneness with cake tester).  Cool in pan about 10 minutes then remove to cool completely.  enjoy!

 

Head Start to Thanksgiving

Earlier this month I had bookmarked an article from the New York Times, The Minimalist
101 Head Starts on the Day, which listed a ton of Thanksgiving recipes that can be made in advance. I have only attempted to make the full holiday dinner once, and timing was one of the biggest challenges. With only one stove, four burners, limited counter space and a handful of serving bowls, I found myself in a conundrum to deliver a complete meal all at once. As usual, I was my biggest critic, and given that most of the food was gobbled up, it couldn't have been that bad! But even now, as I plan to be a guest to a dinner party, making something ahead of time sounds so delightful. It's an article worth checking out, and has some good ideas!

Encinitas Fall Festival

At the last minute, upon return home from Los Feliz (LA), I wandered down to the Encinitas Fall Festival in north county San Diego. With more booths than I would have ever anticipated, the streets (between D & J along the 101) were shut down and double-lined with pop up tents filled with art, jewelry, clothing, local businesses, etc. Musicians set up in-between the mix of vendors, filling the crowd with an upbeat vibe. Although I couldn't stay very long, I did make sure that I popped by Maggie Marsek's booth. I had written about Maggie months ago when I first saw her artwork in Leucadia. With a bare wall in my bedroom, I was happy to support a local artist and picked up a print of the above image, Keel Fin.

Ray at Night: 14 November

Every second Saturday of the month (tonight, 14 November), the North Park neighborhood in San Diego hosts Ray at Night, a gallery walk from 6-9pm, attracting over 1,500 people to more than two dozen businesses.  The activity centers on Ray Street (a one way street off of University Avenue just east of 30th Street).  Businesses, shops and galleries stay open later and display original artwork such as paintings, ceramics, jewelry and sculptures.  There is also often entertainment: jazz, poetry, dance group performances, usually held in a parking along Ray Street or privately hired by galleries.  Afterwards, be sure to cruise into one of the many local eateries, such as The Linkery or Urban Solace.  

Kettner Nights: November 13

Tonight, from 6-9pm in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood is Kettner Nights. Little Italy is widely considered San Diego's art and design district, and this event is a great way to explore all the businesses and studios along Kettner Boulevard and India Street. Mingle with other art and design enthusiasts, sip on some wine and discover something new. Afterwards there is handful of delicious restaurants to enjoy a good dinner, like Buon Appetito or Indigo Grill.

Not to miss, join Mixture (2210 Kettner Boulevard), as they partner with Dwell magazine to proudly feature the design collections of De La Espada. As a groundbreaking design management firm, De La Espada manages 4 other design forward brands alongside its own signature line: Autoban, Leif.designpark, Matthew Hilton and Studioilse. With over 20 new pieces on the Mixture showroom floor, it'll be a treat to take in the originality of this furniture and lighting collection. In addition, enjoy the 8,500 square foot showroom filled with art and design from 30+ artists and 100 distinct furniture & accessories lines.

The Andrew's Gallery: The DNA of San Diego

November 14th, 2009 - “The DNA of San Diego” @ The Andrew’s Gallery in Leucadia (north county San Diego, CA)

The DNA of San Diego, a crossroads exhibition mixing art and science featuring the DNA portraits of notable members of the San Diego community.

More information on The Andrews Gallery can be found on their website or blog.

(image of piece by artist, Erwin Dazelle)