by Anne Papina on April 13, 2014
I know, it’s been a while. A long while. A few weeks ago, my mom’s heart condition landed her in the hospital, and life has been a little topsy-turvey here since. Despite having my computer with me while I travel, I haven’t had the energy to post here. But this is an escape, and I need to allow myself a little more time to escape. What better way to do so than to whip up one of our favorite treats–Chicken with Cashews.
Read More
by Anne Papina on March 16, 2014
I grew up in one of those meat-and-potatoes households and as a child found myself fascinated with the old Hidden Valley Ranch commercials. Could snacking on veggies be that fun?! As you might imagine, greens were hardly in my vocabulary back then, so when my buddy DB over at Crazy Foodie Stunts said he was hosting an Eat Your Greens #SundaySupper, exactly two dishes came to mind–broccoli cheese casserole and Italian green beans with potatoes. That’s normal, right? Old habits die hard.
Read More
by Anne Papina on March 9, 2014
Some days it feels as if I have pasta pumping through my veins. Must be the Italian in me, as pasta is one of my favorite foods, especially if it’s one of my grandfather’s recipes. Tammi over at Mamma’s Meals is hosting a meatless #SundaySupper this week, so why not bring one of my grandfather’s specialities–pasta e patate.
Read More
by Anne Papina on February 24, 2014
It all began with a knock at the door and the delivery of a beautiful bouquet … of Belgian endive. A bunch of endive, still on the root and adorned with a red ribbon, is certainly a sight to behold, especially if you’re a foodie. This is how the California Endive Farms shows its appreciation of food bloggers each year–by sending us this special treat for Valentine’s Day. To pay it forward, I thought I’d whip up these Five Spice Turkey Endive “Wraps” and share them with you.
Read More
by Anne Papina on February 16, 2014
Some of the best meals start with wine. I should know–our family cooks just about everything in wine–chicken, pork, beef, you name it–if it’s going in the oven, it’s getting cozy in a bath of wine. So imagine how thrilled I was to learn that Gallo Family Vineyards was teaming with #SundaySupper to celebrate the 50th birthday of its Hearty Burgundy wine. Immediately thoughts of boeuf Bourguignon started swirling around in my head. Should I go traditional and make the stew? Or was that too obvious? Then it hit me–stuff it in puff pastry! Crazy talk, I know. If I could just capture the flavors of boeuf Bourguignon in a filling more suitable for a turnover, I could make something exceptional. And that’s how these turnovers–beef burgundy in puff pastry–came to be.
Read More
by Anne Papina on February 11, 2014
It might surprise you to learn I’m not one to have a “signature” dish. Sure, I have my favorites, and certainly I have a number of specialties, but nothing you could call “Anne on a plate.” At one time, though, these stuffed Cornish game hens might have fit that bill. This is a dish my mother would make for special occasions, and I continued that tradition for some time. What could be better than being served your own little bird packed with a savory wild rice mixture? Not much. For whatever reason, though, I haven’t made them in several years. Poor Morgan, he never knew what he was missing. So, when I saw my local butcher had fresh, organic game hens, I snapped them up.
Read More
by Anne Papina on February 1, 2014
It all started with a nagging cough. Oh, that doggone flu! Finally, we’re coming up for air. I think the highlight was going to the doctor after running a 101 fever for five days straight only to be told that the fever needs to be at least 104 to be considered the flu. If ever there was a WTF moment, that was it. Apparently we had some other random virus that mimics flu symptoms, but she wasn’t sure what it could be. Huh?!
Read More
by Anne Papina on January 12, 2014
It’s hard to believe, but the Sunday Supper Movement is turning two–proof that time does fly when you’re having fun! In honor of this milestone, Liz over at That Skinny Chick Can Bake is hosting a virtual birthday party for the group, and I’m bringing my most often requested dessert–Kahlua Toffee Ice Cream Cake. Of course, there’s a little something for everyone here–the line-up from the rest of the crew ranges from cocktails and appetizers to entrees and desserts (all the recipes are listed below), so get ready to dig in.
Read More
by Anne Papina on December 30, 2013
It’s hard to believe the New Year is almost here! As 2013 comes to a close, I’d like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your support and all the wonderful comments throughout the year. Webicurean is a labor of love, but it wouldn’t be possible without the loyal readers who visit here each day. So, thank you, and I wish you all the best for 2014.
Read More
by Anne Papina on December 24, 2013
It was in the wee hours of Christmas morning that my mother awoke to a stirring in the living room, followed by the exclamation, “Oh, Marvel! You did come!” The year was 1969, and at four, I was thoroughly obsessed with horses already. Of course, in San Francisco, you can’t actually keep a horse in your yard, so I lobbied for the next best thing–Marvel the Galloping Mustang. And as requested, Santa delivered. It’s a story my mom loves telling to this day. Funny what sticks with us, and while that particular Christmas is a little fuzzy to me, what I do recall is the annual ritual of leaving Santa a plate of fresh cookies accompanied by a well chilled martini. Only in San Francisco. This year Santa’s getting a special treat with his martini–Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies.
Read More