Author Archives: I'm Not a Cook

Salad Mix

We live in a health conscious world these days, and especially here in San Francisco, sometimes it’s hard to not feel the pressure to stay on top of it when it comes to clean and healthy eating. We all know

Salad Mix

We live in a health conscious world these days, and especially here in San Francisco, sometimes it’s hard to not feel the pressure to stay on top of it when it comes to clean and healthy eating. We all know

Gingerbread Cookies

A holiday classic, as a kid I actually really disliked the taste of gingerbread.  It was the combination of sweet molasses and tangy ginger that was what probably turned off my young and unexperienced tastebuds.  Of course, like most children,

Gingerbread Cookies

A holiday classic, as a kid I actually really disliked the taste of gingerbread.  It was the combination of sweet molasses and tangy ginger that was what probably turned off my young and unexperienced tastebuds.  Of course, like most children,

Penne in Vodka Sauce

According to Wikipedia, the exact origin of vodka sauce is still under debate. Some say it is a true Italian dish, while others believe it is an American invention from the 1970’s, while others still are convinced a vodka company

Penne in Vodka Sauce

According to Wikipedia, the exact origin of vodka sauce is still under debate. Some say it is a true Italian dish, while others believe it is an American invention from the 1970’s, while others still are convinced a vodka company

Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is an American invention that came about in the 1950’s, a response to the advent of pre-packaged foods which heralded an easier job and lifestyle for all the Sally Homemakers and Domestic Debbies of the world. The formula

Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is an American invention that came about in the 1950’s, a response to the advent of pre-packaged foods which heralded an easier job and lifestyle for all the Sally Homemakers and Domestic Debbies of the world. The formula

Fourth of July (Independence Day) Cake

This is a festive and easy cake to make for any occasion, but since it’s red, white, and blue… sure why not go ahead and call it an Independence Day Cake! 1 pound strawberries 1 pint blueberries 2 cups heavy

Fourth of July (Independence Day) Cake

This is a festive and easy cake to make for any occasion, but since it’s red, white, and blue… sure why not go ahead and call it an Independence Day Cake! 1 pound strawberries 1 pint blueberries 2 cups heavy

Kale Ribbon Salad

A while ago I made a Brussels Sprout Slaw that went over pretty well with friends, family, and fans. And just to show you how easy it is to tweak recipes, this kale salad is pretty much a cousin to

Kale Ribbon Salad

A while ago I made a Brussels Sprout Slaw that went over pretty well with friends, family, and fans. And just to show you how easy it is to tweak recipes, this kale salad is pretty much a cousin to

Sencha Green Tea Panna Cotta

A while back, I made a simple Panna Cotta. It is one of my go-to desserts to make whenever the hankering for something light and creamy takes hold, especially when the days are warm. I recently had a couple dinners

Sencha Green Tea Panna Cotta

A while back, I made a simple Panna Cotta. It is one of my go-to desserts to make whenever the hankering for something light and creamy takes hold, especially when the days are warm. I recently had a couple dinners

Spaghetti in Bacon Jalapeño Marinara

One of my favorite restaurants in my little hometown of San Francisco is Starbelly. It is a lively and casual place, with a well-edited menu and interior atmosphere to match. They are known for the delicious pizzas that come out

Spaghetti in Bacon Jalapeño Marinara

One of my favorite restaurants in my little hometown of San Francisco is Starbelly. It is a lively and casual place, with a well-edited menu and interior atmosphere to match. They are known for the delicious pizzas that come out

Flan

My friend Rudy recently hosted a little taco dinner night and of course when I asked what I could bring, his immediate response was, “DESSERT!” So in keeping with the Latin inspiration, I tried my hand at making one of

Flan

My friend Rudy recently hosted a little taco dinner night and of course when I asked what I could bring, his immediate response was, “DESSERT!” So in keeping with the Latin inspiration, I tried my hand at making one of

Baker’s Tip : Butter Wrappers

I wouldn’t call it breaking news but ask any and baker they will all tell you one of the best tricks up their sleeves is using the wrapping paper from sticks of butter to grease their baking pans. Unless specifically

Baker’s Tip : Butter Wrappers

I wouldn’t call it breaking news but ask any and baker they will all tell you one of the best tricks up their sleeves is using the wrapping paper from sticks of butter to grease their baking pans. Unless specifically

Hot Chocolate

Ah…. There has always been a little debate over whether hot chocolate and hot cocoa are two different things, or one and the same. Well, I’m a bit of a Type-A personality so if you ask me, I would have

Hot Chocolate

Ah…. There has always been a little debate over whether hot chocolate and hot cocoa are two different things, or one and the same. Well, I’m a bit of a Type-A personality so if you ask me, I would have

Cauliflower Soup

Cold weather always calls for a bowl of soup. The great thing about a puréed soup is that it is fairly easy to make and much healthier than its creamed cousins. Cauliflower is a good vegetable to make into soup

Cauliflower Soup

Cold weather always calls for a bowl of soup. The great thing about a puréed soup is that it is fairly easy to make and much healthier than its creamed cousins. Cauliflower is a good vegetable to make into soup

Vegetable Gravy

In an effort to not deprive my vegetarian and vegan friends of the joy that is sopping wet gravy smothered all over your meal… This simple method of making a meat-less version came to me as I was boiling potatoes.

Vegetable Gravy

In an effort to not deprive my vegetarian and vegan friends of the joy that is sopping wet gravy smothered all over your meal… This simple method of making a meat-less version came to me as I was boiling potatoes.

Brussels Sprout Slaw

I love brussel sprouts. When people tell me they aren’t a fan, I always ask why and the most common answer is that the sprouts they usually eat are over cooked. Yes, over cooked brussel sprouts are not the most

Brussels Sprout Slaw

I love brussel sprouts. When people tell me they aren’t a fan, I always ask why and the most common answer is that the sprouts they usually eat are over cooked. Yes, over cooked brussel sprouts are not the most

Caprese Skewer Bites

I always like to serve a caprese salad whenever guests are over. Its fresh flavors are light and crisp, and won’t weigh guests down, which is ideal for long evenings of chatting and laughing. Folks suffering from food comas are

Caprese Skewer Bites

I always like to serve a caprese salad whenever guests are over. Its fresh flavors are light and crisp, and won’t weigh guests down, which is ideal for long evenings of chatting and laughing. Folks suffering from food comas are

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Summer is at a close, and as usual I am clinging onto it like a young babe holds onto his mother. This juice is something I’ve been making all summer long; it is so simple and refreshing. I figured if

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Summer is at a close, and as usual I am clinging onto it like a young babe holds onto his mother. This juice is something I’ve been making all summer long; it is so simple and refreshing. I figured if

Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Buttermilk Dressing

In the world of heavy and dense creamy dressings (you know the ones I’m referring to: ranch, thousand island, green goddess, etc…) a good blue cheese dressing is always at the top of my list. It is not the usual

Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Buttermilk Dressing

In the world of heavy and dense creamy dressings (you know the ones I’m referring to: ranch, thousand island, green goddess, etc…) a good blue cheese dressing is always at the top of my list. It is not the usual

Citrus Mint Water

This simple and refreshing water is perfect for any occasion during the warm weather seasons. It is perfect for BBQ grill sessions, brunches, as table water for a fancy dinner, or even to fill a sport bottle to take on

Citrus Mint Water

This simple and refreshing water is perfect for any occasion during the warm weather seasons. It is perfect for BBQ grill sessions, brunches, as table water for a fancy dinner, or even to fill a sport bottle to take on

Herb Bouquets

One of my favorite ways to store fresh herbs is in vases on the kitchen counter. Simply rinse the bundle under running water, give it a shake to dry, then trim the ends and place into small containers with water.

Herb Bouquets

One of my favorite ways to store fresh herbs is in vases on the kitchen counter. Simply rinse the bundle under running water, give it a shake to dry, then trim the ends and place into small containers with water.

Fried Potato Skins

I eat a lot of potatoes. Every time I cook potatoes and go about peeling them I would say to myself that next time I really ought to fry the skins into chips. Of course that went on for years,

Fried Potato Skins

I eat a lot of potatoes. Every time I cook potatoes and go about peeling them I would say to myself that next time I really ought to fry the skins into chips. Of course that went on for years,

Cheddar Cheese Buttermilk Scones

For the longest time, I did not know the difference between a scone and biscuit. I basically operated under the assumption that “scone” was merely a fancy British term for what we Americans know as biscuits. Finally, I decided to

Cheddar Cheese Buttermilk Scones

For the longest time, I did not know the difference between a scone and biscuit. I basically operated under the assumption that “scone” was merely a fancy British term for what we Americans know as biscuits. Finally, I decided to

Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Blue Cheese

Mac and cheese, an American classic that even though having been re-invented many times over by pretty much every professional chef and home cook out there, somehow retains its iconic comfort food status. The great thing (and what I think

Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Blue Cheese

Mac and cheese, an American classic that even though having been re-invented many times over by pretty much every professional chef and home cook out there, somehow retains its iconic comfort food status. The great thing (and what I think

Tomato Basil Spirals

This is a quick little sandwich wrap that does double duty: it can be a simple snack for one, but also works wonderfully as an appetizer when entertaining. lavash bread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 tomato fresh basil leaves salt pepper

Tomato Basil Spirals

This is a quick little sandwich wrap that does double duty: it can be a simple snack for one, but also works wonderfully as an appetizer when entertaining. lavash bread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 tomato fresh basil leaves salt pepper

Asparagus with Egg and Orange

This is a light and healthy dish I like to make when the spring rolls around. Asparagus is in season and with its abundance comes my joy in eating this vegetable. It may sound like an odd trio, but this

Asparagus with Egg and Orange

This is a light and healthy dish I like to make when the spring rolls around. Asparagus is in season and with its abundance comes my joy in eating this vegetable. It may sound like an odd trio, but this