Cooking Single in the City

...okay so yes, it's been a while--and we're so very sorry! We've been working tirelessly on many projects...all surrounding this one, of course. :) So, we had our first official cooking class last night--and oh what fun! With the aromas of onions on the grill, and whafs of seared salmon floating beneath my nostrils every few seconds, this bunch was brave--so willing to jump in and try new cooking techniques, and had the humor to match! Thank you to everyone who came. Thanks to Andrea Clever, our lovely Chef -extraordinaire and co-host, Jacob Gardner, it proved to be more than what any of us had imagined! Singles, be sure to challenge yourself to try these recipes at home...With the exception of the flourless chocolate cake, these recipes are designed to serve no more than 2...so if you need to double for four+, go ahead and do so! I'm celebrating the birthday of one of my best friends...think I'll surprise with our flourless cake! :-) Bon Appetit! Andrea & Cyn...

Outdoor barbeque's are nice--down right fun, to be honest...but no one does it right like the Argentinians! You haven't had a bbq, until you've feasted at an Asado! This past Sunday night was no different. To honor a birthday and the arrival of an out-of-towner, my best friend and her hubby threw a little gathering in their backyard. Quincho El Gaucho -- Chimi Churri Gaucho Grill Although I hadn't realized that there'd be more than a handful of married-couples, I decided to invite a sweet friend of mine....who, like me, was in dire need of something out of the ordinary. The Argentinians did not disappoint. They never ever do.

Ever just have one of those days where although you had "other" things planned, every thing turned out exactly the way you know they were meant to turn out? W-o-w. Well today that was my day and the only thing I can say is...amazing. In all my 40 years of living I can honestly say that there have been days, weeks, years even where I have toiled and spun my wheels only with NOTHING (of importance) to show for it. LoL. Sad, but oh so true. Lately, my life has been anything BUT that, and for that, I'm grateful. My hands are to the right plow and not building in vain--who has time for to labor for that which profits nothing? Not me. At least, not any more. :) Today was incredible, and as I made my way through Fullerton's chaos of today's heartbreaking news, I wound up home right when I was supposed to be. With fifteen minutes to eat, I quickly pulled out the extra-firm tofu, a carrot-broccoli mix a lemon and some evo. Much to my delight, an avocado was not too far aw...

So I tried to share today's posting of Daily Candy Los Angeles, but for some reason, the link posted isn't quite pulling up the article...so back to the good old fashioned way! "Count down to a very good time. 10. Assemble all elements of this miraculous hangover cure . You’re gonna need it. 9. Turn leftover wrapping paper and tape into a pile of festive toppers . 8. Hit up the Joan’s on Third freezer for mini meat pies and tiny cheese puffs and Trader Joe’s for buckets of meringues, big and small. 7. Put your hands together and make some noisemakers . 6. Give three cheers for Empire City punch , cinnamon caipirinhas , and the Cuzco fizz . 5. Consult the white porcelain god of a different kind: Fill the tub with water and fortune-telling fish . 4. To really let your hair down, you’ ve got to put it up . 3. Cue the music (hello, Miami , Chicago , SF , Dallas , Philadelphia , and London megamixes ). 2. Show off your new moves . 1. Happy New Year!" http://www.dailyca...

Although there are many sweet things life has to offer, none are as sweet as reconnecting with an old friend for the first time. Elizabeth and I met in Tulsa during our first year of grad school almost twelve years ago (we were in seminary, actually) and from the first time we met, it was on! She was fair-skinned, quiet and from Nashville. I was olive, loud and from L.A.. They say opposites attract and in our case, this couldn't be more true! Although we both were living in our places when we met, we'd just end up staying over each-other's places as many evenings usually turned into a slumber party with friends, so we just decided to become roomies, which is what we ended up calling each other, "roomie" (which later turned into "vroomie"...long story). In those three years of school, we had way too much fun! Of course we shared in the normal girlie things that college girlfriends do--late-night studying-n-snacking, all-night prayer (we were in seminary,...

I don't know about you but I have love, love, loved the rain that has finally kissed us with it's sweet lips. Surprisingly, this morning's rain came with some pretty fierce wind, which having just moved here from Oklahoma (where the winds come crashing through the plains), it somewhat threw me for a loop. After enjoying the sounds of rain from inside the house while working in the garage, I decided I wanted nothing more than to eat something warm and somewhat soupish. Unfortunately I have not done a whole lot of shopping since my move back, leaving with me no choice but to doll up an organic can of beans. This week was kinda tough in that I had a whole lot going on! I had to relinquish the love of my life, Luke, to an adoptive parent who could give him a home, as I am still looking for mine and I staying with friends. My other Beagle, Tulsa, is staying at a bachelor pad with some friends of mine who I've known for a very long time. The plan is for Tulsa and I to move in...

Being that it was Halloween, all of my married friends (and I do mean ALL) had "trick-or-treat" plans with their families, my Halloween dinner plans were to dine solo. Realizing I had began the defrosting process of my Mahi Mahi from yesterday, I decided to head to Maxine's to cook up dindin . With my dog already at her house, I brought the goods to cook and eat before heading off to Brynn's for a chill night of movies with the singles. I think tonight was one of the first night's in a very long time I wish I had my immediate family--immediate being my hubby, my kids and me. Oh well...so here's the treat that took me to yummy-land for about 15 minutes of the evening. I was by myself, filming it myself, while cooking for myself--yes, I was bored. Excuse the poor filming and the mess...my girl had no napkins, no paper towels, no handles on her cookware...and to top it off, I couldn't find a flippin ' potholder! Never-the-less, her cozy place and my M...

There’s nothing like making lunch at a girlfriend’s who, although is looking forward to the dish you’re preparing, refuses to read your blog. Such is the case with my girlfriend--we'll call her "O". So immersed in her tug-of-war between not one, but two, men, she can only concentrate on such matters one issue at a time. Destined to make lunch alone while she tottered back and forth on who to call back and what to say, I made my way to her kitchen to make the lunch I'd been craving all week long--a Feta Cheese Sandwich with Basil, Tomatoes, Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar on a French Baguette! I love this sandwich for so many reasons--not only is it tasty, but it's an easy-make for that afternoon picnic at the beach. Don't live near one? Okay, a park. But it's very simple to make and easy to pack. Now back to O--I can't say I don't know where she's coming from...I can remember the times when recapping through my head the last conversation I had...