Author: LivingLifeForté

Shutterbug. Half of a couple who cooks together. Freelance wine geek. Local food enthusiast. Partner in a garagiste winery. University lecturer.

Fake It ‘Til You Make It

Killdeer aren’t on the top of the list as best bird parents. Look to ospreys and emperor penguins for nurturing. But I’ve always admired their dedication to protecting their young. In this area, they are the ultimate fakers. A broken wing, a terrible limp–and predators are led away. I think we all do a bit…

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Fridge Diving: Easy Blueberry Hand Pies

This is the story of having “eyes bigger than my stomach.” One of my favorite breakfasts is a scoop of Greek yogurt topped with fresh blueberries. I’m a sucker for a sale at the market, but it’s hard to eat 2 lbs of blueberries faster than they ripen. That’s when this recipe comes in handy….

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Solo

I stood outside, embraced by the cool fog rolling up from Big Sur. Every bird and beast had grown invisible in the evening twilight; save a lone turkey vulture silently circling the canyon before gliding east into the mountains.

Lighten up a Classic: Chicken Bolognese

A sale in the meat aisle led to a chicken bolognese creation, which surpassed my expectations. Simple to make with ground chicken, tomato, and aromatic herbs, this recipe provides a hearty but light dish. Happy Eating!

The Luck o’the (1/4) Irish Soda Bread

I am a descendant of the Fanning clan. Our people came to the “New World” in time to fight in the Revolutionary War. And while they are just a quarter of who I am, I am fascinated by their history and who they became in their new homeland. So, on March 17th each year, I…

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Fridge Diving: Brie Pasta with Duck Confit & Yuzu Marmalade

A delightful evening in Sonoma led to the creation of a decadent pasta dish using duck leg confit and creamy brie. Rehydrate the duck confit, cook the pasta, prepare the brie, combine, and plate to create this indulgent recipe. Garnish with toasted pine nuts, lemon zest, and parsley for a perfect finish.

Don’t Think Less of Him

Late in the day, there was a break in the rain. The drumming of raindrops was quickly replaced by chirps, chitters, and birdsong. I looked up from my computer to see rays of light catching on a small spot of yellow — a lesser goldfinch. He sat stoically while his olive mate foraged for the…

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Back in Flight

I put my DSLR away in 2019. 2019 was bad. The loss of my godmother and father, frightening family trauma, and the end of 10 years of employment sent me into a mental and emotional tailspin. Soon my physical health faced the same fate. A small pain in my shoulder that started in late 2018…

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Dutch-Oven Goodness: Stovetop Golden Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered pork chops are not a food of my partner’s culture, but they are definitely part of my Midwestern childhood. When I first served baked smothered pork chops from the oven with the layers of chops and onions and creamy white mushroom sauce, it blew my partner’s mind. Two weeks ago, he began mentioning that…

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