How To Make Mexican Rice ~ Remembering My Father In-Law

October rolled in quietly, sneaking up on me like a stealthy, sleek black cat crossing my path before there was anything I could do about it. It's one of those months in our home that starts out quietly but builds up with excitement and, as fall sets in, we realize the holidays are on their way and a couple of family birthdays are recognized. One of those birthdays belongs, or belonged, to my father-in-law, Leonardo. In our family he was known as "Dada". Dada passed away on June 4, 2009. I miss hearing his voice on the phone. I'd answer and he'd always say, "What's cookin'?" I miss those phone calls. I miss him.

Sitting here now in the month of November with orange pumpkins, stuffed toy turkeys, and paper pilgrims decorating the house, I've come to realize that Dada's birthday had already come and gone as quietly as that stealthy black cat. So before one more day passed I decided to make sure we'd celebrate anyway, or at least take the time to remember him. Here is one of the recipes Dada taught me several years ago. A recipe that has, over time, become a staple in our household. Happy (belated) Birthday Dada!

For a printer-friendly, text-only version of the recipe, click here.

How to Make Mexican Rice from Mac Ledesma on Vimeo.

  iPhone & iPad users, click here to see the video at youtube.

The Layers of Flavor ~ Onion Tour

This past spring I had the pleasure of meeting Kim Reddin from the National Onion Association (NOA). Kim was a speaker at Camp Blogaway this past May. She shared some of her personal story, as well as giving some insight into the life of an onion, and tips on how to cut an onion properly with the fewest tears.  I was so taken with Kim and her story, that I knew she was someone I wanted to get to know better. You see, Kim has essentially come full circle in her life by working with the NOA, but I'll let you find out more about that in her interview.

Today I'm sharing with you my tour of an onion farm. Yes, that's right, an onion farm, right here in Southern California! Who knew? Kim, invited me to join her and a few other foodies to a family-run onion farm and have a tour. How could I turn down the invitation from Kim? I couldn't. I'm so glad I was able to go, too. Not only did I get to see Kim again, and hang out with some other foodie gals, but I got to meet John and Brandon Calandri, third- and fourth-generation farmers! I hope you enjoy their story and the tour as much as I did!

The Layers of Flavor Onion Tour from Mac Ledesma on Vimeo.

iPhone & iPad users, click here to see the video at youtube.

Click to read more ...

Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers - Nestlé Kitchen Recipe

Share |

As promised here is a favorite recipe from the Nestlé Kitchen. My recent kitchen guest, Chris Garboski, mentioned in our interview that she likes to incorporate Quinoa into her dishes whenever possible. Her daughter happens to especially like this Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers dish. Here is a healthy updated recipe that Chris developed in the Nestlé Test Kitchen for you to try! It's a delicious entrée perfect for any night of the week, these delicately stuffed peppers feature a combination of nutritious ingredients, such as quinoa and lean Italian turkey sausage. Enjoy!

Click to read more ...

Practical Pico de Gallo Dip - Refreshing, Light, and Easy

Share |

It seems like everyone around me is talking about how Summer is coming to a close and saying things like, "thank God Fall is on its way". That may all be true somewhere, but here in parts of Southern California Summer does NOT feel like it's on it's way out, nor are there signs anywhere around my house or neighborhood that Fall is on it's way. Here we're still running the air conditioning! I'm here to tell you that if Summer is on its way out, its going kicking and screaming....or is that me having my own personal summer?? Either way, it's hot days like this that drive me to seek out a refreshing little snack in the afternoon to hold me over to dinner. Something refreshing, light, and, Lord knows, it better be easy!

Well, it doesn't get much easier than mixing two ingredients together, Pico de Gallo and Sour Cream (the light version), then tossing in some fresh cut vegetables as a spoon to cure the late afternoon snack attack!

Click to read more ...

Easy Short Ribs Slow Cooker Recipe - Meatlovers Monday

Share |

Here is a recipe I've been making for the family for many years. It's one of my "go-to" meals. Hubby especially likes it when I serve these ribs on a Sunday with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, and a salad. But today is Monday and Hubby is getting his ribs over rice, which also makes him happy. This recipe makes a great, easy, family meal no matter how you serve it. I especially like using my slow cooker in the summer; it helps keep the heat down in the kitchen and allows me a little more free time to spend with the family. Enjoy!

Click to read more ...