Bowl of Raw Okra

What are these lovely fresh vegetables? Hey, it's okra, the polarizing vegetable : ) Surprisingly beautiful!

Some folks can't deal with the slime, but I am not afraid. On store for tonight? Chicken and okra jambalaya. I'll be essentially following this recipe from Food.com - http://www.food.com/recipe/chicken-and-sausage-jambalaya-with-okra-86810

Gumbo yaya, everyone!!

Pavlova Deconstructed. A sweet treat for the end of summer!

Salted Caramel Chocolate Goodness

Really truly smitten with the chocolate, caramel and salt nirvana I have just stumbled across. Found at the Half Moon Bay farmers market during one heck of an uber downpour. They are from a little artisan chocolate shop - http://gotochocolate.com/ Highly recommended!!!

White Raspberry Tart

This scrumptious white raspberry custard tart was found (and eaten) recently while meandering through Sonoma, Ca. It was so tasty, I'm working on reverse engineering the recipe!

To have your own little slice of heaven, check out the legendary Fremont Diner down Sonoma way.

Spanish Padron Peppers

Alright. I've had these Spanish padron peppers at restaurants twice before, but I have never made them myself. Until tonight, that is. Wowser! So DELICIOUS! And simple as heck:

1. Heat very good olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add washed padron peppers.
3. Saute the peppers until soft and blistered and brown.
4. Sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the peppers and serve.

Swoon : )

Prickly Pear Fruit Harvest, Saratoga, CA

Is prickly pear cactus the next superfood? Mayo Clinic says... maybe so! http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prickly-pear-cactus/AN02193

Cabernet on the Vine

Oh, it is GO time for the grapes up in Napa and Sonoma! Found at one of my favorite vineyards - Plumpjack Winery - http://www.plumpjackwinery.com/