I love this time of year!  We are right on the cusp of fall, and there are so many seasonal fruits and veggies that can be incorporated into delicious meals.  Williams Sonoma is a great online resource on which I have found some gorgeous recipes that use fresh ingredients from the farmer’s market.  Here are some of my favorites linked in the recipe title! Enjoy!  #inseasonnow

Risotto with Fresh Corn and Basil Oil

Pear and Brie Croque Monsieur

Burrata with Grilled Bread and Heirloom Tomatoes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cumin and Cilantro

Shredded Kale Salad with Hard Cooked Egg and Pancetta

Italian Sausage and Fresh Mozzarella Pizza with Peppers

Hi guys, I know it has been a while since my last post, I’ve been super busy starting my new job, and going to tons of summer weddings!  Roger and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary on Monday, so exciting!  We had a perfect romantic dinner at Wood Tavern in the Rockridge district of Oakland to celebrate.  We had the best service, AMAZING food, and even though neither of us told them it was our anniversary, the table next to us told them. Our server surprised us with 2 candles for 2 years together in our delectable dessert.  I definitely want to go back, there was so much on the menu that I need to try.  If you are looking for a great place in Oakland, we highly recommend, just make sure to make a reservation way ahead of time if its a weekend dinner, for a Monday night, I made the reservation the day before and it was fine!  Below are pics and descriptions of our lovely meal…

Russet Potato Gnocchi with Sweet White Corn, Spring Onions, Basil, Aleppo Pepper, Parmesan Cheese, Wild Leek Pistou

Crispy Pork Belly with Whiskey Baked Beans, Grilled Savoy Cabbage, Soft Boiled Quail Egg

Pan Roasted Half Chicken  with Fingerling Potatoes, Grilled Radicchio, Spinach, Garlic Confit, Bread Crumbs, Lemon-Rosemary Jus

( I usually do not order the chicken, but I heard this was so good, and it really was!)

Grilled Rib Eye Steak with Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Morel Mushrooms, Confit Shallots, Whipped Bone Marrow, Veal Demi Glace

Cute little jug of cream and sugar for our coffee

Warm Chocolate Cake  with Nutella-Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Hazelnut Anglaise, Candied Hazelnuts, Chocolate Sauce

I have been really into cooking and trying new recipes lately, and I made the most amazing, easy Israeli dish called Shakshuka last night for Sunday dinner.  It is a spicy tomato, bell pepper and onion stew  with poached eggs, that you can make in one skillet.  You start out making the stew base with the veggies and garlic, then once it is hot and bubbling, you crack 5-6 eggs evenly over the mixture. Then, cover the pot and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, and the eggs cook over easy on top.  Its delicious with feta cheese and cilantro as a garnish, and warm pita bread on the side.  Here is the recipe I used, enjoy!