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“I had some of my cookbooks at a specialty consignment store in Malibu called Creo Arthouse full of incredible artists on many platforms. I happened to walk in to check on sales and this group of women were looking around for cool things. The owner pointed out my cookbook and said that the author happened to be in the store. It turned out that this lovely woman’s daughter in celiac as well as one of her closest friends. She flipped through the book and loved it! She bought 2 books of which I signed for her the way she wanted. That was a very special moment for me.”

Mark’s Superhero Themed 5th Birthday Party
Every year I’ve catered for this adorable little boys birthday, Mark, since he was 1 year old. Of course, we missed a few because of Covid, but his parents sure made up for that lost time on this one! They had costumed entertainers dressed like the biggest superheros, even the Joker was on stilts! The kids ate Marks favorites; pizza and crispy panko chicken fingers, while the adults gorged on Maine lobster with avocado and orange dressing, shrimp with lemon butter, filet mignon with onion au jus, Chinese chicken salad, Arugula salad, Baked Wild Salmon with bacon, onion, fennel salsa, Caprese salad with blood orange balsamic and roasted cauliflower, baby heirloom carrots and asparagus with truffle oil and Parmesan. The Malibu Chef looks forward to next year’s event, possibly in Florida!

A Very Special Family Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving was special because my stepdaughter and her partner Ben now have an 18 month old toddler who is now running around and doing some talking! Its was just a small gathering of six people but super special. We always say a prayer and tell everyone what we are thankful for. Most everyone said family was the most important. We almost always have the same meal (but I always try squeeze in some of my own families traditions), which consists of a small 12 pound turkey, traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes, potato and fried sage gratin, (also in my cookbook), my mom’s bibb salad with fresh dill and lemon olive oil dressing, buttery white corn, blanched green beans with butter and slivered almonds (we all like a lighter version of the typical green bean casserole), fresh cranberry relish, and for the first time fresh baked caramelized yams with vegan butter and vegan marshmallows that has no corn syrup, which was Ben’s request. For dessert, my homemade pecan pie (that is on this website under recipes) and pumpkin pie with a side of freshly whipped cream. I hope your Thanksgiving was as wonderful as mine!

On an unusually warm Christmas Eve, my extended family gathered around the dining table for a dinner unlike any other. Instead of the traditional holiday feast, I decided to shake things up and try something new and exciting, and they went for it!

The table was set meticulously by my stepdaughter. The smells weren’t that of a turkey, but with a salmon and orzo dish, macaroni and cheese, baby garlic boiled then roasted baby potatoes, Caesar salad, roasted asparagus, mini brioche buns, filet mignon,  and whole roasted with chimichurri sauce. For dessert, we all indulged in my special dulche de leche cake, which isn’t your traditional style, but more like a tiramisu one spoons onto the plate. This unusual Christmas Eve dinner had brought us closer together, creating lasting memories that they would cherish for years to come.

Halloween Dessert Table-
We went all out to find the best and fun things for kids and adults. The cupcakes and cookies were from Gelsons Markets Viktor Benes Bakery. The bakery is first class and makes very good items and has been is my “go-to” place for great many events when I don’t have the time to make them myself. We also had ‘brain’ and pumpkin gummies which were glucose free. I managed to make my Blood Orange Ricotta Olive Oil Upside Down Cake, which I topped with thin slices of blood oranges. It was moist and a huge hit! See the recipe under the recipe tab.  

The Thoughtful Chef’s Guide To Gluten-Free Salad Cooking

Tips And Tricks From The Salad Secrets Test Kitchen Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this blog will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to create unique gourmet recipes and gluten-free salads. We’ll discuss topics such as alternative ingredients, flavor profiles, and plating techniques, and we’ll share some of our favorite recipes along the way. Let’s explore the wonderful world of gluten-free salad cooking and share some tips and tricks from the Salad Secrets Test Kitchen. Gluten free cooking has become increasingly popular in recent years. As more and more people discover their sensitivities or allergies to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. While gluten free cooking may seem daunting initially, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, gluten-free salads can be just as delicious and nutritious as their gluten-containing counterparts, and they offer a whole new world of ingredients and flavors to explore. The Good Salad The key to making a good salad is using fresh and high-quality ingredients. When shopping for your salad ingredients, choose organic produce whenever possible. Choosing vegetables that are in season is vital as they’ll have the best flavor. When preparing your salad, wash your greens and vegetables thoroughly and let them dry completely. Wet greens will make your salad soggy and unappetizing. Make sure to chop your ingredients into bite-sized pieces to ensure each bite has a bit of everything. Gluten-Free Cooking Obtaining gluten-free components for the salad is essential for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. When choosing salad dressings and toppings, check the labels for gluten-containing ingredients. Some familiar sources of gluten in salads include croutons, fried onions, and soy sauce. A great alternative to croutons is using gluten-free crackers or tortilla chips for added crunch. Salad Secrets Test Kitchen The Salad Secrets Test Kitchen is where creativity and innovation come together to create delicious and healthy gluten-free salads. The kitchen constantly experiments with different ingredients and combinations to create new and exciting salad recipes. One of the kitchen’s secrets is to use various textures in your salad. Adding ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruit can give your salad a nice crunch and add sweetness. Salad Cookbook If you’re looking to expand your gluten-free salad repertoire, “The Thoughtful Chef” cookbook has a variety of salad recipes to choose from. The book features salads made with various ingredients, such as quinoa, lentils, and roasted vegetables. There are also many different dressings to choose from, including lemon tahini, balsamic vinaigrette, and ginger miso. With so many options, you’ll surely find a salad recipe you’ll love. Tips and Tricks Here are some additional tips and tricks from the Salad Secrets Test Kitchen to help you create the perfect gluten-free salad: In conclusion, gluten-free cooking doesn’t have to be bland or flavorless, especially regarding salads. With the right ingredients, techniques, and mindset, you can create salads that are not only gluten-free but also delicious, nutritious, and visually appealing. Following the tips and tricks from the Salad Secrets Test Kitchen, you can elevate your salad game and impress your guests with thoughtfully prepared dishes. And if you’re looking for more inspiration and guidance, don’t forget to check out “The Thoughtful Chef” cookbook by Lisa Stalvey, which is full of clean, organic recipes and invaluable information about the art of cooking with thoughtfulness and passion. So, grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get cooking! 

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