Ultimately, food experiences in 2020 were more about taking joy where I found it, rather than seeking the newest, hottest, or best-of. Following are my top-five eats of this year.
My Five Favorite Eats in 2020
Category: Desserts
Waste-Less Wednesday: Whole Lemon Bars
If you live in The 650, then you know that citrus does very well here. Lemons, limes, grapefruits, all kinds of oranges... you see them in front yards, back yards, side yards, and along driveways throughout my neighborhood. The high point for the citrus harvest is usually December through February. However, with the "weird weather" … Continue reading Waste-Less Wednesday: Whole Lemon Bars
Eat Local: American Pie
Happy Pie Day! (No, not Pi Day -- that's in March, natch.) If you didn't know, January 23 is the official day to indulge in that comforting, flavorful, make-me-feel-like-a-kid-again combination of flaky, tender crust and your favorite filling. Whether you like fruity, creamy, nutty, crunchy, hot, cold, room-temperature, you name it, there's a pie for … Continue reading Eat Local: American Pie
Eat Local: Celebrating National Chocolate Day in the 650
Here at 650Food we're keepin' it local for National Chocolate Day. Looking for a chocolate indulgence made right here in the 650 to celebrate this essential food holiday? We've gotcha covered! (And pssst: most of the treat-makers listed below use locally and regionally produced ingredients to craft their chocolate indulgences.) Chocolate Confections Her Coconess Confections … Continue reading Eat Local: Celebrating National Chocolate Day in the 650
Eat Local: Gelataio in Palo Alto
A dozen years ago, I spent a week in Tuscany with friends, exploring the hill towns around Siena. As far as vacations go, it remains one of my most memorable for so many reasons -- time with good friends, the beauty of the countryside, the kindness of everyone we met, not to mention a now-funny … Continue reading Eat Local: Gelataio in Palo Alto
I Scream, You Scream: Easy Apricot Honey Ice Cream
If you follow national food holidays, then you might know that yesterday was National Peach Ice Cream Day. Years ago, I came across a super-easy recipe for fresh peach ice cream in the New York Times Magazine. It's the kind of recipe that makes you want to make fresh ice cream as soon as possible: … Continue reading I Scream, You Scream: Easy Apricot Honey Ice Cream
Field Trip: Celebrating Summer with CUESA
It's summer! Just writing those words brings a smile to my face. (Could you tell that it's my favorite time of year?) How did you mark the official arrival of summer? Did you barbecue at home with the family and neighbors? Take your kids to the park for a picnic? Pass a leisurely afternoon day … Continue reading Field Trip: Celebrating Summer with CUESA
Grow Local: Got Stone Fruit?
The recent hot, hot days have kicked off the ripening process for stone fruit trees here in the 650. The 75-year-old apricot tree in my backyard is heavy with pale-orange, blush-kissed fruit. Every morning for the past week, I've stood under that tree, looking up and pondering which small treasures to pick for the day. … Continue reading Grow Local: Got Stone Fruit?
I Scream, You Scream: Rich Chocolate Sherbet and Rocky Road Redux
I hope you rested up after National Doughnut Day yesterday, because today is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day! Come to think of it, you better pace yourself because June is packed full of sweet food holidays. Oh, and in case you missed it, National Rocky Road Ice Cream Day was on June 2, but don't … Continue reading I Scream, You Scream: Rich Chocolate Sherbet and Rocky Road Redux
Hit the Road!
It's been one of those weeks: delays, fixes, and do-overs. Nail in the tire of my car (amazingly, same time as last year's nail in the tire -- what's up with that?!). Clogged drain. Leaking shower. Browser that keeps screeching to a halt, forcing reboots. You get the idea: one step forward, two steps back. … Continue reading Hit the Road!