Culinary Concerto

Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Serum

February 3, 2021November 1, 2020 by Carlotta

Do I have regrets in life? Maybe a few. But I definitely don’t regret the gray hair and wrinkles that accompany a life well-lived for more than a half century. That said, I sure don’t want to look a day older than I actually am!!! Will this serum make you look like an 18 year … Read more Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Serum

Simple Shrimp Scampi

October 30, 2020October 30, 2020 by Carlotta

I have always been a sucker for seafood. One of the beauties of traveling is experiencing the freshest local catch – prepared simply, and served steaming hot.

Power Balls – Energy on the Go

October 6, 2020October 6, 2020 by Carlotta

I like to daydream about winning the lottery — how I would choose to spend and give away the money, and how winning wouldn’t change who I am. But alas, I’ve never purchased a lottery ticket in my life. And record Power Ball winnings pale in comparison to these little gems!

Read morePower Balls – Energy on the Go

Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce (Kötbullar med Gräddsås)

December 12, 2021October 5, 2020 by Carlotta

As I was digging through the cupboard last week, I stumbled across my grandmother’s recipe box. There are memories attached to many of those recipes! Grandma grew up on Järstad farm outside of Skänninge, Sweden. As a young woman, she chose to follow her brother Knut, and emigrate to America. She landed in Minneapolis in … Read more Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce (Kötbullar med Gräddsås)

Carnitas – Mexican Pulled Pork

July 17, 2021September 16, 2020 by Carlotta

Food trucks are my newest fascination. How can someone – in very close quarters – make such incredible food? Quickly? While people stand there, waiting in line? Possibly in snow or pouring rain? Or suffocating heat? It is more than I can process…. There is a mexican food truck in our small town that serves … Read more Carnitas – Mexican Pulled Pork

Sundried Tomato and Basil Hummus

December 8, 2020August 24, 2020 by Carlotta

I’m not exactly the spelling- or grammar-police, but can be horrified by the evident lack of interest in education. Some examples I have seen recently include: On a door: Do to our recent move store is clothes. (Yes! Two embarrassing mistakes on one sign!) At Menards: Panty closet for your kitchen (Who needs an “r” … Read more Sundried Tomato and Basil Hummus

Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken Thighs

July 28, 2020July 28, 2020 by Carlotta

Some times a fave could use an update. Think of how many design changes blue jeans have experienced in the past decades! From bikini-bellbottoms to high-waisted straights, mom jeans to boyfriend jeans, trip-over-your-own-legs-baggies to skin-tight-can’t-breath-jeggings. They are all great, EXCEPT for the ridiculous style in the late 1980’s when we tucked the hem of our … Read more Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken Thighs

Fluffy Gluten Free Pancakes

July 18, 2020July 18, 2020 by Carlotta

Quick question: are you a pancake stacker? or do you prefer single layer, so every little bit can be smeared with butter and drenched in syrup? Just by the way the question is posed, you can probably guess which type of “pancaker” I am. Actually, I would choose waffles any day over pancakes — mostly … Read more Fluffy Gluten Free Pancakes

Basil Lemonade

July 11, 2020July 10, 2020 by Carlotta

I am not a fan of heat and humidity. In fact, I basically shut down when the dew point tops 60 degrees or the temperature rises above 80. During the “dog days” of summer, it’s all I can do to eat, sleep, and take care of the bare necessities. This is why I don’t live in the tropical South!

Simple Blackened Salmon

July 4, 2020July 4, 2020 by Carlotta

Here is an embarrassing confession: I have childishly avoided “blackened” foods for many years. In the late 1980’s, I was served blackened salmon at a restaurant in San Diego. It was basically a charred, overcooked slab of fish. Because of the failure of that chef, I assumed blackened meat of any type was going to … Read more Simple Blackened Salmon