Happy Thanksgiving

So thankful for the love of my family and our love for food. I volunteered for the stuffing (no complaints), the girls prepared the salad (tasty), and a first time hit for dad's kalua turkey (super yummy).

My Favorite Things

My MINI, singing angel, David, a picture of my baby on a surfboard, and my Candice Kumai cookbooks are some of my favorite things right now.

Size 0 Cake

I don't know how Candice Kumai

does it! Using a mashed banana as a substitute for butter is genius and delicious! The frosting is only milk, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar, no butter! Hence, the size 0 cake.

Soup and Sandwich

Nothing makes you feel more loved than a bowl of chicken noodle soup and sandwich.

Nigella's Breakfast Biscotti

I first questioned the lack of butter in a biscotti recipe which explains a very hard, very tough cookie.

Quiche

Now I know why Neiman Marcus charges $13 for quiche-a lot of steps to a slice of heaven-light, smooth, and so delicious.

Lickety Split

A much deserved reward for washing the cars. Very friendly service but too much pineapple in the monster sundae spoiled it.

Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie

The $250 cookie. You know the urban legend?! I personally think the cakey chocolate chip cookie is better.

Happy Birthday Ester and Debby

Can you believe this lady is 66 years old? It must be the positive attitude, Filipino foods, and good genes that I hope will rub off on me and make me look this good when I'm in my 60s. A surprise visit from fabulous Neiman Marcus manager and cousin Deb. Happy birthday to two special ladies in one of my favorite cafes on the island. Our lunch inspired me to find

quiche recipes.

NYC Mayor Bloomberg's Oatmeal Cookie

Hurricane Sandy ravaged the east coast and I show support for one of my favorite cities with a donation and baking the NYC Mayor Bloomberg's

favorite cookie. Crunchy on the edges, chewy on the inside with a cup full of chocolate chips for extra depth and sweetness.

Fried Chicken

The 4 hours of marinating and 1/4 c of hot sauce are a little much but so worth it! I cover the chicken for part of its cooking time so that it steams and keeps the meat juicy. Then I transfer the chicken to the oven for the last 10 minutes of cooking which makes the skin really crisp. Do I dare say....this might be better than KFC!

Thai Village

I'd say this is the best Thai restaurant on the island-friendly

service, good sized portions, delicious food, and reasonable prices. We always devour the fried chicken, pad thai, and rajmunit (vegetables).

Potato Bacon Fritata

Giada's recipe calls for prosciutto but there's only bacon available. A light, yet filling meal.

Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

What's a girl to do with homemade brioche, compliments of Estelle? Why, make Nigella Lawson's chocolate bread pudding! The brioche had a lot to do with turning out an excellent, not to custardy, not too doughy pudding.

Surfer Jack

He may hate getting wet, but he looks as golden as his daddy after a surf session.

Happy Halloween

Happy Birthday Kayleen

Birthday wishes to my dear friend who taught me how to ride a bike in the 5th grade. A light lunch of meatball soup and falafels.