Teriyaki Salmon with Furikake

This dish was a hit when my cousin Jeannie made this for a gathering. So simple (I'm not kidding), so good (even the kids eat it) and so satisfying (salmon's health benefits are written about all the time). Spread teriyaki marinade over salmon and a thin layer of mayonnaise. Sprinkle furikake over salmon and bake for 15 minutes at 350. After 15 minutes, drizzle a tablespoon of teriyaki marinade over salmon and bake for 5 more minutes. Enjoy!

Wheeler Elementary Chorus

The sound of children singing Christmas songs puts you in the spirit. The holidays have officially begun with Anna's Christmas concert at Pealridge, writing a letter to Santa at Macy's and having all the decorations put up.

Hello Dolly Bar

Also known as a seven-layer bar, April is a huge bar fan so I thought of her when I made these. Another Cooking Light recipe but far from light and healthy. I substituted sweetened condensed milk for the fat free version and doubled the amount of semisweet chocolate chips and was not disappointed. Crunchy on the edges, chewy and gooey on the inside from the chocolate and butterscotch morsels melted between coconut flakes and toasted pecans resting on top of a graham cracker crust. Not only were they yummy but also made my house smell yummy too!

Chai Shortbread

This cookie brings me back to Bali where I had my best cup of tea-chai tea after a yoga session in Kuta. A combination of cardamom, cloves, and black pepper gives these cookies a taste reminiscent of the Indian spiced tea. Very light, tasty and healthy..., perfect with a cup of tea.

Teddy's Bigger Burger

We often seize the opportunity to visit Teddy's Bigger Burger whenever we're in Hawaii Kai. Reasonable prices, big portions, and great french fries and of course, delicious burgers are reasons to frequent this small but not small in taste hamburger chain.

Blueberry Muffin

You know how sometimes an accident produces a product even better than the intended outcome. Well, this was NOT the case. A beginning baker is advised to read the recipe not once but sometimes twice and even three times. I swear I did, but I mistakenly read softened for melted and it made all the difference. These muffins were not light and fluffy, instead dense and doughy, like mochi. Disaster!

Thanksgiving-Hana Hou!

Not only are Mom and Pops great cooks, they are such great hosts, something I hope to be one day. I'm so thankful for generosity of the Gruzinskys and the delicious foods Pops always prepares, especially his macaroni salad with a unique blend of macaroni, sugar, white vinegar, and mayonaise. I love love love this dish that I've been trying to recreate in my own home but with no success...yet.