She Paused for Thought

Asparagus Salad w/Shallots, Pine Nuts & Cheese

May 13, 2013

Warmer weather is finally approaching and with it comes delightful spring vegetables. One of my favorites is asparagus: it’s stylish, bright and addictive.

There are so many simple ways to cook asparagus, and today’s recipe won’t heat up your kitchen or take much of your time. It is also perfect for a picnic or potluck as it travels well.

I took this delectable “Raw Asparagus Salad with Shallots, Pine Nuts & Cheese” to my monthly LA Food Blogger’s Meet-Up. This month’s theme was salads, and what a fabulous array of spring inspired dishes we had. Here are just a few.
Check back for a link up to all the salad recipes.

Maura Hernandez of The Other Side of the Tortilla made Ensalada Xec (Mayan citrus salad ) & Ericka Sanchez of Nibbles and Feasts made Melon Salad with Coconut Milk.

Judy Lyness of Two Broads Abroad created this gorgeous Thai Beef Salad Continue Reading →

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Strawberries with Balsamic

May 6, 2013

balsamic-strawberries-on-gelato-1

Have you ever had a dessert that is so divinely decadent you felt you needed to confess to someone after eating it? I have, and here is my confession.

I recently had the privilege of attending a classic Italian lunch at Erika Kerekes of In Erika’s Kitchen. The Italians really know how to eat and Erika really knows how to cook.

We started our engaging meal with a peach Bellini followed by a Northern Italian meal.

in erika's kitchen Our gracious host Erika preparing the Focaccia – Radicchio Salad with Prosciutto Continue Reading →

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Orange Posset & Blackberry Compote

April 25, 2013

Orange Posset & Blackberry Compote by Cathy nelson arkle

If you haven’t tried a posset, I encourage you to try this easy dessert that has an incredible WOW factor built in. I usually put all of my energy into appetizers and the main course when I entertain, which means I usually find myself “spent” by the time it comes to dessert. So when I find a recipe that I can make in advance with minimal effort that commands rave reviews from my guests, I call that recipe a keeper. And that is exactly what this recipe is for me. I hope you enjoy it as much as my company does. Continue Reading →

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Animal Cracker Soup

April 13, 2013

photo by cathy nelson arkle
In honor of National Animal Cracker Day (April 18^th) I decided to use creative license to craft a recipe from one of my favorite childhood classic songs, “Animal Crackers in My Soup” sung by Shirley Temple in the 1935 film Curly Top.

barnum-animal-crackers box

If this movie was before our time, most of us remember the Barnum animal crackers from our childhood, which are alive and well, with 40 million circus train boxes sold each year. Long gone are the days that a box sold for just 5 cents back in 1902. Today a box costs around $1.25. Continue Reading →

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Deviled Green Eggs and Ham

April 2, 2013

Deviled Green Eggs & Ham cathy nelson arkle

Today’s recipe is inspired by one of my all time favorite books “Green Eggs & Ham” by Dr. Seuss. I love Sam-I-am’s persistence in getting his friend to taste something so different and odd. “They are so good, so good, you see!”

“You do not like them.
So you say.
Try them! Try them!
And you may.
Try them and you may, I say.”

And in the end… Sam-I-am’s friend was grateful for having tried them.

“I do so like
green eggs and ham!
Thank you!
Thank you,
Sam-I-am.”

Inspired by this book and its’ motivating lesson, I am revisiting foods that I thought I didn’t like to give them a second chance. I challenge you to do the same. (And maybe some day you will thank me as well!)