Recipes

Tired of wine? Neither are we. But here’s a different way to enjoy Easter dinner: pairing it with craft beers. Since San Diego is a beer aficionado’s dream, we didn’t need to look too far to find local brews to sample with your food. Here are a few suggestions: Eggs or egg based dishes – Weissbier or wheat beer works well with eggs’ characteristic flavors. Try pairing with Wahoo Wheat Beer from Ballast Point or Windansea Wheat Hefeweizen from Karl Strauss. Ham – darker ales or lagers pair well with the smoky sweetness of Easter ham by offsetting the saltiness and amplifying other flavors. Try San Diego Dark Session Ale from Alesmith Brewing Company or Ugly, an American-style black ale from Alpine Beer Company. Lamb – Trappist ales or Abbey ales work well with the more delicate and lean flavor…

“Mr. and Mrs. Bliss, please follow me.” With that, we were welcomed into a palace. Paul Anthony, my partner in love and business, and I had a delightful Valentine’s dinner this year at the Addison Grand Del Mar. I’ve traveled all over the world and eaten many fine meals, but this was hands down the best meal I’ve ever had! The first thing I noticed and loved was the quiet of the place. The Addison is large and spacious, with fireplaces in each room, an open floor plan, and a huge, exquisite wine cellar. Despite the size of the place, we were seated in a luxurious private booth and treated as if we were the only people there. The wine director, Jesse Rodriguez, was brilliant, helping us choose our aperitif drinks and directing us through the menu. Because we felt…

It’s a great day to make soup. Here’s a tasty recipe that’s easy and full of delicious minerals! Yellow Lentil Soup Boil lentils in 3x the water. Turn off stove and let sit 2 hrs. Drain and rinse. Make broth by simmering veggies of choice with water, kombu (dried seaweed), dried mushrooms, garlic, onions, bayleaf, dried herbs such as thyme. Cook the lentils with the broth. Add sweet potato chunks last half hour of cooking. When done add salt, pepper and little curry powder and WeOlive olive oil. Cook for another 10 mins. Serve with warm crusty rye bread and butter and an IPA (my current fav is Lagunitas Hop Stoopid). Join us on a beer and food walking tour and taste some great local IPAs. -Shira Bliss, Lentil Lover

When you’re busy at work all day, it’s hard to find time to cook in the evenings. So this week I’m practicing some quick, easy and healthy meals that you can prepare fast with limited ingredients. With two only two juicy tomatoes, a bag of saffron rice and a handful of collard greens, I prepared…

Every day is Valentine’s Day when you’ve got Love in your heart. Whether or not, you have a Special Other to join you in celebrating Valentine’s day, why not create a party just for yourself? When it comes to finding the Love of Your Life, he/she may be closer than you think….

This past week, I have been practicing my vegan dishes. It’s fun to find new and healthier ways to prepare some of your favorite meals. Ever try making a chocolate cake … using an avocado? I did! In order to prepare a vegan chocolate cake, you eliminate all ingredients that stem from animals. A healthy…

With such a warm night, I decided to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal on the rooftop deck of my apartment building in Banker’s Hill. Tonight’s menu: Teriyaki stir-fry, sticky rice and dumplings. A quick stop at Ralph’s and I was loaded up with London Broil strips and vibrant colored bell peppers. Back home I…

This holiday you and your guests might like a break from turkey or ham. Try this Tasty Fish Dish from Cook Extraordinaire Marti! Holiday Cheers from Shira Bliss, LJWT. Flounder alla Puttanesca with Yukon Gold Fried Potatoes When I cook, which is frequently, I always use whatever ingredients I have on hand.  The word puttanesca…

Beer dinner at PB Ale House 12/8/11 This was an amazing meal with expert food pairings by the chef at PB Ale House.   After being seated next to Karl, clearly a regular based on the number of hugs from the beautiful wait staff, and Ballast Point’s very own sales person Laura Slayter, things got underway quickly.  We were early so PB Ale House offered up a sampler of their own and for the life of me I cannot remember what it was, however it was a tasty start. For the first course we got to dive into BP’s Abandon Ship Smoked Lager. Yum, it was hard to not drink it all before the food pairing arrived, but arrive it did and it paired nicely.  It was a Brioche Monte Cristo with La Quercia Prosciutto and New York White Cheddar…

Next time you’re out sipping a beer, try out this fun twist on an old classic. We loved rootbeer floats as kids, and now as adults we can enjoy Beer Floats! A healthy scoop of french vanilla ice cream into your dark roasted Stout or Porter will turn a regular glass of beer into a…