The Carmel Valley Life | Author Archives

Shopping for Seafood | Carmel Valley Food Guide

Fishing for Fish In Carmel Valley This writer grew up on the shores of Connecticut and New Jersey, so there should be no question that he has an insatiable appetite and undying love for good seafood. My California quest began in 1968 when I moved to San Diego and has continues to this day. I […]

November 12, 2019 / No Comment / Read More

Very Simple…In Carmel Valley It’s Either Black or White

March 28, 2019 No Comment

This ubiquitous duo are used in almost every recipe, yes, even in many desserts. They are found on practically every table at every Carmel Valley restaurant and on most tables when we eat at home. Yes, in some form, salt and pepper are everywhere food is prepared or consumed. They are the universal seasonings. So let’s take a […]

Carmel Valley Cranberry Relish

November 16, 2017 No Comment

CV CRANBERRY RELISH Here’s a terrific recipe for cranberry relish that I found on the Food Network. Why is it so terrific…all the ingredients are readily available at any Carmel Valley San Diego community grocery store, its VERY simple and quick to prepare and most important it tastes great. It’s a wonderful alternative to the […]

The Best Pumpkin Pie in Carmel Valley*

November 7, 2017 1 Comment

My mom, Liz, has always been and still is the inspiration for my love of “all things cooking”. She is not a gourmet cook but her food, as basic and uncomplicated as it may be, is always delicious. At eighty nine she still makes the best cream puffs I’ve ever eaten, and of course from […]

A San Diego Thanksgiving & the “O” Word

October 10, 2017 No Comment

A San Diego Thanksgiving and the “O” Word Large family, house not big enough, everybody for Thanksgiving dinner…YIKES!!! But not to worry, no problema, it’s a snap. And not everybody needs to be a gourmet cook to contribute. If your Carmel Valley San Diego community family is like ours, once we hit California we stayed regardless of […]

Simple Kitchen Tips

September 12, 2017 No Comment

Carmel Valley Kitchen’s hints, tips and suggestions for food that’s easier, more fun and economical to make, and is absolutely delicious…of course. These kitchen tips, ideas and suggestions pertain to foods that are readily available in all of our grocery stores in the Carmel Valley San Diego community. And please email us with questions as […]

The Carmel Valley “Top 25” Kitchen Hardware

June 1, 2017 2 Comments

“The Top 25” Pieces of Kitchen Hardware You Need So you found a recipe that sounds delicious, you’ve purchased the ingredients at a local grocery store or farmer’s market, and you can’t wait to get into the kitchen to make it an epicurean reality. Something that will make your taste buds sing and cause your […]

The Versatile Chicken | Carmel Valley Chicken Recipe

July 5, 2016 No Comment

What is the Carmel Valley Chicken Recipe? Chicken is one of the most versatile ingredients available. Carmel Valley San Diego community residents can use it in just about anything. Soups, appetizers, hors douvers, entrées, salads or sauces, you just can’t beat chicken. When using the Carmel Valley Chicken Recipe, chicken can be baked, roasted, stewed, fricasseed, […]

Ten “Must Haves” for Every Kitchen

August 27, 2012 No Comment

Regardless of the size of your kitchen or your culinary expertise, if you cook, here are ten eclectic items that you must have. They are all relatively inexpensive, easy to find and essential if you want to create great food. PAM COOKING SPRAY…total control using a spray can so you use just enough fat/oil when […]

Herbs and Spices – Storebought or Homegrown?

July 17, 2012 No Comment

Only $286 per pound and always available at your local Carmel Valley Grocery Store Could we be referring to lobster, no only about $12 per pound, or Kobe beef or caviar or 125 year old Balsamic vinegar? Nope, these can’t be found at your favorite CV grocery. It’s probably something you may very well have […]

The Sharpest Thing in Carmel Valley

June 18, 2012 2 Comments

Of course we’re talking about a knife; the 8”-10” chef’s knife to be exact. At Carmel Valley Kitchen we believe it is the most important and versatile tool for any cook. There is hardly a recipe that doesn’t require the use of a knife. Most cooking professionals have their own personal set of knives that […]

The Journey of a Self-Taught Chef

May 3, 2012 No Comment

If your mom was a good cook – not a great cook but simply a good cook – you probably remember the wonderful smells wafting in from the kitchen…great aromas every time she decided to spend some time creating those mini-culinary masterpieces that tasted so darn good. Whether it was a weekday breakfast, Sunday dinner, […]