Sunset

Take advantage of Summer's bounty of fresh basil with this fragrant recipe. If you have access to different types of basil, use both classic basil and lemony Thai basil. To make this quick meal chicken chunks are cooked with garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and Asian fish sauce. The basil is added at the last minute. This delicious dinner from our friends at MyRecipes.com is perfect for a weeknight. Learn how it's made and read more

With its crunchy croutons, crisp leafy greens, and tangy dressing, the Caesar can be considered the king of dinner salads. In this grown up variation, subtle changes enhance the flavor and appearance of the dish. Radishes act as a pop of pretty color, shaved instead of grated Parmesan adds depth to each biteful, and fresh anchovies are deliciously salty. The anchovies are not necessary, so if the little fish is too overpowering simply omit from the salad.

To take a look at the recipe, which was developed by MyRecipes.com, read more

The other day, I decided to shred up a carrot for my fried rice. Ever since then, I have been craving carrots like crazy. I recently came across this recipe for braised carrots with orange and capers. The flavor sounds fantastic and the color will really brighten the gloomy winter weather. To get the recipe, read more

Quick and simple, this delicious rice dish comes together in a matter of minutes. Pre-cooked, dried white rice is effortlessly flavored with white wine, pureed pumpkin, and sautéed onion. While the rice stands, throw together a simple green salad to pair on the side. This is a filling, vegetarian meal that warms any cold winter night. To give the recipe a try please, read more

Apparently I wasn't the only Bay Area resident enchanted with the skyline on New Year's Eve. Candy23 sent in some photos of her view as well. She says, "This was taken during our drive down on highway 80 back to the Bay Area. It was amazing! As if the sky was on fire!"

One of the biggest advantages of getting to work at home over the holidays was the opportunity to watch the sun set from our deck. Through the wonders of temperate Bay Area temperatures and wireless Internet, I was able to work outside and watch the sky change color for several afternoons in a row. The evening of New Year's Eve was by far one of the most dramatic shows of color I've yet seen.

Was the sky this dramatic on your New Year's Eve? If so, send me pictures!

Ever since Fab's party on Saturday night, I can't stop thinking about French macaroons! They are the perfect dessert because —like cupcakes — they come in a ton of different flavors. They are also small, incredibly cute, and colorful. I've added French macaroons to my list of cookies to bake for the holidays, but instead of doing the classic almond variety, I'm planning on making these peanut-chocolate macaroons. To get the recipe for this scrumptiously, pretty cookie, read more

The only thing better than curling up with a soothing bowl of soup at this time of year, is curling up with a gooey, chocolate dessert. These little individual cakes aren't your ordinary molten cakes, they are filled with a surprise — marshmallows! The recipe is simple to make and oh-so-delicious. To see how it's done, read more

Can a dessert bar be considered a cookie? I hope so, because these pumpkin cream cheese bars are too decadent not to be featured as one of our Cookie Month recipes. The classic pumpkin pie flavors — cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg — are packed into this three-bite dessert. Perfect for Fall, these cookies would be a wonderful addition to a potluck and a lovely finish to any holiday dinner. For the recipe, please read more

I recently opened my front door to find my neighbor standing there with a bag of fresh pears. Little did I know that she was a cooking instructor at Sur La Table and that the pears were leftover from a recent class. I immediately thought of delicate poached dessert pears, but when I came across this recipe for a savory side salad with poached pears, I decided to go with it instead. Pair this salad — that also features goat cheese and macadamia nuts — with a creamy gnocchi, meaty lasagna, or baked casserole. This is a salad that you will enjoy well into winter, so get the recipe now, just read more