Spice indulgence

Saffron... It has an amazing impact on a dish both in flavor and in color. I was fortunate enough to come along a big (and shockingly affordable) container of saffron threads when on my honeymoon. While I bought several containers for gifts, only that which was in my carry-on bag made it home after Customs inspected my suitcase. Those Customs workers must have been foodies too. Back to cooking in my kitchen... I made a grilled saffron shrimp and rice dish with a yogurt dill sauce that was as appetizing as it was colorful. Cheers to dinner dates at home.

A Farmers' Market morning

There’s something great about buying local foods from vendors who are so passionate about their product that you feel lucky to sample their creations. You can find this foodie culture at your local farmers' market. I love to see the beautiful, vibrant colors of fresh produce, children with painted faces, and live music to entertain the crowds. I especially look forward to the delicious samplings of the local honey, cheese, and artisan bread vendors. Of course, I had come prepared with my cash and market bag to fill.

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South Pearl Market

Jazz in City Park

Quintessential to summertime in Denver, Jazz in City Park is one of those events that I love about living in the city. Jazz is a great venue for taking in a little live music, a great picnic spread, the gathering of friends, and amazing people watching.

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City Park Jazz

Food Happy Dance

Every once and awhile you eat a meal that makes you dance. Every foodie has their own happy dance. It is glorious when you get to enjoy something worthy of your food happy dance. Mine made an appearance this week. Dan and I got to enjoy an especially wonderful date night at Fruition compliments of a wedding gift from friends. Fruition is a cozy and quaint neighborhood place that my mom raves as being the best restaurant in Denver. Well, this place has also caught the eye of many others because the chef was recently written up in Food and Wine magazine. As you can see, I was in foodie heaven!

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Fruition Restaurant

A little brunch for dinner

My husband and I love breakfast – at the traditional morning hour and otherwise. We actually have breakfast for dinner about once a week. On the menu this week was my go-to frittata. It’s perfect because it is both healthy and easy to make. And the ingredients are easily adaptable to what you already have in the fridge.

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Asparagus Frittata Recipe

Entertaining

I grew up in a home that did a lot of entertaining. And I have a mom who is a wonderful hostess. She was a great example for me and I inherited her love for entertaining. It means a lot to me to have a home that welcomes friends and family to gather to share a meal and a bottle of wine together.

On the appetizer menu:…garlic toast points, dry Italian salami, and pistachio pesto. Instead of the traditional pine nuts, I sub pistachios when I make pesto for a healthier (lower in fat) yet just as flavorful spread. Cheers!