Joy In Every Season

The “Duke” Bagel

If you live in Santa Cruz, or even if you've visited, you probably know of The Bagelry. They've been in business since 1977, serving their bagels and delicious spreads in three locations in town. I have so many memories of taking the girls there when they were younger. It was one of the places where we could grab a "quick bite" and no one ever complained about it. I always got a sesame bagel with tuna salad on one half and egg salad on the other. The girls ALWAYS wanted "The Duke." I say ... Read More about The “Duke” Bagel

Tropical Turkey Burgers

It must be the beginning of spring, the warmer days, and longer evenings, that are screaming out to me to BBQ! I can't seem to get enough of it right now and honestly, I'm not sure how I even get dinner on the table when it's not BBQ season. These Tropical Turkey Burgers are exactly what I needed to this week. Sunshine and burgers!! Wanting a burger, I opted for a slightly healthier version and decided on a Tropical Turkey burger. Lighter in the sense that it's not beef. Hmmm, ok, disregard the ... Read More about Tropical Turkey Burgers

Lemon Thyme Shrimp

This Lemon Thyme Shrimp is simple and quick to make. I've made it multiple times now and it never disappoints. It's delicious served over angel hair pasta, or, for an even lighter meal, I've served it on a bed of arugula as a salad. ... Read More about Lemon Thyme Shrimp

Pineapple Salsa Chicken

I had fresh pineapple salsa on my mind when I entered the market. It was going to top off some perfectly grilled fish. It was barely noon, and I was drooling over what was going to be on my plate for dinner. But, as it turned out, the butcher didn't have what I wanted (I was thinking swordfish or mahi mahi), so I could either give up my salsa idea or settle on chicken. Since I couldn't quite get the pineapple salsa off my mind, and those ingredients were already in my cart, I ... Read More about Pineapple Salsa Chicken

Caprese Stack Salad

When the days are longer and the temps hit 80*, I'm in the mood for BBQ. And salad. Caprese Salad to be exact. Caprese Salad is always a go to in my kitchen. I love fresh ripe tomatoes, creamy salty fresh ricotta and fresh basil, all topped off with a sprinkle of salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic. I usually serve Caprese Salad arranged on a platter, but these orange tomatoes were so pretty, I really wanted them to show, so I decided to stack, hence the name, Caprese Stack ... Read More about Caprese Stack Salad