AFTERNOON DELIGHT

There is a magical feeling as you approach Encinitas from the south. A gold lotus dome towers over Coast Highway 101, home of the Self Realization Fellowship and famous “Swamis” Gardens. It is a spiritual retreat built in 1937 by Paramahansa Yogananda. It was here he was inspired to write his book “Autobiography of a Yogi.” I was in the mood today to gaze out at the sapphire sea amongst koi ponds, flowers and palm trees at Swami’s Gardens. It is a very peaceful beautiful place. There are many visitors, yet it remains a quiet place of reflection.
Thought I would share some photos of this serene spot. One of the unique things that make Encinitas the special place town it is.

THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA

Ina Garten............I love this woman, love, love, love her! Love her cookbooks. (I own five) with elegant, yet simple recipes. Love her television show on Food Network. I watch it every night at 5:00PM. What is it about her? It it her gorgeous home in East Hampton, New York that I love? I fantasize about living in that house., that incredible kitchen, the lush vegetable garden and newly built barn. Is it her dinner parties, where she entertains with such ease, and has such a good time? I want to be a guest at her dinner parties. I want to enjoy her incredible cocktails, delicious and decadent desserts. I want to have talented friends that can come over and create beautiful floral arrangements for me. Yes, I am obsessed with all things Ina.. but, she can have her Jeffrey (married 39 years), I will keep my adorable husband of 21 years, Steve. For more Ina, visit http://www.barefootcontessa.com/.

Here is a recipe I recently made for Easter Brunch. Delicious!

POTATO BASIL FRITTATA (FROM BAREFOOT CONTESSA FAMILY STYLE)

Serves 8

8 T. unsalted butter, divided 2 cups peeled and 1/2 inched boiling potatoes

8 extra large eggs,

15 ounces ricotta cheese

1/2 T. kosher salt, 1/2 T. freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup Gruyere cheese, grated

1/4 cup chopped basil leaves

1/3 cup all purpose flour

1/4 t. baking powder

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Melt 3 T. butter in a 10 inch oven proof omelet pan over medium low heat. Add the potatoes and fry them until cooked through, turning often, 10 to 15 minutes. Melt the remaining 5 T. of butter in a small dish in the microwave. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs in a large bowl, then stir in the ricotta, Gruyere, melted butter, salt, pepper, and basil. Sprinkle on the flour and baking powder and stir into the egg mixture. Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes and place the pan in the center of the oven. Bake the frittata until it is browned and puffed. 50 minutes to an hour. It will be rounded and firm in the middle and a knife inserted in the frittata should come out clean. Serve hot.

A PEAK AT MY KITCHEN

I have never been a great photographer. I received my first digital camera last Christmas. My teenage daughters showed me how to download photos to the computer. My husband cropped the original of the kitchen photo. He didn't think the messy refrigerator look was very attractive. I agree, but I am kind of messy in general. Right now there piles of hardwood samples tucked in corners around the house. After months of research, we are getting hardwood. When the floors get installed, I will attempt to a share a semi-professional photo with you. Until then, please bear with this blogger in training.

SPRINGTIME IN SAN DIEGO!!

THE CARLSBAD RANNUCULA FLOWER FIELDS ARE A WELCOME SIGN THAT SPRING HAS ARRIVED HERE IN SAN DIEGO. MOTHER NATURE PLAYED A TRICK ON US THIS WEEKEND. WE HAD TEMPERATURES IN THE 90'S. I WENT TO THE GROCERY STORE AND EVERYONE WAS IN SHORTS AND BATHING SUITS. WELL, NOT EVERYONE. MY 50 SOMETHING BODY WORE CAPRIS AND A T-SHIRT. WHEN SUMMER ARRIVES BEFORE SPRING LOCALS AND VISITORS ALIKE GET A LITTLE EXCITED. PEOPLE GO DOWN TO THE BEACH, GRAP BEACH BLANKETS,UMBRELLAS, AND COOL DRINKS. THE KIDS JUMP IN THE OCEAN, WHICH RIGHT NOW IS ONLY ABOUT 59 DEGREES. AHHHHH! BUT THAT WILL CHANGE, BECAUSE THIS IS NOT NORMAL....WE WILL GO BACK TO TEMPERATURES IN THE HIGH 60'S AND LOW 70S. THEN JUNE WILL ARRIVE AND WE WILL EXPERIENCE "JUNE GLOOM" AT THE COAST. CLOUDY DAYS FOR A FEW WEEKS, AND WE SUFFER.. THEN SUMMER FINALLY ARRIVES. ...REALLY, I AM NOT COMPLAINING.....EITHER WAY, ITS STILL GREAT TO LIVE HERE IN SAN DIEGO..

ITALIAN DREAM

For a long time, I wanted to spend my 20th anniversary in Italy. Months were spent researching the best places to visit. We couldn't wait to arrive, and start the "romantic" celebration. My wish came true, and we spent 10 days in Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast last July. Capri was magical and stunningly beautiful. Sorrento introduced us to the joys of Limoncello . The Amalfi Coast, after a crazy bus ride, was well worth all the twists and turns. While driving through the small towns in Tuscany, we discovered there is a villa in the heart of Tuscany that bore my maiden name, Tancredi. We found the town, about 30 miles from Sienna, drove up the Cypress lined entrance, knocked on the door, and an old woman answered..Bon Giorno...my name is Linda Tancredi....she welcomed us in, gave us the grand tour of this amazing place. and, she spoke perfect English. Her family had purchased the villa over 100 years ago from the Tancredi's. As soon as we returned home, I emailed my siblings and the Tancredi cousins photos of "our" villa. Owning our own villa, now that would be the ultimate Italian Dream!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CUCINA CARA MIA

Here goes...my first blog. I have been lurking for a few months. I have been so inspired by so many amazing blogs and talented and creative people all over the world. Since I am an avid cook of all things Italian, and I love Italy I thought "My Dear Kitchen" might sum up part of who I am and what is important to me.I am originally from New York, and now l am blessed to live in Leucadia, California, part of the city of Encinitas. I want to share some things about this great beach town I live in, its a throw back to the 70's in many ways, a small town, with great people, lots of natural beauty, awesome Italian restaurants, a true sense of spirituality, cool shops, beaches, a strong surf culture and a great place to visit. Please excuse my initial mistakes in "blogging". Hopefully, after a few posts I will get better at it.

Linda Lou