tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33236563822131622102024-03-17T16:06:52.278-07:00Love2ChowA blog about food -- cooking, eating out, recipes, cookbooks. Also includes restaurant reviews and sightseeing tips for travel and outdoor adventures.Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-854245620794197692024-02-28T14:11:00.000-08:002024-03-01T04:32:48.749-08:00Mosaic Stairway to Dish Osteria: A T&M Pittsburgh Steps & Dine HikePittsburgh is known as the City of Bridges, but it also qualifies as the Steps Capital of North America with more than 800 public staircases. Over the past decade, Pittsburgh has become a foodie destination, with its many restaurants and pop-ups. My husband and dog (T&M) have been exploring and mapping out loop hikes of all different lengths and elevations, often walking past fantastic Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-72919080414001961892024-01-26T14:47:00.000-08:002024-01-27T18:06:05.232-08:00The Best Brown Butter Bourbon CookiesIt is truly a pleasure to come home from work to find freshly baked cookies. I still remember the day my daughter offered me these unassuming, tan cookies with small cracks across the top. My first bite revealed a luscious, moist interior with layered flavors harmonizing in my mouth like a warm embrace. Nutty brown butter, brown sugar molasses, warm cinnamon-nutmeg and spicy, smooth caramel Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-26572316113654552023-12-16T15:49:00.000-08:002023-12-18T05:25:41.129-08:00Channel Islands 4. Santa Catalina, Two Harbors & AvalonJust off the coast of southern California lies a series of 8 small islands, five of which form the Channel Islands National Park. Santa Catalina Island is that often misty, but always present land mass framed so beautifully by the arching pines of Rancho Palos Verdes. On the 4th day of our Lindblad/NatGeo Channel Island cruise, we hiked past a bison and kayaked in a crystal clear cove Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-91441774100978383602023-12-11T20:05:00.000-08:002023-12-18T05:49:52.328-08:00Channel Islands 3: Santa Rosa Island's Varied Landscapes Just off the coast of southern California lies a series of 8 small islands, five of which form the Channel Islands National Park. On the third day of our Lindblad Nat Geo Venture cruise, we spent the entire day exploring the highlands, beaches, canyons and Torrey pine groves of Santa Rosa Island. An unexpected wealth of small wildflowers, glimpses of the elusive Santa Rosa Island fox Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-69454300074420904882023-11-29T18:44:00.000-08:002023-12-18T05:38:28.899-08:00Channel Islands 2b: Hiking Santa Cruz Island Just off the coast of southern California lies a series of 8 small islands, five of which form the Channel Islands National Park. Santa Cruz Island is the largest of the northern volcanic chain, a partially submerged tail-like extension of the Santa Monica Mountains. For our afternoon excursion, we selected the long hike up to a scenic viewpoint near Prisoners Harbor. Although the giant coreopsisCharleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-39850705338804266322023-11-23T11:38:00.000-08:002023-12-18T05:36:28.094-08:00Channel Islands 2a: Anacapa Island Cliffs & Marine LifeJust off the coast of southern California lies a series of 8 small islands, five of which form the Channel Islands National Park. Anacapa Island is closest to Ventura, CA, about 12 miles off the coast. And the multiple flights of California brown pelicans coming out to sea at dawn are a dramatic testament to the success of Pittsburgher Rachel Carson's impact in rescuing wild birds. We enjoyed a Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-22311877231803308102023-11-19T16:25:00.000-08:002023-12-18T05:19:48.695-08:00Channel Islands 1. Dolphins and moonriseJust off the coast of southern California lies a series of 8 small islands, five of which form the Channel Islands National Park. These isolated bits of land host such a variety of unique plants and animals that they have been nicknamed The Galapagos of North America. Access to the parks is not straightforward, so we jumped at the chance to visit four of the six Channel Islands that are openCharleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-44123828166591512602023-11-14T16:19:00.000-08:002023-12-18T05:27:48.761-08:00Southern California Hikes with Santa Catalina ViewsFor over a decade, we have aspired to visit the Channel Islands off the coast of southern California. The largest of these, Santa Catalina, has the most glamorous past, but each of the islands host unique wildlife and a beautiful sense of timeless serenity. Before embarking on a Lindblad cruise to the Channel Islands, we arrived early to the Port of Los Angeles area where I grew up. We enjoyed Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-82973800747272498832023-08-05T12:02:00.025-07:002024-02-01T08:50:32.851-08:00Japchae: Easy, use what you've got Korean glass noodlesThere are some comfort foods that are so easy and adaptable that you find yourself making them over and over again, each time a little differently. Korean Japchae, with its chewy-slippery, bronzed sweet potato noodles has become one of my favorite, quick dinners. It joins the ranks of a handful of adaptable recipes that allow me to reinvigorate leftover odds and ends into satisfying, highly Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-24328150569712177812023-07-04T14:16:00.092-07:002023-07-16T19:31:43.625-07:00State Parks & Rails: Exploring American HistoryFor better or worse, railroads have played a key role in American history. The transcontinental railroad built by immigrant laborers tied this country together, while decommissioned rail-lines today provide quieter access to our riverways via rail trails. But what does it feel and sound like to ride behind a steam locomotive through lush green, river-lined forests? What role did trains play in Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-14774493428727759352023-05-05T18:59:00.013-07:002023-11-29T16:32:48.791-08:00Radish Three Ways with Nutty Brown Butter CouscousA fantastic spring dish featuring those colorful bunches of red and white radishes with vibrant greens on top! An easy, quick and satisfying vegetarian meal with bright flavors and colors. The crisp zestiness of raw radish and sumac contrast beautifully with the soft, buttery notes of browned radish and silky greens. A few crunchy almonds and sweet bits of raisin add to the culinary bliss. &Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-52749509413718524472023-02-05T11:04:00.025-08:002023-11-29T16:31:47.356-08:00S'mores bar cookies to keep you warm all winterFor many people, making S'mores at a campfire with family and friends is a cherished summer/fall memory. Patience is the key to uniformly toasted marshmallows with soft ooey centers that serve to melt the chocolate when squished between sweet graham crackers. These Nutella S'mores bars are the perfect treat to recreate the warmth and carefree fun of summer nights all through the winter. Plus, Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-69039617398356178702022-10-31T14:21:00.120-07:002024-01-11T11:58:03.710-08:00A Wok Kitchen Transformed 2: Kitchen Design & DetailsIt's been a bit over a year since the finishing strip of moulding was applied across the top of the original range hood in our remodeled kitchen. And we could not be happier with the function of all of the elements. The highlights for me are the 48" Wolf Rangetop with its centerpiece Wok Burner, a Magic Corner II spice rack and a Create Good Sinks ledge workstation. My husband is equally Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-24049807117941347472022-10-14T15:17:00.035-07:002022-10-16T15:17:37.107-07:00Enjoying West Virginia Heritage Food at Lost Creek FarmThe Farm & Forage Dinners at Lost Creek Farm are truly an unforgettable experience. After bumping and jostling down a narrow gravel road, you emerge into another world -- a gracious warm-white farmhouse, lit by the angled rays of the setting sun that transform into strings of fairy lights. Chef Mike Costello and Chef Amy Dawson and staff work their magic for a seamlessly perfect evening Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-8635981048510405322022-10-06T20:24:00.038-07:002023-11-14T16:23:35.904-08:00Easy Green Chile Stuffed Poblano Peppers: Low-carb, Gluten-free and Highly AdaptableThis easy stuffed poblano pepper is robustly satisfying, flavored with green enchilada sauce and shredded cheese. The recipe is straightforward and highly adaptable, based on what vegetables are fresh and in season. It is equally good enjoyed as a vegetarian meal or stuffed with your choice of ground meats. No tortillas needed for that great enchilada flavor, and it plates up beautifully for Love2Chowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243994753102445895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-10719896587245030062022-07-07T11:04:00.021-07:002023-11-14T16:23:55.519-08:00Baked Chinese BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao 叉燒包)There is nothing quite like biting into hot, golden-brown burnished buns filled with succulent, salty and mildly sweet chunks of Chinese barbecue pork. A perfect marriage of Western-influenced yeasty milk bread and traditional Cantonese roast pork, we seek out this inexpensive, hand-held meal whenever we visit a Chinatown -- whether in LA, Boston, Vancouver, San Francisco, New York or D.C. Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-72952434494891992172022-05-10T18:08:00.013-07:002023-11-14T16:24:19.266-08:00Grand Canyon 4: Hopi Point Sunrise and Hiking Below the RimSunrise over the Grand Canyon is truly spectacular! Silhouettes of thrones and temples highlighted against a rose-orange sky give way as distant canyon walls bloom into color when illuminated by shafts of morning light. As the show brightened into day, we strolled into the El Tovar Dining Room. After enjoying breakfast, my sisters set out to Montezuma Castle on the way to the airport, while my Love2Chowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243994753102445895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-71274284068102712622022-05-04T18:02:00.022-07:002023-11-14T16:24:37.752-08:00Grand Canyon 3: Walking the Rim Trail, Moran Point and Grandview SunsetFollowing our Rim-to-River introduction to the Grand Canyon, played out over the first two days, we returned for a deeper look at its fascinating geology, natural history, and art-inspiring viewpoints along the South Rim. The Trail of Time allowed us to venture back in time (or further down into the canyon) to touch 1.75 billion year old rocks. After a fantastic steak lunch at the Big E Love2Chowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243994753102445895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-54826227702025117602022-04-24T19:51:00.031-07:002023-11-14T16:25:00.479-08:00Grand Canyon 2: Rafting the Colorado River with Hualapai River RunnersAfter viewing the dramatic upper canyon from the uppermost layer of the Colorado plateau, one of our most exciting days at the Grand Canyon involved getting up close and personal with some Colorado River rapids! This one day, 55-mile journey hosted by Hualapai River Runners was surely a highlight of our trip. Whitewater thrills, miles and miles of dramatic canyon walls lined by 1.75 billion year Love2Chowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243994753102445895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-28509894492887394922022-04-21T20:46:00.043-07:002023-12-18T05:54:41.408-08:00Grand Canyon: From Rim to River the Easy Way We visited the Grand Canyon to celebrate a sister's birthday, and found ourselves captivated by the ever-changing light, color and shadows displayed across the immense canyon walls. The allure of the canyon draws you down to see what is just around the corner, while curious ravens and bold squirrels look on. The canyon is so convoluted that you can only get small glimpses of the mighty Colorado Love2Chowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243994753102445895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-56988560399849169132022-02-14T19:45:00.006-08:002022-02-14T21:17:55.281-08:00Wine, Olives & Cookies - Three Days in Paso Robles with a stop in SolvangAfter a fantastic New Year celebration with family in San Diego, we drove north to enjoy Paso Robles and Pacific Grove with two chow chows. Both communities were dog friendly with lots of outdoor activities and dining options. In Paso Robles we stayed in a fantastic AirBNB and enjoyed wine country, brown butter cookies, an olive oil tasting, many excellent meals and a walk amidst craggy oaks on Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA35.6368759 -120.65450227.3266420638211542 -155.8107522 63.947109736178845 -85.4982522tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-55188847602522744062022-02-10T20:18:00.015-08:002022-02-13T08:08:31.740-08:00Eight Treasures Sticky Rice Bundt Cake: Ringing in the Lunar New Year with Ba Bao Fan 八寶飯We celebrated the first weekend in the Year of the Tiger with a dumpling wrapping party -- the first since the pandemic. It was great fun to get together with friends and family again. After enjoying all-you-can-eat pork-cabbage dumplings, gluten-free crystal dumplings, and various potluck sides, the evening was capped with this spectacular (and surprisingly easy) Instant Pot riff on a festive Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-74238501061970498292022-01-09T19:09:00.013-08:002023-12-18T05:47:14.146-08:00Spectacular Short Coastal Hikes in the San Diego Area: Razor Point and Annie's Canyon TrailDuring a New Year's 2022 family gathering near San Diego, we enjoyed outdoor cooking, hiking and reading in the sunshine. We revisited the spectacular Torrey Pines shoreline and discovered a hidden canyon gem in the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Preserve. Each of these featured hikes is less than 2 miles round trip. California is known for its stunning and varied landscapes. In additionCharleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-1590055894008083182021-12-27T10:13:00.019-08:002024-01-28T07:43:27.420-08:00A Warm Bowl of ChiliWhen the weather turns cool, nothing is more satisfying than a nice bowl of chili. And a chili bar certainly makes for stress-free entertaining, accommodating vegan, carnivore and everyone in between! These four chili recipes -- chipotle black bean chili, white bean chicken chili, chipotle red and white chili with sausage, and a hearty vegetarian chili -- have become our go-to recipes over the Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323656382213162210.post-46001009358232605192021-10-24T15:24:00.055-07:002022-05-07T07:38:28.698-07:00Chicken Scallopine Piccata with Caper BerriesThe first time I had this lemony rich version of chicken piccata, I fell in love with Cerignola olives and caper berries. We had just eaten at the now closed Lidia's Pittsburgh, and I immediately bought Lidia's Italian-American Kitchen. Making this dish at home is even more satisfying. It is a surprisingly easy way to get a kid- and nanny-pleasing meal on the table! And its rich flavors & do Charleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316895833629997364noreply@blogger.com2