May is the month for pink! Even the air smells like pink and the flowers are in bloom  with vibrant colors. In California the whole year feels like an endless summer, yet in the month of May the market is full of fresh juicy berries that are just waiting to be taken home. A few days ago at the Farmer's Market we found fresh organic raspberries and immediately thought to make this Raspberry Mousse recipe that grandma used to make in spring and summer. 

Another rainstorm was sweeping down the Pacific coast from the north and the temperature turned a little cooler then usual for spring. You may have heard about California rain in the song by Albert Hammond "It never rains in California, but girl, don't they warn ya, It pours, man, it pours." Even in paradise there is rain, not very often but it does happen here in sunny Southern California, and that calls for something comforting and warming.

Yesterday we were sitting outside on the patio breathing in the sweet, warm spring air and thinking about what to cook while sipping a glass of Chardonnay. The sun reflected like gold in our wine glass and we had to think of golden buttery potatoes sprinkled with parsley. Since we had New Potatoes from the market and Chardonnay already opened we decided to make Parsley Chardonnay Potatoes. The recipe is so simple and gives immediate satisfaction.

 

Easter weekend is coming up and our thoughts are turning to what to make for that special Easter Sunday Brunch. In the past we have had different menus with ham and roasts all planned out for Easter, but this year it came too quickly so we are looking for something lighter and faster in the flavor of the California coast. 

 

Since we have been living in Santa Barbara, we have taken frequent stints to the nearby wine country of Santa Ynez to visit the friends who make wine, check on new releases, and of course sample wine at the wineries. Picture smooth rolling hills with docile sheep and cows grazing lazily throughout the day while now in the rainy winter season the vines are resting and the cows are sleeping. Winter doesn't usually bring snow in Santa Barbara, just on the mountain tops in the distance and in the Santa Ynez Valley there can be frost on winter mornings. Do to the moderate climate in California, you can visit the wineries in winter too. When the weather has a bit of a chill to it we start thinking of warm hearty dishes that of course entail a splash of red wine.