Heidi's Blog

The Soup Gods

I’m one of those people who plan my daily errand run according to right turns and trip time.  Yes, it is rather frightening.  While keeping that in mind and the fact that I basically cook for a living, one would assume that prepping and packing up the ingredients for a Minestrone soup to take and make for a friend would be a breeze.  Well, we all know what happens we assume.  This is a good one!

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Thank You Santa!!!

Dear Santa Claus:

I’ve been thinking about you lately ~ I’m sure you hear that a lot these days.  I sent my Christmas Wish List to you back in January, but this is a different kind of letter, entirely.    

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Praise Piretra and Pass the Pasta!!!!

Praise Piretra and Pass the Pasta!

I love reviewing products; especially the kind that you cork and pour, or simply pour over ice.  While as enticing and intoxicating as those might be, it’s much more fun and engaging when you have a history with the person who creates the product and, hence, can tell their story.  Anyway, who wants to eat a big plate of ravioli and not know whose hands are stuffing them?  Not me!!  Oh, this is Mike:)

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Wagers, Winners and Friends...The Apple Cup!

There’s this guy I know named Karl.  He and I have had a standing bet on the Apple Cup for 20 years.  You know, that super, duper, uber in-State College Football rivalry that makes people do super, duper, uber wonderful things.  Like continuing to bet on a team which has won just 7 of the last 20 games.  GO COUGS!!  Anyhoo, Karl was my boss, when in another lifetime, I was a paralegal.  He’s Husky (oops, I mean A Husky), and you guessed it kids, I’m a Cougar.  (No snide remarks, thank you very much).

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No Bones About It....

Dear Sunset’s Savor the Central Coast Organizers:

Now that the shock of the event has worn off a bit and my sulfite levels are returning to normal, I have a few bones to pick with you. I may be a bit of a rookie when it comes to full-blown press tours, but I didn’t just fall off the turnip truck either. I’ve been in this business for a few minutes now, and I have a pretty good idea of how these jaunts are supposed to pan-out for media teams. This just didn’t cut it.

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California State of Mind

There’s just something groovy about California. I had hoped, and continue to hope, that one day I might reside there in some form or fashion.  I’ve envisioned a cozy cottage near the beach, or maybe a cabin in the mountains. A hideaway in the Red Woods would be nice, or a deck house overlooking the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean and crashing surf.

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Comfort Food

When I was a young girl, a terrible accident befell my family and the world turned upside down. Relatives congregated in our home and all of our neighbors and friends stopped by to lay our table with food.

We were quickly inundated with a deluge of soups, casseroles and every type of baked good you could imagine. Nothing made sense to me, including these edible offerings. I asked my Grandmother, “How come everyone is bringing us something to eat?” She thought for a moment and said, “Because, honey, it’s the only thing they know to do.”

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I met a river this weekend...

I was about my daughter’s age, 12 or 13, when my folks finally let me go to the river with my brothers. I was elated, but realized that such a milestone had a test attached to it wherein I had to confidently swim across the river and back without the aid of flotation devices.

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Paso Part 3: Boys and Their Grapes

Have I ever mentioned that I like wine?  Probably. 

Alright, here’s one: Have I ever mentioned how MUCH I like wine?  Darn it, I guess I need some new material.

Okay, have I told you lately that I love you AND the wine of Paso Robles?  Well, grab a glass (please, drinking alone is no fun) and read on.

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Paso Part 1: Go for the Friendly, Stay for the Fun

Have you ever visited a place where you instantly felt welcome, comfortable and excited all at the same time? Paso Robles, CA is one of those places, and given my druthers, I’d be writing this from there.  Alas, I pen this piece not from the glorious vineyard-kingdoms of Halter Ranch, Denner Vineyards or Silver Horse; nor from a fine food sampling of Artisan’s foie gras or Chef Ryan Swarthout's braised pork belly. Nope. The bittersweet reality is that I’m at home, hoping that my pining will inspire you to enjoy an escape to the Central Coast of California.

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