You can turn up the heat or lower it with this fast and easy soup.
Biscuits.. The World's Best? You decide! /
I love how everyone from the south says.. “My Biscuits are the Best”! Well here is a Buttermilk Biscuit recipe for you to try out. I love them, and use your hands to mix as your hands melt the butter into the flour mixture perfectly!
Van De Kamps Holiday (Shamrock) Cookies /
Holiday time Van De Kamps would sell a package of about a dozen cookies that were of a holiday shape. Here are the Shamrocks for the upcoming March 17th Holiday. Enjoy!
Van De Kamps Peanut Crisp Snack Cookies /
These and the Lemon Snack cookies were made into bite size cookies. Perfect for lunches. You could take Van De Kamps with you! Read the directions and you will have a successful cookie! This recipe is from the original formula of VDK.
Van De Kamps Chocolate Cookies /
A strange recipe from the original formula of the VDK Kitchens. A bit of a process, but i you follow exactly, they work and you will have great success. If you recall the chocolate cookies and want the real deal, these are them. Use a scale and get the ingredients you need.
These cookies look big, but they are about 3 inches in diameter. Post a picture on the Van De Kamps Fan Page on Facebook!
Van De Kamps Lemon Snack Cookies /
A real tart and perfect Lemon Cookie. Van De Kamps Sold these little bitesize in boxes. I have also created a filling if you would like to “sandwich” two together between lemon cream cheese filling. A few new “industrial” ingredients you will need to make these perfect lemon cookies.
Van De Kamps Sugar Cookies /
Below you will find the official recipe from the formula from VDK. These are in grams and some ingredients strange, but if you want the cookie to be as exact as the VDK cookies were, then you will follow the directions.
Please post pictures on the Van de Kamps Facebook Page of your cookies!
Van De Kamps Molasses Cookies /
4th in the VDK Cookie Series. If you have not been following, a former employee of VDK has been sending me the formulas of some of the baked goods. I have been testing and converting them into a recipes for the home use. BUT.. you have to use a scale and grams. It is easier really after you get used to it
If you would like to purchase a personalized copy of Made in California Go to the first page of the website.
Van De Kamps Peanut Butter Cookies /
Here is the 3rd in the Cookie Series of the Van De Kamps Cookies. As before, read the recipe completely, use a scale and you should have success. This recipe came from the VDK Formula of Peanut Butter Cookies. Post Pictures of your success!
Recipe for the Van De Kamps Peanut Butter Cookies: Recipe
REMEMBER TO READ THE ENTIRE RECIPE FIRST!
Here is a Chocolate Drizzle Version on the recipe page.
Van De Kamps: Cherry Almond Cookies /
Van De Kamps was a very special company here on the west coast. It has been a few decades since a store had a full line of VDK products. If you want to follow the VDK Facebook Page Sign up! I have been working on the recipes that have been given to me by an employee. The batches are for hundreds and thousands of pounds of dough. It is not as simple was just dividing the dough smaller. It is chemistry! I have this in weights mostly so you will need a gram scale. Also, please read the entire recipe “formula” .
Here is the Formula Van de Kamps Cherry Almond Cookies
The formula and instructions seem like a lot to read, but I want you to have success!
In a grocery store display.
Here are the cookies dipped in chocolate
Van de Kamps Chocolate Chip Cookies /
Many of you that have my latest books Made in California and LA’s Legendary Restaurants , have read about Van de Kamps Bakeries and Lawry’s Prime Rib. I won’t go into the history here. I have been a member of the VDK Fan Page for a few years on Facebook. Last week the page came up and said that it was unposted now and I could be the host. I thought why not! In time, a former employee with the late quantity recipes from both plants came forward and asked if I wanted some of the recipes to try to create for home use. The group went wild. Lots of factors but would say I came close.
Van de Kamps Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here is the Recipe for VDK Chocolate Chip Cookies
We are Back! After 20 months! CBS8 San Diego Thanksgiving Desserts! /
It was a very long 20 months. My home station was the last one to get back to. This morning I woke to all of the anchors text messages Welcome Home! A great way to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday. Here are the three recipes I did.
Here is the Link to the Show: LINK
LIVE in Chicago! WGN Made in California /
Very excited to have been the first in-studio guest since the beginning of COVID. Highlighting Made in California, my newest book. I also whipped up a quick (Faux) Orange Julius.
Click to order
Made in California! My 15th Book! Peanut Butter Brittle Chunk Cookies /
My newest book is out. But First: I have had a love affair with See’s Candies my entire life. When I was little I recall my aunt being able to pick out the caramel for me. The candy was special, unlike the boxes of chocolates sold at CVS that had the “map” of each chocolate on the inside lid of the box so you knew what you were eating. But once a few chocolates were devoured, the candy code was broken! This year is the 100th anniversary of See’s. It started on Western Ave in Los Angeles. Recently, I was able to obtain the historical plaque the location deserve.
My new book Made in California is my first without any recipes. Food History of the places we all grew up eating, that started in the Golden State. Lots of fun facts, like who created the first Bacon CheeseBurger? Why did Swensen’s Ice Cream go for 600 locations to the 3 of today?
If you would like a personalized copy, you can PayPal ggeary@aol.com for $40 per book (same price as Amazon, but you don’t get those personalized). Tell me whom you would like it personalized to.
Now, back to See’s. I was just on ABC7-El Paso, TX promoting the book. I have been booking many shows that I decided to create a handful of recipes from some of the companies items they sell. Try these cookies out!
Also, Check out the story of the book in the upcoming August Issue of LA Magazine.
Leave comments!
Made in California Book Promotion from ABC7 - El Paso, TX (KVIA)
Chris Nichols of the LA Magazine reading my latest book here is his story: August LAMag
Today, With the Cultural Heritage Sign installed
1921: The first See’s Candy Kitchen and Shoppe. 135 N Western Ave, Los Angeles
Taliesin West ~ Frank Lloyd Wright's Winter Home ~ Arizona Biltmore /
Today on the monthly Zoom with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation I was the mixologist. I recreated the Catalina Spritz that I made in honor of Marilyn Monroe and the Catalina Pool found still at the Biltmore (she used to swim in it). You can see the pool, and the recipe below. If you are interested in the Winter Home of Frank Lloyd Wright and tours in Phoenix, check it out here: www.franklloydwright.org
Arizona Biltmore (1927) www.arizonabiltmore.com
The Catalina Pool (One of Seven). I feel the best and more serine.
The Biltmore Blocks! Here are the ones that the breeze can go through.
Strawberry Shortcakes 🍓 /
Oh the season! Most of you know in the 90’s I worked for Driscoll Berries as their corporate chef. I created packaging recipes, recipe booklets, website recipes and more. Here is a great easy shortcake to make. The only setback is that you need to eat the berry mixture within 48 hours as it has not been cooked. After you break down the walls of the berries they tend to start fermenting. I hope you enjoy the recipes!
The recipe makes 6 large shortcakes.
Pickled Jalapeños 🌶 /
You will find so many uses for these sweet yet spicy chiles! From topping a burger to a spicy margarita!
What is great is Jalapeños do not have a season. This recipe makes 4 jars and if you find you use them up faster than a year, you can make another. When I can/preserve, etc I can enough for one year and check to see if I need to can more for the following year. Last year, because of COVID and being home, I canned enough of everything for 2 years! Here is my normal canning/preserving list:
Jams:
Strawberry
Rose Petal
Raspberry
Blackberry
Tri-Stone Fruit
Marmalades:
Orange
Pickled:
Dill Pickles
Garlic
Onions
Jalapeños
Liqueurs
Blood OrangeCellow
Limoncello
CaraCara Cello
🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹Life Changing Pasta with Diane Phillips and Tucci! 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹 /
Lets face it.. We need “life-changing” recipes. a colleague, author, and friend Diane Phillips (www.dianephillips.com) posted a recipe on her website referring to Stanley Tucci’s new show “Searching for Italy” on CNN. I have read so many rave reviews on the show. We all miss traveling and adventure. So I thought I would post this recipe from Diane. I added a little more garlic than she called for. But, you do what you like. It is very flavorful and simple to put together.
21 Little Things Americans Do That Non-Americans Actually Love. 🇺🇸 /
I have visited 118 countries and every continent. For over 30 years I have conducted tours of Europe. I always say, that walking the streets of France, you don’t look at someone walking towards you and smile as they will think you are crazy! Us Americans also tell too much. The French don’t engage in too much “chatter”. Here is a great list from AskReddit. Let me know what you think.
Recently, u/etlifereview asked the AskReddit community: "Non-Americans, what's something Americans do that you love?"
The responses ranged from heartwarming to hilarious, and they'll make any US resident recognize the little things we do right. Here are some of the most upvoted responses:
1. Our enthusiasm:
"When they do something, they go all out and really commit to it. Very enthusiastic people." —u/wolffgangg78
2. Our hash browns:
"The fuggin' hash browns in diners. I just love them. And even when I find grated hash browns outside of the US, it's never quite as good."—u/dumbdoogy
3. Our hair stylists, apparently:
"Haircuts, barbers. A majority of hair professionals are very much above average. Never had a bad haircut there. Never."—u/HeavyReverb
4. Our response to a hearty "yee-haw":
"The fact that yelling 'yee-haw' in a country setting will almost always be met with whooping, hollering, and other yee-haws. I live in the US but am from Ireland."—u/that_one_alistair_1
5. Our fast food:
"Fast food. There are many places and even US-only franchises that are heavenly good." —u/HeavyReverb
6. Our gift of gab:
"Americans I’ve met are usually a delight to talk to. Very upbeat and talkative from my experience. I still remember a conversation I had with a small family who were on holiday where I live. They basically told me their life story and what they were up to that day. Didn’t know them, but it made my commute home more interesting."—u/Elderlico
7. Free refills:
"Free soda refills at fast food [restaurants]."—u/lickmyfeet14
8. Our love of hugging:
"This depends a bit on where in the US you are and also in the pre-COVID times, but Americans hug a lot compared to Asians, and it makes me feel really fuzzy on the inside 😊."—u/blueberrisorbet
9. Our sausage gravy:
"Sausage gravy at breakfast."—u/CalmingGoatLupe
10. Our milkshakes (and our Oreos):
"For me, hands down, it has to be milkshakes. Oreo milkshakes are the god damn best thing that I have experienced when I came to America (I’m from Mexico). It can be midnight and I can just go to a fast food place and order any milkshake I want. It’s so simple, but it sure is amazing."—u/Darkspeed-96
11. Our restaurants and amazing food service workers:
"Such amazing food, and even better food service. The American restaurant experience is truly heaven."—u/ShrekTheHallz
12. Our "go for it" attitude:
"What I loved about Americans I met is the encouragement to try new things.
Like: 'Just go for it. If it works, great. If it doesn't, you gained experience.'
Here in Germany, it's more: 'Nah, rather be careful. If you dare to fail, you are a loser that we won't ever trust with responsbilities again.'"—u/MammothMarv
13. Our school extracurriculars and teachers:
"For me personally? The schools and the school system. I moved here about 12 years ago from SA when I was still a kid, and yes while the education (meaning: what you learned in class and how strict rules were) was much better where I’m from IMO, I was so shocked that schools here had soooo many clubs and after-school programs/activities and even classes! I can’t imagine taking theater as a 12-year-old over there!!
I also love how involved parents are in school events and programs. I also really love how teachers decorate their classrooms a lot more. I haven’t been in an actual school in years, but I have the fondest memories of my fifth grade class being so decorated and pretty lol. I'm a cornball but really appreciate American teachers for that."—u/virtuemoir
14. Our spookiest holiday:
"Halloween."—u/PloupiDoux
15. Our greetings:
"As simple as saying good morning when I walk past. Goes a long way."—u/annoyingmoud
16. Our fried chicken, particularly in sandwich form:
"Fried chicken sandwiches, they got it mastered."—u/Puzzled-Rabbit
17. Our national parks:
"Your outdoors.
The sheer size of the country means there are so many national parks with a large variety of sceneries.
That said, the sheer size of the country also means you’ll be putting the same amount of effort getting there compared to me visiting a neighboring country."—u/perfectpubicpimple
18. Our protests against injustice:
"I love the way you've been protesting against police brutality and racism. Solidarity from the UK."—u/xxsignoff
19. Our ability to cause a scene:
"Complain.
I know it sounds weird, but it's something you'll notice when you live in a passive country.
It's normal here to work Monday to Monday, not get paid overtime and work multiple jobs at once, but be paid for the lowest one. It's insane. Americans, at least, make a scene as much as they can when shit seems unfair for them. Even if sometimes it's something stupid."—u/Bossmantho
20. Our friendliness:
"As a European who has done two road trips across the States, the main thing I will remember fondly for the rest of my days is how friendly people in the States are. I talked with busy New Yorkers and with homeless folks, had a fucking BBQ in Detroit with the neighbourhood. I spent the night on a farm in southern Iowa. Clubbing in Vegas, smoking and chilling in LA. I had long conversations with people who are so far apart from each other on the political and financial spectrum that it's harder to get it any wider, but I didn't meet a single person who didn't treat us very nicely."—u/manajizwow
21. And finally, our farewell phrases:
"Visited America with my family when I was 16. Almost everyone who talked to us would end the conversation with 'Have a good one!' It was really nice hearing it all the time and I use the phrase all the time now."—u/bitsmuth
Cast-Iron Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie /
When I was a child, my mom would say.. “You can have two cookies”. I became a pastry chef so I could have more. That being said, you only need one. With this huge cookie. The cast-iron creates a perfect crust. I hope you make it and enjoy!
