Pit Stop at Mendocino and some new Spring recipes

..... Recipes that I shared over at S.F.Chronicle in the past few weeks.

Hello friends,

It has been nearly 2 months since I last posted on Substack and I sure have missed it. Life has been extremely busy with a demanding work place, kids, end of school, family vacation planning, birthdays, yada yada!

PIT STOP AT MENDOCINO

We took a mini break in April during Spring break and went to Mendocino for some R&R. Mendocino is a coastal community in northern California. It's known for the cliffside trails and beaches of Mendocino Headlands State Park. It is roughly about 3.5 hours from our home in the Bay and a beautiful drive that is totally worth it! It is one of my favorite places to relax, soak in the stunning coast line, and waters, and ofcourse the gorgeous sunsets. It has a small town feel with small shops, boutiques, and mom & pop restaurants all around. The highlights are the hiking trails, the Mendocino Botanical Garden and Fort Bragg. Drive a few miles north and you will reach Fort Bragg.

We stayed at the Heritage House Resort and Spa, which was a quaint resort right on the cliffs of Mendocino. The views from each room is gorgeous, all facing the ocean. There is a wonderful little hike that goes down to a private beach area just for the hotel guests, which I thought was amazing! Look at the gorgeous views!

Heritage House Resort and Spa

We had the most delicious meal at Trillium Cafe. It has a fantastic location by downtown Mendocino. They used all the seasonal produce to make their dishes. That gnocchi with the asparagus and sugar snap pees was especially delicious! Along with a local wine from Navarro Vineyards.

Most delicious meal at Trillium with great service!

A visit to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a must! The garden is beautifully maintained with gorgeous flora and fauna, ranging from flowers to coastal plants, to stunning trees. The best part is that you hike through the gardens, to get to the ultimate surprise - a view of the coasts from the cliffs! BREATHTAKING!

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Hope you get a chance to visit this gorgeous place! It is worth every second of your time and every penny!

S.F.CHRONICLE RECIPES I HAVE WORKED ON LATELY

1. Marinated Artichoke and Green Pea Rustic Tart

   

   Marinated Artichoke and Green Pea Rustic Tart

   1. Link: https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/recipes/article/marinated-artichoke-pea-tart-recipe-18974882.php

This rustic tart is the epitome of spring with artichokes, green peas, green garlic and green onions. Marinating the artichokes gives this tart additional flavor and texture, while chives and basil add freshness. Enjoy it with a side salad and a glass of rosé. I recommend making the marinated artichokes the day before you make the tart, though you could make them further in advance. Use leftovers for sandwiches, pizza or pesto. You’ll need an 8-inch tart pan with a removable bottom to make this recipe.

2. Strawberry, Orange and Lemon Sugar Cookie

   

   Strawberry, Orange and Lemon Sugar Cookie

   a. Link: https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/recipes/article/neapolitan-sugar-cookie-strawberry-19371400.php

These cookies represent our transition from winter to spring, with notes of wintry citrus and springtime strawberries. The strawberry flavor comes from fresh pureed berries and freeze-dried strawberries; you can buy powder online or whizz freeze-dried berries from Trader Joe’s in a food processor. The cookie is a take on the Internet-famous Neapolitan cookie by Sarah Kieffer, a classic sugar cookie with the flavors of strawberry, chocolate and vanilla. The result is vibrant and beautiful; share them with your loved ones and hear them rave about it.

3. Green Pea and Green Garlic Masala Puffs with Carrot Chutney

   

   Green Pea and Green Garlic Masala Puffs with Carrot Chutney

   1. Link: https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/recipes/article/pea-green-garlic-masala-puffs-19394239.php

The quintessential potato-and-pea samosa filling is well known, but this mild and fresh-tasting pea-and-green garlic filling is one to try this spring season. Also, unlike traditional samosas, these masala puffs are made with store-bought puff pastry and baked instead of fried for ease. (Make sure you have space in your freezer for baking sheets, as the puffs need time there in order to hold their shape in the oven.) They’re best paired with a carrot-tamarind chutney, but you could also try a store-bought cilantro-mint chutney or tomato ketchup. Once baked, you should eat them the same day. Alternatively, you could store the filling in the fridge for a few days and then bake a fresh batch whenever the craving strikes.

4. Oolong Tea and Raspberry Cake

   1. Link: https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/recipes/article/oolong-tea-raspberry-cake-19420342.php

This celebration cake features raspberry jam, two flavors of buttercream and cake layers infused with oolong tea. You could take some shortcuts here, like buying raspberry preserves and skipping the decoration, but Mother’s Day is a great excuse for an ambitious project. If you want to follow these decorating instructions, you’ll need a rotating cake stand, a bench scraper, piping bags, and a small and a large offset spatula.

Oolong Tea and Raspberry Cake

I shared an easy peasy recipe for the Memorial Day weekend - Mango Passion Fruit Tiramisu Cups. They are easy to make and provides a burst of tropical flavors in the mouth! A must make!

Mango Passion Fruit Tiramisu Cups

That is it for today! I will share a Strawberry and Hibiscus Hand pies as the next recipe for my substack readers next week. It is an absolutely delicious one to make and enjoy with some coffee or plain milk!

Hope you have a wonderful long weekend!

XO

Amisha