Vegetarian Tom Yum Thai Soup

Today was a very cold and rainy day in Northern California. The Asian New Year is coming but I don't think the family is going to attend any of the festivities because of the weather. A couple of the girls are sick and I thought a warm broth would do them good.

Thai soup is a very good first course if you want to do an Asian-themed dinner. It's light and very tasty. The soup is an amazing contrast of spicy, sweet, savory and sour flavors. Enjoy!

Cherry Tomato and Sour Cherry Chutney

This is a great relish that I make very often in the srping and summer. It'll accompany any meat of fish and will also please vegetarians.

Spanish-Style Seafood Stew

This is probably the only shellfish dish that I can still cook inside the house without hearing all the vegetarians in my home complaining about a seafood smell. I guarantee both seafood lovers and vegetarians will be happy at the table.

Roules d'Aubergines au Chevre (Goat Cheese Eggplant Rollups)

I had half a tray of ice cubes left of my pistachio pesto and 2 beautiful eggplants. We had a very nice sunny day today in Northern California. I wanted to make something light and fresh. The roulés d'aubergines au chèvre are a good starter course.

Lemon Creme Brulee

The creme brulee is a classic French dessert. The base is just your average  custard, but you can add your own twist to it by using different chocolate chips  (milk, dark, white, butterscotch, peanut butter, lemon, mint) or by adding an  extract to the vanilla chips (rose, pandan, peppermint, mocha). It is a true  culinary chameleon.  

What really sets the creme brulee apart though is the crunch when you break  through the burnt sugar crust. I think that's what truly gives it its status and  sophistication. It somehow brings a smile to your face, no matter how old you  are. It reminds me of the scene in Amelie when she breaks through the crust and grins.