Tucked away in the foothills of Auburn is a little winery by the name of Lone Buffalo. When I first pulled up I was wondering if I was in the right place since it looked like I was in the middle of a rural development. Low and behold I was in the right place, and it is in the middle of a rural development. Winemaker, owner and operator Phil Maddux is making wine on his property and out of his own home! This is truly a family winery with Phil's wife Jill (whom I met a few weeks back at a Total Wine tasting) is getting Lone Buffalo wines out to the public via sales and marketing. Their daughter Jocelyn is in charge of marketing, PR and the website.






This is a salad I love because it's easy to prepare and gives that special vibrant, fresh, crunchy summer salad experience that we all crave! I have taken it to multiple potluck dinners and people always appreciate this unique and lovely salad.
I found some lovely sweet zucchini and yellow squash at the farmers market. Typically when I buy produce, I just buy what looks good and figure out what to do with it later, but the second I tasted a bite raw from the vendor, I knew exactly what I was going to do with it. Paired with some whole grain pasta, some spicy sautéed squash and olive oil were going to make us a quick, healthy and delicious summer meal.
One of my favorite vegetables of the spring/summer is green beans. I adore them for their tender green sweetness and their amazing versatility. From Tempura to casseroles to salads, green beans are an amazing and easy vegetable to prepare.
I learned today that the US Dept of Agriculture has FINALLY taken action to regulate the naming and labeling of the olive oil you buy. I think this is a positive step and I'll explain why in a minute. First, a cheer for the USDA taking up my favorite cause, quality OLIVE OIL!!
The berries are coming, the berries are coming! I have started seeing the roadside stands open for business -- I love to use fresh strawberries in season for all kinds of cocktails -- here is a fun favorite!