Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

I love the seeded lamb shop that mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger make with sesame seeds and flax seeds.

Oh boy what a hodge podge it was. A flank steak with Saucy Susan smothered on it, green beans (probably from a can) and Queen Anne cherries (definitely from a can). It sounds vile, but it is evocative of growing up.

It was the NY Times Cookbook by Craig Claiborne. My husband (then suitor) at the time borrowed it in an attempt to show me he could cook. Perhaps too ambitiously, he chose to make Brunswick Stew. It came out like a deranged version of succotash that even his dog would not approach. He never cooked again - though I still do all the time - and this arrangement seems to have worked out well over the course of our now 31 year marriage!

That's an easy one - I live in California - home of some of the best produce markets around - and open year round!

Our son, the vegetarian actually introduced us to Indian food when he was five years old. He came home from a play date with a friend, whose parents took him out for the buyziest (spiciest) peas he ever ate!!!

Rockenwagner's Bread at the Westwood Farmers Market - oh boy, what I wouldn't give for a pretzel roll right this instant!

Yum, love a rustic apple crostada!

Yummmmmm....grilled corn - till it pops and is charred in sections, with garlic parsley butter and lime and oaxacan cheese.........

Mark Bittman is my culinary guru. I own at least a half dozen of his books and have watched all his TV shows. In his minimalist style, he teaches us that you can make a simple, responsible AND tasty dish and should you wish to embellish upon that, he gives you tips for that as well.

S L O W braised short ribs.

feta, luscious tomatoes, cucumber, kosher salt...oh boy!

RIBEYE!!!!!!