Culinary Adventures with Camilla

 This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Selefina spices.  Complimentary product was provided for this post and this page may contain affiliate links.  However, all opinions expressed here are my own. Let me start with this: I don't have shots of my finished dish on serving plates because I made these to send up with the guys on their mountain biking trip. But of the food I sent up, this was the smash hit - even more than my lasagna! - so I am writing it up now. When a contact from  Selefina * asked me if I would like to sample their new line, I looked through the website and agreed immediately. Selefina is new venture from the people behind Adagio Teas. They have used their experience in global sourcing and making connections to find high quality spices and seasonings. And by purchasing in bulk and using their own brand for labels, costs are kept lower for the consumer. It's a win-win and, from what I've tried, the products are amazing. Stay tuned f...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Book Club Cookbook.  I received complimentary product for the purpose of review and recipe development,  but all opinions are honest and they are my own. This page may contain affiliate links. My contact at  The Book Club Cookbook  emailed, asking if I would be interested in trying our a couple of their new spice blends for #BlendsBash2022.  Of course!  I am always up for some culinary adventure; and when it ties reading to cooking...well, let's just say I will make time in my calendar for that no matter what.  So, I perused the choices - of their  Book Blends, TV Blends, and Song Blends  - decided on Poppy Longstocking, Late Show with Stephen Clove-bert, The Romaines of the Day. I have always loved their clever play on words for  all  of the blends, especially Don't Stop Bayleave-ing, Dried and Prejudice, and A Wrinkle in Thyme. Pippi Långstrump image from amazon.com I have al...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf Cuda Ridge Wines, one of the #MerlotMe event sponsors.  Complimentary wine was provided for this post and this page may contain affiliate links.  However, all opinions expressed here are my own. The month of Merlot begins now! When #MerlotME rolls around, I always have a nice selection of bottles to pair. And since I have always loved pairing mushrooms with Merlot - and because my mushroom-averse child is off at college and unable to ruin my mushroom dishes with his eye-rolling and complaining - I decided to put mushrooms on the tables as often as I'd like. Here continues my parade of Merlot + Mushroom pairings for #MerlotME 2022! I have already shared my Three Mushroom Pâté + J. Lohr 2020 Los Osos Merlot . 2018 Cuda Ridge Merlot This year I received a bottle of Merlot from new-to-me Cuda Ridge Wines. And I was delighted to try a wine from Livermore Valley. Though it's not that far from where I am in California I rarely have win...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf J. Lohr Vineyards, one of the #MerlotMe event sponsors.  Complimentary wine was provided for this post and this page may contain affiliate links.  However, all opinions expressed here are my own. Let the month of Merlot commence! When #MerlotME rolls around, I always have a nice selection of bottles to pair. Because I have always loved pairing mushrooms with Merlot - and because my mushroom-averse child is off at college and unable to ruin my mushroom dishes with his eye-rolling and complaining - I decided to make a Mushroom Pâté with three different mushrooms to go with the 2020 J. Lohr Merlot from Paso Robles. Here begins my parade of Merlot + Mushroom pairings for #MerlotME 2022! J. Lohr 2020 Los Osos Merlot Though this wine is from the Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, Jerry Lohr has ties to my neck of the woods. Lohn first planted grapes in Monterey's Arroyo Seco district in the 1970s. Then he saw potential in the Pa...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Selefina spices. Complimentary product was provided for this post and this page may contain affiliate links. However, all opinions expressed here are my own. When a contact from  Selefina * asked me if I would like to sample their new line, I looked through the website and let her know which of their products intrigued me. One that I ordered was their dried Hibiscus Petals . We don't drink a lot of soda in our household. But when we do, I usually make the syrup and add sparkling water. That's it! In this case, I decided to make a hibiscus simple syrup and drop a candied hibiscus in the bottom of the glass for a garnish And this syrup process is easily doubled or even tripled if you want to make more at one time. It keep in the fridge for awhile. I honestly am not sure how long as it never lasts long in my house. Hibiscus Simple Syrup 1 cup organic granulated sugar 1 cup water 1 Tablespoon dried hibiscus petals Place all of th...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Selefina spices. Complimentary product was provided for this post and this page may contain affiliate links. However, all opinions expressed here are my own. Years ago I attended two mole-making classes at a local shop. And, while I am grateful to know how to make mole, I don't do it that often. But when a contact from  Selefina * asked me if I would like to sample their new line, I looked through the website and decided to give it a whirl with their products. Selefina is new venture from the people behind Adagio Teas. They have used their experience in global sourcing and making connections to find high quality spices and seasonings. And by purchasing in bulk and using their own brand for labels, costs are kept lower for the consumer. It's a win-win and, from what I've tried, the products are amazing. Stay tuned for more posts, but this recipe uses several of their items, including three different dried chiles, hence ...