This cookbook dates back to when I was an inveterate recipe reader and user. There was a time I dared not stray from ingredients, measurements, or techniques. That’s not the case anymore, and probably one of the reasons I’m a terrible baker … unless you need baked doorstops, then I’m your gal. Continue reading Cooking Ex-Libris: Salsas, Sambals, Chutneys & Chowchows
By Katy Budge I think we can all agree that the phrase “May we live in interesting times” can be permanently retired, yes? The past 15 months have been one for the books, and I’m ready to turn the page. That said, I was able to do some memorable “COVID camping” trips. And, as always, did my level best to support local food establishments – … Continue reading Forks in the Road: Wildfires + COVID Camping
Volume 1, Issue 2“Cooking Ex-Libris” is a CasaFestiva.com series exploring new recipes from my own cookbooks. Enjoy! By Katy Budge It’s hard not to love any book that begins with the Oscar Wilde quote, “I can resist everything but temptation.” So begins the foreword of the eponymously named (and self-published) Gumbo Shop: Traditional and Contemporary Creole Cuisine: A New Orleans Restaurant Cookbook by Richard Stewart. … Continue reading Cooking Ex-Libris: Gumbo Shop
I didn’t grow up making tamales. In fact, I’ve made them only once, but that was enough for me to gain an immense appreciation for them. There was no bustling bevy of abuelas, tias, and hermanas. There were just two of us. Just two gringas facing the mountain of masa, the pots of fillings, the packages of corn husks. I thought my tamale making day … Continue reading Appreciating Tamales
Since we’re hopefully at a point where we finally care about what names mean, and the effect they have on people, it seemed a good time to bring this post back from the 2014 archives. Not only do I talk about a certain type of lime, but I also noted – six years ago! – that it was time to change the name of my … Continue reading From the Archives … No More K-Word Limes!
Think about what kind of system you’re supporting if you keep choosing Big Meat. We’ve gotten to the point where the lowest amount we fork over at the cash register is our criteria, and we are indeed paying the price for that. Continue reading Pulling the Curtain Back on Big Meat
As per a friend’s suggestion, I’ve compiled a list of SLO County food producers with links to their websites. I have also indicated other places they might be available, such as farmers markets and retail locations. When – not if – you think of someone I’ve missed, or you have questions, email me at katy@casafestiva.com. Hoping to update the list frequently, especially in these bizarre … Continue reading Buy Local!
A scene that just a couple weeks ago would have been one of vibrant, bustling community is now one of hushed tones and palpable concern. But it is still a community. It is a farmers market. As of now, the markets in our California county are open, and rightly so. At a time when restaurants – facing their own crisis — are drastically reducing their … Continue reading Market in the Time of Corona
Eating local is nothing new. It’s been the thrumming mantra of “foodies” in this century, and – as such — has arguably lost a bit of its luster and cachet. However, despite its simplicity, its passé patina, and its challenges, there are ever increasing reasons why supporting local food has become more important. One is that by supporting local food producers and purveyors directly, you’re … Continue reading Forks in the Road: #eatlocalontheroad
In light of the new California state law allowing customers to bring their own takeout containers for leftovers, I thought I’d reach into the archives for this post I did about tiffins in 2014. Seems I’ve been a renegade doggy-bag scofflaw for several years! I’d never heard of a “tiffin” until I saw them several years ago at Luna Red restaurant in San Luis Obispo. … Continue reading From the Archives … A Tale of Tiffins: One Person’s Doggie Bag is Another City’s Lunch Box
