Cheese and Chive Bread: A Fabulous Appetizer or Side

There are so many posts out there for the Super Bowl. Lots of great ideas for the ultimate party. We're hoping to have a Super Bowl shindig ourselves and it's going to be difficult figuring out what to make! If you're in the same boat, check out these great posts for inspiration:

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El Take It Easy: On Building Community

I keep a low-profile online. Weird, right? I have a blog and, yet, I don't like putting identifying details about myself out there. Until I went to Food Blog Camp, I did not post my name or my picture on AoaAF. I didn't spend time with other bloggers.

At camp, Jaden encouraged us to think of other bloggers as co-workers. Elise encouraged us to play nicely in the sandbox. Matt and David encouraged us to watch each other's backs.

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Wordless Wednesday: Weekend Walking

Make that almost wordless. It was a gorgeous weekend here in San Diego and, for once, I did not have a lot on my plate. So, we took a walk.

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Easy Irish Soda Bread

I'm lucky to have married a man whose nickname is Martha. The man cooks. He cleans. He launders. In the last five years, I have bought him not one, but two vacuums for Christmas. D. is, unabashedly, a domestic god.

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Homemade Marshmallows: S'mores and Chocolate Sauce

Marshmallows are one of those things that seem complicated, but are surprisingly easy to make, given the proper tools. Yet, it took years for me to try making them. I first saw them on Barefoot Contessa and I remember my boss marveling at a parent who brought homemade marshmallows to his kid's classroom. "Who the heck makes their own marshmallows?" he asked.

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Los Angeles: Dean Sin World

There has been a lot of tweaking with everything I've learned at Food Blog Camp and the site has been freshened up a bit. Hope y'all like the changes and please feel free to leave feedback.

Now that I have a fresh look to the site, I have to share these awesome photos of one of my favorite subjects: dumplings. Dean Sin World is one of those rare and special places where the food is great and the people are warm and friendly. I'm late to jump on the bandwagon, as this place has been a longtime favorite of Tony, Cathy, Wandering Chopsticks, Kirk, and Kirbie. After reading about it and keeping it in my cobwebbed brain, I finally dragged D. and my folks there.

Turns out, my mother liked the place. My father joked that her approval is not to be taken lightly. So, with Mom's stamp of approval, I bring you a little bit of Dean Sin World.

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Playa del Carmen, México: Más del Food Blog Camp 2011

Well, camp wasn't this much fun when I was a kid. I've learned a ton from some amazing bloggers, indulged in a few moments of "squee!" hero-worship, and made a bunch of really great new friends. 2010 was one hell of a year, but it was rough and I couldn't wait for it to end. This perfect start to 2011 makes me think that only good things can come and there's just so much to look forward to.

So, thanks, Food Blog Camp, for a ton of great memories, new skills, and new friends. I really hope I do this next year and, if not, the only thing that keeps me away is that I'm a first-year med student.

Our fearless leaders were awesome. Needless to say, I learned a lot from them.

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Playa Del Carmen, México: Food Blog Camp 2011

Want more Food Blog Camp? Aquí es el parte dos!

Happy new year! I hope 2011 finds all of you well. It's been a whirlwind during the last few weeks. The holidays tend to be hectic because D. and I have families on opposite sides of a large state. Lots of driving, eating, and celebrating.

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