Smoked Salt & Pepper

The funny thing about having a mom who is an awesome cook, is that you don't even realize how good you had it until someone else points it out to you.  This happened recently on a visit home to my parent's house in Houston.  We had a casual lunch at home and my mom made bo xao sa lat song , a watercress salad with marinated beef, to accompany our meal of rice and various vegetarian dishes.   Growing up, I'd probably eaten watercress salad once a week and not thought much about it.  But then my husband kept on talking about how good it was.  And I came to my senses and realized, yes, it is delicious!  It's a shame not more people eat watercress.  It's crunchy and refreshing, with a hint of bitterness and sweetness.  I wouldn't be surprised if it became the next kale.   I like to make green smoothies with any leftover watercress I might have.  I used to have to go to the Asian grocery stores to find watercress, but now it's pretty easy to find at any loca

This year, like every year, Reid and I decided to celebrate Valentine's Day in.  I think there is very little desire, for most people, to fight the crowds, reservations and hastle of going out on Valentine's Day.  Heck, if you've been together for more than a year, or are older than 8 years old, you probably don't even celebrate Valentine's Day anymore. Well, we still celebrate Valentine's, even though we know it's a stupid, not-historically-accurate, Hallmark-sponsored holiday.  Mostly because it's an excuse to eat chocolate.  And pamper each other a little.  And give each other cheesy cards like this one I made Reid: From Julius So we often end up just having a nice meal in.  This year I'm making a cheese plate (thanks to my Antonelli's cheese of the month subscription), linguine with lobster in garlic cream sauce, and chocolate molten cake.  I also made some last minute chocolate covered strawberries. So excited about my