entertaining by the bay

casual cooking and living

Can't Help Falling in Love... with Cranberries!
Help from these lovely red berries to entertain through the holiday season.
from Mermaid of the Lake article
By Maryann Kraker Editor of Entertaining by the Bay
I can’t help falling in love with cranberries each year when the new season arrives. These lovely red berries help me entertain through the holiday season. I stock up on fresh cranberries to keep in the freezer, as well, as dried cranberries for in the pantry and use them – well, all the time!
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In the News

Food Beat: Drummer Kenney Dale Johnson Discovers Local Cuisines on the Road
by Maryann Kraker
I asked Kenney if he has a favorite meal discovered while touring and as if to prove his adventurousness, he said, "so many I couldn't possibly name only one. We go to Australia, Europe, all over the United States,not just the big cities and there is good food everywhere." Kenney recalled a favorite meal in Paris...click here to read full article

Talking Barbecue! with Kenney Dale Johnson, Drummer for Chris Isaak
by Maryann Kraker

Kenney was born and raised in Texas, so he knows a thing of two about barbecue. He had the opportunity to sample fare throughout the United States. Kenney recalled some of his favorite barbecue such as " Carolina's Mustard BaseBarbecue Sauce and Blueberry Based Barbecue Sauce in Nashville."
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Food Musings with Singer/Songwriter Jeff LeBlanc From Simon’s Beach Bakery to Joe’s Pub
Maryann Kraker, Yahoo! Contributor Network Jeff LeBlanc's first single "Until We Get It Right" quickly entered into the rotation of Sirius/XM's The Coffee House and lead to his nomination as Sirius/XM "Singer/Songwriter Discovery of the Year". His latest record, "Worth Holding On To", released in August 2011 brought him to national attention, when it hit #3 on the iTunes top 200 Singer/Songwriter Chart. Jeff recently played to a sold out audience at the legendary Joe's Pub in New York City and has toured with artists such as the Goo Goo Dolls, Shelby Lynne, Matt Nathanson, Chris Isaak and David Archuleta. Jeff is currently working on his next album which will be recorded in Nashville later this year. click here to read full article

White Veal Stew with Spring Vegetables
By Maryann Kraker Editor of Entertaining by the Bay
I officially have Spring Fever! Spring time is emerging all around me by the bay. Outdoors the days are becoming longer and lighter, the weather is warmer, birds are nesting, pansies are planted in the garden and my spring bulbs are sprouting. Indoors, I have tucked away my winter pillows and throws and have brought out brighter ones in happy colors and lighter weight fabrics.

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Postcard from Napa Harvest Focaccia and Fig Jam
By Maryann Kraker Editor of Entertaining by the Bay
I made my first trip to Napa Valley, California a few years ago. It was love at first sight. Napa Valley feeds both my body and soul....
My postcard to you from Napa Valley is this delicious Harvest Focaccia recipe featuring sweet red grapes like those harvested in the "crush." And, a super easy Fig Jam which is the perfect when served with bread, cheese and wine. click here for article and recipes

Nashville: The Rise of the Biscuit
from Mermaid of the Lake article
By Maryann Kraker Editor of Entertaining by the Bay
I enjoy traveling for food inspiration. My food travels recently took me to Nashville where there is an incredible food scene happening, in addition to the wonderful live music venues. Nashville is the perfect place to indulge in my passion for food and music. Farm to Table restaurants abound in and out of the city. click here for article and recipes