I found this recipe from The Best International Recipe cookbook but it is also
available at the Cook’s Illustrated website. I modified it slightly to suit our tastes.
Instead of soaking the bread, I topped each bowl with croutons just before serving.
I also substituted chicken broth for water. This stew hit the spot on a rainy
spring day.

Sauteed onions, carrots, kale, and tomatoes

Croutons sliced from a French baguette then toasted in the oven

Tuscan Bean Stew

Tiramisu cupcakes for dessert

The Chocolate Festival is being held for the benefit of the World Forestry Center. What a way to indulge your chocolate cravings and help a good cause.
January 21- 23, 2011 at the OREGON CONVENTION CENTER

First things first. Lunch was at Bunk Sandwiches where I had the house specialty Cubano Pork Belly Sandwich. It was an indulgence totally worth the fat content! Marcel went the healthier route with a Vegetarian Torta.

The chocolate bunny welcomes the guests

Chocolate overload…

Not only were they delicious but also beautiful!

Classic church architecture in downtown Portland

Streets of Portland in the winter

This is a test drive of our new Canon G12 and we love it so far! It has a very “intelligent” automatic feature.

One of our favorite Friday night activities is the wine tasting at Whole Foods Market (Tanasbourne). It costs $5 and you get to taste 5-7 different wines plus some delicious pairings such as fruit, cheese, chocolate, and pastries. It is held at the bar and starts at 6:30 pm. We have met quite a few friends there who have become “regulars”.

If you want frugal entertainment, I highly recommend this event. Just make sure you don’t shop for $100 worth of goodies you don’t need right after the event