Finding Relief in a World of Panic

I confess to a strange sensation amid a world in the panic of epidemiological meltdown: relief, a curious lightness of spirit borne of surrender. At the end of the day we HAVE NO IDEA what’s going to happen in our lives, in our medical labs, or in our financial markets. So think about this: Having no idea is having every idea. When you have no fixed beliefs, then you are open to every every possibility. The Buddhists call it “don’t-know mind,” an elevated state of awareness.


Deep, Dark, Chocolate Mystery

The Deep, Dark Chocolate Mystery cake in Frances Schultz's California Cooking and southern Style is one of the superstar recipes by Chef Stephanie Valentine, who calls it her "secret weapon cake." The secret is the spicy hint of anise and the best quality chocolate possible. Photo Deboray Whitlaw Lewellyn

Love is a deep dark mystery…and chocolate. Hence this cake. But unlike the truly madly deeply often messy love, this one freezes beautifully, so you can make it now to please you later…This is sexy chocolate, the chocolate you want, crave, desire, deserve…


Gorgeous Potatoes

Pan Fried Potatoes with Lemon and Rosemary, from California Cooking and Southern Style Photo Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

What new can you do with the plain old potato? How about pan fry with lemon and rosemary? The potato is the culinary Kate Moss. Unadorned it is plain. But embellished in just the right way–not too much–and baby you’ve got a yum-dinger. Try Chef Stephanie Valentine’s Pan Fried Potatoes with Lemon and Parsley. Or… Continue reading Gorgeous Potatoes


Sublime Tweak on Traditional Sweet

Pumpkin Hazelnut Pie with Hazelnut Cookie Crust and Chocolate Drizzle, from California Cooking and Southern Style, a most excellent cookbook ;)

Nothing radical mind you. Not trying to incite a riot here. You got riots enough already with all those relatives and who-all. This is just a subtle but truly sublime twist on a favorite traditional pie, and you’ve probably already got almost all the ingredients already, so give it a whirl if you’re feeling creative.… Continue reading Sublime Tweak on Traditional Sweet


It’s Here and It’s Yummy !!!!!!

Wildly anticipated… at long last… just in time for the holidays… TA-DA!!! California Cooking and Southern Style was released yesterday and we are all a-buzz here at Rancho La Zaca. ESPECIALLY about the first official post-publication review in the Head Butler… Click on it. It’s short, I promise, and it includes three free recipes! Here’s… Continue reading It’s Here and It’s Yummy !!!!!!


Best Books for Fall, According to The Glam Pad… and I Agree ;)

A gorgeous fall table setting from Alex Hitz's Art of the Host

Dear Readers, This week I am merrily re-posting this gorgeous and if I do say so myself most discerning selection of great new lifestyle books for fall, including that of yours truly, which you may have heard about , cough-cough, and those of some of my dearest pals and design heroes. Put Ronda Carman, Lisa… Continue reading Best Books for Fall, According to The Glam Pad… and I Agree 😉



Drum Roll Please… Announcing New Book! Sneak Preview!

About time, I know! I’ve been bustin’ to tell you and I hope you’ll be bustin’ with delight, if, um, not at the seams… because it has some seriously good calories. Coming in November, it’s called California Cooking and Southern Style—100 Classic Recipes, Inspired Menus, and Gorgeous Table Settings. A mouthful 😉 but no reason to… Continue reading Drum Roll Please… Announcing New Book! Sneak Preview!


America’s Best Party Hosts… Gosh!

I’m just not one of those people who wins things. Except for that time I played Bingo with my sister at a spa like ten years ago. My prize was shower gel and moisturizer and I had them bronzed for posterity. Now I might bronze my party shoes. What a huge honor–and surprise!–to be named… Continue reading America’s Best Party Hosts… Gosh!


Guess Who’s in Salonniere’s Top 100: America’s Best Party Hosts

Lucille Ball kicking up her heels, via Salonniere.

I am! Don’t know what came over them, but I am so honored.  Oh my heavens. Fell slam off my chair, I did. Salonniere is a brilliant (obviously ;)) and stylish full of beautiful images, chic people, and smart advice about entertaining in particular and hospitality in general, which we can’t have too much of. Thank… Continue reading Guess Who’s in Salonniere’s Top 100: America’s Best Party Hosts


Hot off the Press: Tom Dittmer Memoir!

Talkin’ Big—How an Iowa Farm Boy Beat the Odds to Found and Lead One of the World’s Largest Brokerage Firms, coming out this month from Skyhorse Publishing. Just in time for the holidays!

You are always looking for something fun to read. And  a book called Talkin’ Big sounds like a hoot just from the title, right? I agree! Well, dear reader, this would be His Grace’s memoir. Though I have not written a blog post since the Hoover administration, you may recall that I refer to my darlin’… Continue reading Hot off the Press: Tom Dittmer Memoir!