David's Cookie of the Month Club

Welcome to Annette's Kitchen

I don't cook as often as I used to, it's much too easy to grab a bite to eat on the run than it is to spend the time cooking, not to mention clean-up time. I once entertained the notion of becoming a professional chef but after seven-years of various cooking courses, I was burnt out and decided to explore other avenues.

I still love to cook and take great pleasure in wowing my family and guests with various culinary delights and I've decided to share some of my best tips and recipes with you. So, pull up a chair and get comfortable before you go to work in the kitchen.

One word before we get started. My recipes are a little different than most you will find on the web. My cooking philosophy is that food should be creative, exciting and take into account the tastes and desires of the diners. It is with this in mind that I say, "Don't be afraid to experiment with the recipes found here." I have noted any variations or alternate ingredients that I have tried. You may discover others. I'd love to hear from you. What's the worst thing that can happen? You might have to throw something out.

Find Out What's Cooking!

Elegant Dining in the heart of Old Sacramento

We enjoyed a decadent evening of fine dining with the feeling of what it must be like to be treated as royalty. Being more casual diners, I recall feeling grossly underdressed and more than a little intimidated by The Firehouse Dinner Menu, which included more than a few French terms that were unfamiliar to me. The staff appeared not to notice our jeans and tennis shoes and treated us with sophisticated style and panache. The Dungeness Crab Cake was the best I've ever tasted anywhere. Updated May 25, 2008

Food and Nutrition in the News | Eat Healthy
Food and Nutrition in the News - Find out the latest news on genetically-modified food sources, eating and buying organic foods, nutritional news, food related health issues and much more.

Poached Salmon and Creamy Dill Sauce
Fish is one of my favorite dishes, because I eat it often, I'm always on the look-out for new recipes. This Poached Salmon recipe is not only different it really is delightful.

Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce Recipe
What's Summer without a genuine Slider? As a Michigan transplant living in a small California mountain town, the only thing missing is the Coney Island. Having scoured the area for a Coney Dog, only to be forced to resort to making my own...

Homemade Salad Dressing Cake
Some of my fondest memories growing up are associated with my mother, grandmother and my favorite foods. My mother made the best chocolate cake I've ever tasted. This recipe is fast, easy and absolutely delicious.

Fall Cooking Treats - Indonesian Shrimp Crackers
Am I the only one who gets a little loony in the fall? It really is my favorite time of year. I just love the cool brisk night air, and the vibrant colors of the fall leaves, but most of all I love to start cooking after a hot summer.

Fabulous Five Cheese Layer Dip
This recipe has evolved over the years from a recipe that I have for Seven-Layer Dip. In truth I never really followed the recipe but used it instead as a guide or starting point.

Mexican Pizza Made Easy
Try this terrific Mexican Pizza recipe for a change of pace and for that incredible home baked aroma straight from my kitchen to yours.

The Best Way to Bake a Pumpkin Pie
It's possible to make a pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin (as opposed to a canned one). But like natural childbirth, why would anyone want to do that?

Benefits of Home Canning
For more than a century, home canning has been a popular way to preserve and enjoy homegrown fruits and vegetables, not to mention fresh-caught seafood and other delicacies. One of the key benefits of home canning is limiting exposure to the chemicals and pesticides used on most commercially available produce and seafood.

Langostino Bites & Recipes
I prepared the Langostino in a mixture of butter and garlic, allowing it to cook for a couple of minutes, then served it with vegetables. It was absolutely delicious.

Favorite Appetizers
Delicious appetizers sure to tempt even the most finicky of eaters. Appetizers are a great way to start off a meal or give your guests to munch on at your next party or gathering.

Baking: Plan Ahead to Avoid Holiday Stress
Homemade Christmas gifts will always be in vogue. This peanut butter fudge recipe will have your friends thinking you spent hours creating it. No Fail Peanut Butter Fudge is so easy to make a child can do it.

Fall Means Apple Time
It's harvest time and there is nothing sweeter than tasting a fresh apple on a cool crisp fall day. Why not expand your apple horizons this year?

Frozen Pea Salad Recipe
This dish is an all time family favorite, a delighful treat on hot summer days.

Chicken Paprikash Recipe
This is a traditional Hungarian dish, which has a delightful color and warm texture, sure to become a favorite with your family.

The Spaetzle Maker Saga
Have you ever needed a spaetzle maker really bad? Ok, so you don't know what a spaetzle maker is. That's ok too. These days I make Chicken Paprikash on a regular basis, my spaetzle noodles are tender and succulent, thanks to my treasured Spaetzle Maker.

Sticker Shock
Cleaning tips and tricks - Use baby oil for cleaning stubborn sticker residue.

Good Fast Food

Ok, so everyone knows that fast food isn't the healthiest choice of food sources but being married to a fast-food-aholic, we do try to make good choices out of our limited options. Such was the case yesterday morning Updated October 14, 2006

Check out these terrific selections

Chicken Paprikash

This traditional Hungarian dish, is a family favorite. This is one dish that is even better the second-time around, so be sure to make plenty so there will be left-overs.