Connie's Kitchen
The coastal region of Sonoma County in Northern California is home to an artisan community of bread bakers, cheese makers, small farmers, organic produce growers, and winemakers who have cultivated a new way of appreciating food and the people you are sharing it with. Inspired by the culinary delights of the region, these people have changed the culinary culture of the entire nation. Behind all of these growers is a story of how they came to appreciate the quality of their food and understand the importance of sharing it with others.
The experience of living in the wine country of California has had an immense impact on my professional and personal endeavors as well. It has reminded me of the value of dining as a family and making memories out of the meals we share. In my twenty-five years of studying the art and science of food, I have seen the research reveal new and exciting discoveries, from the heart-healthy attributes of omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil to the miraculous secret of dark chocolate for a healthier heart. But with this fuller understanding of nutrition comes the realization that it can become easy to misinterpret the meaning of “healthy” or, for that matter, even the word “diet,” to the point that it diminishes the simple pleasures a meal can bring. As our knowledge of nutrition continues to grow, I believe we need a nutrition philosophy that strives to incorporate the broader strokes of what it takes to eat and live healthy. Wholesome meals, enjoyed as a special celebration or as part of our daily routine, are an important aspect of the art of living. Embracing this concept could spell the end of what we have long known as “diets.”
Read more about Connie’s Kitchen and explore new recipes, culinary and wine tips, as well as the seasonal variations that bring the California wine country’s sun-drenched flavors and vibrant lifestyle into your home. It was important to me to bring this Sonoma Way into your home so that you can create simple, flavorful meals that the entire family could sit down to and enjoy — wherever you live. Not surprisingly, learning to cook the Sonoma way has the added benefit of making it easy to lose weight and feel your best while enjoying delicious and satisfying meals. Whether you choose spice-rubbed, cedar plank–roasted salmon with grilled artichokes or roasted wine country beef with whole-grain mustard and mushrooms, our online recipes include easily found ingredients, fragrant spices and herbs, and an emphasis on your local seasonal bounty.