Welcome to The Gonzo Gourmet! I’m Lisa Dearen, a California girl living and raising my family in San Diego. I founded this blog in July 2010 to chronicle my attempts to work through my massive cookbook and recipe collection while exploring new tastes, textures and techniques in the kitchen.
Growing up in Northern California, our family always gathered around a table filled with fresh, regional dishes. My mom was an early proponent of California Cuisine and taught me the importance of local, lean ingredients that could be simple or complex, but always delicious.
Following in her footsteps, I focus on healthy, easy, everyday dishes that anyone can cook. My goal is to demystify the cooking process, breaking down the steps so that even a beginner can gain confidence in the kitchen. These are recipes I hope you’ll turn to again and again, recipes you can build on and make your own. You’ll find my kitchen features (mostly) healthy, seasonal recipes that encourage you to expand your skills while improving your palette.
I’m so glad you stopped by…I hope you’ll share your experience or favorite recipes with me. I’d love to hear from you – please drop me a line at . Happy cooking!
Wow! What a fun new adventure you’re on, creating fun in the kitchen! I still make my own version of that great salad you made last time I was there; spinach, goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a homemade vinagrette! YUM!
Lisa, this should be fun. Be sure to add some of your fab photos. I’ll be watching.
Already chuckling! I look forward to reading more and trying some of your ideas.
Lisa! So awesome….going to try the best chicken recipe! I will let you know how it goes!
Here is my favorite vinaigrette recipe:
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon aromat seasoning (swiss salt, but can substitute other salt seasoning)
Whisk thoroughly (I blend in a bullet). Makes enough dressing for the week!
Anyway I love your website!
Simone
I love it! You’ve got a devoted reader here in Sactown.
Hi Lisa,
Winnie told me about your site and here I is – what’s up with both of us having food blogs:)
She also told me what a great vist you all had in CA and how beautiful Maddie is. Your blog is gorgeous and so much fun to visit, so classy and well written.
You’re bookmarked, baby.
Lisa,
Looking forward to getting to know you in the Gotham workshop. I’m already a little nervous about having homework.
Cheers!
Leslie
Hi Leslie, looking forward to getting to know you, too. Thanks for stopping by, “see” you in class!
Very tasty blog!
I’m going to start a San Diego Blogroll section on http://EATGoodFood.posterous.com with the next issue and you’ll be there!
Keep up the good work, and let us know if we can help in any way
Andrew – thanks for stopping by and for including me on your blogroll!
Lisa, great to get to know you at the Bloggy Bootcamp this weekend. Your blog is awesome and I can’t wait to try some of your stuff. I just wanted you to know that I blogges about you today.
http://www.lifebuythebeach.com
Michelle, thank you!! I think YOUR blog is awesome, love your photos. It was fun to get to know you, let me know next time you’re in SD.
So excited to find another SD food blogger! Love your site!
Hi Lisa! I just found your blog via Jersey Girl Cooks and I love it! I’m a San Diegan, too and I love finding local food bloggers
Looking forward to reading more and trying out some of your fantastic-looking recipes (especially the fried green tomatoes)!
Blog hopping off of clockworklemon, I saw that you have a bake sale coming up. Can you email me details? Thanks!
Jarvis – please send me your email address, I’d be happy to send you details about the upcoming bake sale.
Hi Lisa,
Love your blog and these pics are so cute of your adorable family! We were just in SD last weekend, my husband and I, and we ate at some amazing places. What a fabulous city!
Thanks for including me on your blogroll!!
Kelly
Kelly – so glad you enjoyed San Diego, the weather was amazing last weekend. Love your blog!