Kitty Deschanel | Food, Wine, and Travel Adventures in an Airstream Basecamp

*Do not add chia seeds - see note at the end of this recipe. In response to my popular Instant Pot Explosion blog post, I've had a few blog readers ask for my oatmeal with quinoa recipe, which is made in the Instant Pot. This seems a bit odd...you guys aren't trying to recreate that gooey mess in your own kitchens, right?  My recipe does make delicious, foolproof Instant Pot oatmeal. It's only for patient people though. Whatever you do, do not manually release the pressure valve at the end of the cooking cycle! This recipe is also great in a Crock Pot, though that method takes longer. I like to set the temperature to Low before bed. What a hearty, indulgent breakfast to wake up to!  I've been cooking up batches of my Oatmeal with Quinoa for years, long before I'd heard of the Instant Pot, and have even gifted the dry ingredients to health-conscious friends and family, who've suggested I sell this. Shark Tank, here I come! Oatmeal with Quinoa No eggs/...

My Thanksgiving  blog post ended up being one of the most popular on my site this year (thank you!), so here's a quick Christmas Eve update, filled with photos.  Christmas hasn't looked like it has in previous years... My younger self (with  braces !) was excited to wear that purple flower pin, which had been recently purchased at a consignment shop. My old lady self questions my previous sense of fashion while simultaneously wondering whatever happened to that purple flower pin. Though, to be fair, our Christmas celebrations often seem a bit untraditional. There's certainly no snow for Santa's sleigh when your family lives in Arizona. I'd had a light jacket, but it was so sunny and warm in Scottsdale the year we visited Frank Lloyd Wright's  Taliesin West. It would just be SN and I for the holidays this year. No homemade lasagna, no tamale brunch, and no Christmas cookies. Imagine my surprise when I received a card from my aunt saying to enjoy the package she...

Where to Eat in Charleston, SC Planning a trip to Charleston? This historic coastal city is a foodie paradise, offering everything from Lowcountry classics to gourmet donuts, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table dining. Here’s our list of the best places to eat in Charleston, based on our week-long culinary adventure. Top Charleston Foodie Highlights Nigel’s Good Food – Famous for Bam's Gumbo and Lowcountry Ravioli. Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit – Southern biscuits served fresh at the Historic Charleston City Market. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – Creative flavors like Brambleberry Crisp and Raspberry Rose Jelly Donut. Glazed Gourmet Donuts – Inventive flavors including The Red Nosed Goat and Sweet Corn Blueberry. The Grit Counter – Customizable grits with bold flavor options like Pimento Cheese and Smoked Gouda. Fair warning though - you know when you're thinking about Southern food, it can lead to... A Change in Plans Step 1: Sexy Nerd and I have way too muc...

Highlights of August Local Wine Festivals: Sample regional wines and meet the winemakers. Farmers Markets: Peak-season produce and artisanal goods. Craft Beer Tastings: Seasonal brews perfect for summer evenings. How to Plan Your Event Calendar Book tickets early, especially for popular wine dinners and brew fests. Pair your event visits with nearby attractions to make a full weekend out of it. Park It + Pour It! Food & Drink Festivals Happening Across the USA: August, 2025 If your perfect summer involves sipping rosé under twinkle lights, dancing in the streets with a lobster roll in one hand and a craft beer in the other, or tasting your way through a garlic-infused fantasy, then August is your month. I’ve curated a definitive list of food and drink festivals across the United States this August. Whether you're looking for wine tastings, taco trucks, cultural feasts, or quirky small-town celebrations, there’s something for every palate. Each event includes ...