Noble Pig, established in 2007, is a place for me to write about food, develop recipes and share them with you.
Welcome to my site and my life!
About Cathy Pollak
Hi, I’m Cathy Pollak.
I didn’t always love to cook. In fact, as a teen I paid little attention to anything going on in the family kitchen. It wasn’t until my early twenties that I suddenly took a real interest in creating food from scratch. I learned to cook by following recipes. Once I mastered certain techniques, I felt comfortable putting my own spin on things and creating meals specifically to my tastes. I think my first cookbook was 365 Ways to Cook Chicken, remember that one?
About the same time I was learning to cook, I also caught the wine bug after taking many trips to the Napa Valley in Northern California. Needless to say I became fascinated with the science of winemaking. I was learning so much about wine on these trips and it’s all I thought about while back at home in Southern California. At that point in my life, winemaking seemed like an impossible dream, but one I thought about often.
Fast forward many years and two kids later, an opportunity arose for me to return to the classroom, this time studying Viticulture & Enology at the University of California, Davis. I honestly could not believe I was going to attend this program and delve into the art and science of making wine and growing grapes.
At the same time I was planting my vineyard in the Pacific Northwest, I was also discovering food recipes on the internet (this was way before social media existed in the sense we know it today).
I decided I also wanted a food website where I could share my creativity in the kitchen to get me through the long period of time it takes to grow grapes and make wine. What I never imagined was that this website would take off and grow to the epic proportions it has today. It has been a dream.
The fact Noble Pig has become its own self-supporting business still amazes and humbles me. It was only supposed to be a hobby. I have been blessed with how it has all turned out.
This irresistible outlet of writing about food balances my creative side of thinking. For me, it’s the best of both worlds. With my extensive sensory training from my days in enology school, I have a unique sense of what flavors come together well. This helps so much in the kitchen when creating something innovative and new is on the line.
I have enjoyed seeing my writing and recipes featured in the Chicago Sun-Times, the Huffington Post and all kinds of other wonderful publications. Working with brands, writing on their sites and developing recipes for their products has also been especially rewarding.
So many of you have been here and stuck around on this journey since 2008 and you have no idea how much I appreciate that.
My Favorites!
Don’t leave before checking out my 10 favorite recipes!
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Dill Pickle Soup
- Cosmo Recipe
- Cinnamon Roll Casserole
- Bailey’s Irish Cream Cake
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Pineapple Coleslaw
- Agave Margarita
- Blackberry Crumble
- Flank Steak Tacos
Contact – Let’s Chat!
If you have a question about a recipe, or if you’d like to get in touch regarding a potential partnership with Noble Pig, please email Cathy at [email protected] You can also check out Noble Pig on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram.
Thanks again,
Cathy Pollak
loran says
You are HILARIOUS! My new fave blog…and maybe, just maybe I’ll learn how to love cooking…
Sleeping Mommy says
Welcome to the blogosphere–we’ve got you now! Muahahahahaha!
sandy says
Obviously you’ve been doing more than eating over there!!! when will we hear about the rocks left for the maids? off to a great start!!!
Rachel says
Times like this make me realize how much I really miss you! BTW, I am inspired to get off my tush and cook! Partly because of your blog partly because there’s no one around to do it for me anymore! I do miss “The O.C.” sometimes…just sometimes though đŸ™‚
Kimberly says
Cathy, Once again you brought tears to my eyes..and yes they are tears of laughter! Did you share this with the rest of the crazy Polish family. XOXO — ME
eliza says
cathy, thanks for dropping by my blog! i’ve read this post and am wondering if you’ve almost here (in Oregon, that is) for your wineyard. are you going to move to OR? love to visit the wineyard when it’s ready đŸ™‚
Wendy says
Cathy- You rock! I am so impressed; you are taking over as the numbero uno place to visit when on the web (our other fun blog-site could fall by the wayside). This is too much fun & you are one talented chick. One more great thing to talk about on those cold morning walks.
Bob Cleveland says
Neat blog, ma’am. I suspect it’s just your reflection.
Your hubby may be wrongly referenced (the wild boar). Unless my (really old) memory fails me, it wasn’t Goldilocks that did all the griping. It was the bears.
I’ll stop there, before I get into trouble.
Dawn says
I love this blog! I added you to my blogroll!
amanda @ Shamelessly Sassy says
Wonderful ‘about me’ section!
Jen-o-topia in TN says
I am just discovering your site; great stuff! What an amazing dream you have – a winery in the greatest wine region of Oregon! As a wine industry person languishing in the East, I am hungry to hear more about your adventures. Thanks for sharing!
vesna says
i was wondering why i like your sense of humor, but it’s all clear, your European, Polska:) I’m kind of living you’re dream, but i want to have a botanic garden whit just violet flowers:)greetings from Macedonia
Kathi Hyett says
I love your humor, looking forward to more…you’re a talented writer.
P.S. The cake was awesome!
Sandie (Inn Cuisine) says
Starting a small vineyard and winery in the Willamette Valley of Oregon? How wonderful!
One of my favorite white wines comes from that area..Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris (never tried their Pinot Noir though.)
I wish you the best of luck in your new adventure. Creating/planting a vineyard is so much work, unless you’re hiring out the labor. I helped a friend get started once, and it was the 2nd most tiring/rewarding thing I’ve ever done!
I really enjoy the presentation of your blog–you have an approachable and humorous voice, and I don’t mind the occasional rambling at all! (I have a Polish grandfather–so go figure! Must be in the DNA.)
Keep up the good work (and try to keep blogging when the vineyard gets going. You’ll be so busy!)
Pat Schneider says
My whole family was laughing about how you introduced the cake page and why to make it. I just came stumpled upon your page and we all just loved it. Will enjoy reading your blog. Keep up the funny and good work.
Renae says
You have been officially blogrolled on my newbie site as the first of “food blogs I love.” I am so excited that you have property for a winery in the Willamette Valley. My family’s favorite vacation spot is on the coast near Tilamook, and sometimes we take the long, long way and go through the Willamette Valley.
swirlingnotions says
And I’m so glad you decided to blog! Your comment about your sensory evaluation class at UCD made me say, “hey, I didn’t know she went to UCD” . . . so I’m happy you wrote this page so I could learn more about you!
HoneyB says
Hey! Great learning more about you…I love this!
Neen says
Wait. You’re planting a vineyard in Willamette Valley??? How did I not know this!! You are officially the coolest person I know.
Lex the mom says
I enjoyed reading about you & your lovely family! I will certainly be back to check out all that’s new & the food. đŸ™‚
We have a few things in common – loving to eat (but I don’t think I can like you mention you do), loving to cook, and run-on sentences with no punctuation. Cheers!
clampants says
Best blog I’ve come across by far. Enjoyed reading your words (run on as they may) and look forward to more. I love to eat and drink wine as well.
Claudia (cook eat FRET) says
i’m assuming your husband is a dr and that you’re jewish. just an assumption based on well, everything. i am only 3/4 polish – one grandparent being hungarian. i’m a nyc jew living in -ready? – nashville, tn. yep. the buckle of the bible belt…
your blog is wonderful. i’m your latest greatest fan…
gandywhite says
Just couldn’t pass up such a really neat person, who loves to cook and eat, who has a precious family, who really doesn’t need another admirer to boost her self-esteem….but she’s got one.
Lara says
Alright, it’s official: I’ve got a blogcrush. xoxo
Wendy says
Happily subscribing to this blog. Loving the articles AND the recipes. đŸ˜€ đŸ˜€
yves says
you have a marvelous and totally fun website!!!! Glad to have stumbled across it!!!!
threeundertwo says
Your Hooligan #2 actually eats a greater variety than my Drama Girl and she’s 11! Some kids are just major “overtasters” – if you know the term. I’m subscribing just to see if you can coax him to try more things. Love your blog!
Erin says
What an amazing site that you have! You are funny, a great writer, and your recipes are so sinful that just reading them may ahve damned me for eternity! So since I am already damned, I might as well just try them all. Now need some brown sugar, bananas, chocolate chips, and marshmallows for recipe #1. Cheers!
PookandHouse says
Wow, I now love your blog and add into my blogroll. Congrat on purchasing a land in Williamlett. Great place to grow Pinot Noir. I have been thinking about talking wine making course at UC Davis. Your story is very inspiring. Can’t wait to try your wine one day.
Barbie with a T says
You should publish a cookbook! Your photography is absolute perfection! I am impressed. Thanks for sharing on your blog. I will be an avid reader from this point on. Good luck with the winery. BTW, I love wine, but know very little about it. I will take your advice on wine and live by it. Someone sent me your blog regarding Clafoutis and that is what got me started. I will try it now while cherries are in season here in S. Texas. Barbie
bill says
I really like your blog, and your self-description. Very nicely done.
Christine says
Hey! We’re getting a Target! And, you can buy underwear at Gottschalks until then!
Did you know the toads don’t even use the tunnel?
Max says
I have come out from under the dust cloud in my studio and discovered blogs ~ who knew??? I am a fan!
I love that the Hooligan’s like sticks ~ I still collect them and have placed them strategically throughout my garden, along with my rocks I pick up. Blah. blah, blah… You ROCK Cathy! Happy days…
flyfishergal says
I’ve heard about you and your blog. Your writing style is very entertaining – thanks for making us laugh! Welcome to DLM; you’re a great addition!
Chefectomy says
Totally hillarious you are…I shot a wild boar once…it made an excellent pappardelle con cinghiale (don’t grade my spelling). Glad to have found you.
Marc
Debra says
Your younger son sounds like my oldest grandson, almost 3. Very particular about food and who does what with it, like he needs to put on the ketchup. As for me, food and wine, who needs anything else?
Debra Weisberg says
Food and wine and children with peculiar and particular tastes. Sounds like my life.
Tara says
So I have no recollection of how I heard about your blog, but man-oh-man I am so glad I did. You are officially my new favorite blog and I will add you to my links and tell readers on my blog to come and visit you. You are hillarious and a wonderful writer and my new escape during the work day. I love it!
Melissa says
I just came across your blog for the first time- only to find a wonderful blog but also Nararro. I was borne and raised in Fort Brag, I now live in the Bay Area, still fining myself up North as my family is all there and I find it quite refreshing to go home. Please consider me one more fan.
James says
I love you blog!!!
Rayrena says
I’m so glad that I finally got around to reading your about page! I love your sense of humour. Husbands, don’tcha love ’em?
Miz Liz says
Love your blog! I’m pasting a link on mine so others can feel the love!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Miz Liz says
Love your blog! I’m pasting a link on mine so others can be equally entertained and inspired.
Donald says
Wow! Your 6 year old’s description sounds exactly like me! I may not have the same discerning palate, but I am picky and choosy.
Seen you around the blogosphere, now I’m here at your excellent blog.
JBL says
Wonderful blog. I am happy to be aboard!
Heather says
I love to visit your blog several times during the week. Your recipes are fantastic and simple all at the same time, and you have a great sense of humor. Good luck on the vineyard!
Rui Ferreira says
Escelente
Kathleen says
WOW…I’m speechless! I have never subscribed to anything, but after being inspired by your fantastic recipes, superb pics and overall flare of your blog I JUST HAD TO SEE MORE!!! LUV LUV LUV LUV your blog…and I look forward to more great stuff!!!!
Brenda Wilmore says
Great blog, look forward to more.
Mary says
I’m glad to have found you and your blog. Count me in!
glutenfreeforgood says
See, I’m totally enjoying your blog. Snooping around everywhere.
Ramble on, girl! You do it well.
Melissa
Jennifer says
I just came across your site today! I love it! I will be coming back to visit!
Jennifer says
Hello, I also just came across this site (link from davis life magazine) and am really intrigued!my friends and i are all really big food fanatics so we’re excited about trying all your recipes! thanks & keep on posting =)
tamilyn says
I just laughed and laughed. I, too, am new to blogging and you have may more figured out than I do. I am trying to figure out how to customize my blog page with element other than presented at blogger. I enjoy your header-the name is what led me to check it out from another person’s blog. I’m adding you to my favorite and linking on my blog just in case anyone ever reads it-hehehe. I ramble too, so feel free to ramble on-it all makes sense to me! Oregon, oh I would love to go live there. I have heard from many how beautiful it is. May need to go check out those vineyards.
Tallie says
I just came across your blog completely randomly doing a recipe search. I am so glad I found you. I love your style! The airplane incident you described cracked me up! I know exactly how you feel although I’m obnoxious enough to say “hey get the heck out of my area buddy!”. I’ll be reading your posts regularly. I feel your pain about Davis my best friend lives there and always tells me horror stories. Also I can relate as I’m from an even smaller, quirkier town from even farther North in CA. Good luck with your winery adventure. Oregon is a wonderful place too. I think you would love Ashland which is very near the Willamette Valley. Also a quirky, small town but in a hip kind of way.
Jamie says
Ah, a true soul mate! Food, wine and crazy men. And Jewish! We are discussing the change of life thing too. Food related. Oregon, hmmm? My sons are older, but one eats everything, the other is as picky as yours. I love eating, cooking and baking, reading about and talking about food, too, so I’ll be popping by here for a chat regularly. I’d love for you to visit me over at mine one day!
Happy Holidays, Happy New Year!
grant h says
I love your blog!
Joan Callaway says
Hi Fellow Davisite…
I just ran across your blog tonight…referred by Sass and Veracity, I think. It was the scallops and champagne grapes recipe that drew me in.
I’m a former store owner in Davis…Tarika and then when I retired, I opened All Things Right and Relevant with a non-profit group. I’ve really retired now…just tutor children who are having a difficult time learning to read and/or write/math, etc.
Enjoyed reading about your winery aspirations. Have a home in Ashland, Or., as well as Davis.
pigpigscorner says
I call my fiance the wild boar too!
I love your blog! Looking forward to ur future posts.
snw says
I love your blog….do you happen to live anywhere near Red Bluff, CA? It almost sounds like that town. The Willamette Valley is so beautiful–sounds like a person after my own heart. If you’re ever looking for a teacher who also works as a nanny and loves adventure and working with children—???
snw says
I love your blog….do you happen to live anywhere near Red Bluff, CA? It almost sounds like that town. The Willamette Valley is so beautiful–sounds like a person after my own heart. If you’re ever looking for a teacher who also works as a nanny and loves adventure and working with children??? Also, I enjoy vermiculture…for better soil and alternative energy, growing things, especially organic, etc.
Thank you for such a fun blog and a so yummy recipe!
snw says
i apologize for the double post.
Hilary says
Hi Cathy .. love the names, love the description & I look forward to following you through your vineyard years .. have fun -I know you will – Hilary
Nicole oh-so Lovely says
I love your blog!
The food is amazing! Love the pics that go with it too. You’ll love Oregon! I use to live in Eugene, we make great wine!
Lindsay says
DAVIS!!!
I’m up the street in Roseville!
Very entertaining and informative!
Cass says
Just found your blog, love it! Take heart about your picky eater. Don’t make it an issue, and he’ll end up just fine. I had an even pickier one, and now she has eaten everything from haggis in
Edinburgh to fish eyes in Sarajevo and is the most adventurous eater I know.
Spinach TIger says
I used to live in OC. I escaped to nashville and I always complain about the “chain stores.” Your boys are gorgeous. Can boys be gorgeous? I often watch my neighbor’s twin boys who from BIRTH have pushed away food. I felt like I won a prize when they ate my pasta with eggs. Maybe number 2 will be the wine drinker. Enjoyed your story.
sandra evans says
hiya..I just “stumbled” onto your blog I am a foodie and love other foodie blogs..I have tried to do my own but am totally useless..your recipes are scrumptious and the photos are brilliant
I will give you a thumb up and come here often..
ps I love to cook
sandra from the UK
Ilona says
Love your writing, and would like to subscribe to your blog. Can one subscribe to a blog? I’m new to this. Thank you.
mariah says
i just started reading your blog and was mesmerized by the pasta pie in the spring form pan. i can’t wait to make that after i get one of those pans. đŸ™‚ plus i felt an instant recognition when i read about your youngest boy’s limited food list. my son is the same way. i always say that he is both picky and particular. it’s got to be such and such in just this certain way…or NOTHING. and i too think of the day when all of a sudden it all clicks and he picks up and relishes it for the beauty that it is. đŸ˜‰
thanks for a great read!
Danielle says
Wow, I’ve been coming here for a while now and I’ve never read this! Thanks for letting us in! Your blog is an endless source for excellent recipes, food for thought, and lots of laughs! I love it!
Carolina says
Miss, you are amazing! I love to cook, and your blog is full of my favourite ingredients, and food I know I’ll love. I was reading your recipes; there are cool! I always get confused about if it’s the right colour, the right texture… but you are very clear and you make things look easy, too. So thank you. You do it in a wonderful way.
Greetings from Chile! đŸ™‚
Rachel says
I stumbled across your blog and read that you lived in Northern California, as do I. Upon further examination of your explanation of the town it sounds like Arcata.
I understand privacy so conformation isnt necessary. I just thought it was interesting and cool that I could stumble upon and great food blog right from my area.
Keep up the fabulous pictures!
debbi says
I just found your blog and am rewriting my grocery list as I am skimming through it. So many great ideas. We frequent the McMinnville area, love the Oregon Hotel and the wineries. Hope you will be planting soon and bottling! Can’t wait to follow your winery adventures. Best of luck, especially with the reds!
Mike says
Hi Cathy,
greetings from Germany. I’m sure you’ll be amused to hear that toad-tunnels are nothing out-of-the-ordinary over here đŸ™‚
Great blog, nice pictures!
Army Wifey says
I happened to stumble upon your blog and WOW! I’ve read through it and this is really the most awesome blog i’ve read. You are so funny! I absolutely love it. AND, i’ve got a couple of kiddos myself. One being a VERY picky eater. I am writing down things to get at the store for my visit tomorrow! LOVE your ideas and can’t wait to try making the food!
cojo66 says
I was on stumbleupon.com and your site came up (congrats). I love the matza recipes and the pie in the sky. I sent it around to everyone. Great site. Funny sense of humor. Thank you.
LoriE says
I love to cook, love to eat, love wine. Two sons. One eats everything the other eats nothing. We could have been separated at birth except I’m over 50, French and live in British Columbia. But other than that, I’m just saying.
Maybe I can visit your winery one day. I just did a review of a local one up here two weeks ago. Best of luck.
Greg says
Just looking for Ham w/ Coke Glaze, and I found this place. Remarkable. You go to such great effort to express what you see and feel in an inspiring and memorable way. And it made the end of this day memorable for me. Thank you.
Rose says
I love your blog! You’re just so witty, humorous, interesting and I’d love to visit your winery one day.
Lorrie says
I found your site on a random search, and love it! I live in the Willamette Valley–slightly due east of prime grape-growing region,although the vines are joyfully encroaching on the Christmas tree and berry fields of my locale–but spent 4 years living in the town where you can’t buy underwear. You can however, get a fantastic bagel, and underwear seems to be optional in that town anyway. Prior to that, most of my days were spent in “The Valley Of The Moon” (born and raised, actually. So, I am looking forward to reading you on a regular basis. Thanks for the entertainment!
Dora says
You are hilarious. I am definitely not into checking blogs, but must make an exception in your case. My daughter loves to cook and she needs a better inspiration than I have been lately.
Christi Nielsen says
Honey – get yourself on twitter. I have foodies there waiting for you!
elra says
Hi Cathy
Well, this isn’t Elra – it’s her husband. I’m waiting for Elra to get out of the shower so i thought I’d pay another visit to you site. Actually, I’m quite curious about your winery and also about the Willamette valley. Wonderful to see you pursue your dreams. Elra and I dream of retiring to a winery in Santa Barbara – actually, this is my dream – orchards, olives and wine. Elra prefers to be within yelling distance of her neighbors; i need enough time to get the shotgun after the dogs start barking.
Anyway, for now we are stuck in the bay area; actually, shouldn’t complain. i’m doing a startup and enjoying it (except for the fund-raising aspect). If it succeeds then off to santa barbara, although with all the wildfires Elra isn’t sure about this anymore.
Well, time to go off to dinner. Thanks for keeping us entertained.
J
bythesea715 says
Great reading your blog. I love your pictures, food recipes, and a lot of nothings. Live, work, and play in OC and would love to create some of your cookie recipes to sell in my store. Looking forward to reading about your future adventures.
Dynamite Debbie says
My brother (“Bob”–from icookstuff) sent me over here to check out your snickerdoodle ice cream, which I will definitely be making. But it’s the description of your family I especially love! Your hooligan #2 needs to get together with my hooligan #3, who will only eat about half of your son’s list. Where did I get such a culinary heathen??
Debbie says
Cathy – Your brother, Paul, told me about your site. My employer is one of his clients. Paul must know us all TOO well to suggest your site, which is wonderful and your life is exactly what we dream about as we run our calculators. Keep up the good work!
Samantha says
I live in Oregon too!!
will says
I love hearing about your “hooligans”! My Hooligan 2 is just about s picky as yours. He just turned 6 and as much as I try to get him to try new things, he is totally stuck on spaghetti from a can, chicken nuggets with no sauce, french fries with no sauce, toast with no butter, hot dogs cold in stale pita with no sauce and cocoa pops with no milk. UGHHHHHHHH!
xcm says
So glad I found your blog! I discovered you because I love pigs and pork (yes, both), and because I almost thought you’d escaped the town I live in now: Berkeley. As you probably know Berkeley suffers from the same idiosyncrasies as Davis, even down to the frog-slaughter phobia, except ours is newts. Yup, our South Park Drive (no pun intended) is closed for newt migration from November to April every year. Also my husband suffers from Goldilocks Syndrome, so much so that if you say it around him he will not only know what you mean but he will assume you are referring to him. Oh, and I also happen to be a glutton of the first order, but that’s less unique.
Marinela says
Hi Cathy,
Love your blog, you seem like a really nice person. I am also like you a food-wine-life lover he he,:). I live in Croatia on the Adriatic coast. It’s a great country to live in- beautiful nature- sea, thousand islands, mountains,green valleys, rivers, lakes…, great food, loads of different and great wines…I could talk about it all day but now I don’t have the time cause my baby boy needs to be fed,:)
If you want to know more about our cuisine, recepies and wines let me know! Greeting from Croatia
Not a Davis resident says
“And in case you were wondering, you have to leave the city if you want to buy decent underwear; that will never change.”
Not true anymore. There is now a Target on 2nd street just west of Mace.
While I had not heard of the toad tunnel until now, when I read your description I immediately thought Davis! I don’t live in Davis, I just work there. And yes, it is exactly as quirky as you say.
I am baking your lemon square/bar recipe right now. They are smelling wonderful. Thanks for the great recipe!
Kati says
Cathy,
I too am a graduate of Davis! When I left with a BA in Fine Arts in 1996-there wasn’t much except a quirky town with a noise ordinance for snoring and some great burritos at Dos Quiotes! Stumbled across your blog-nice to find a fellow foodie and Davis alum! I now own a cupcake business and wanted to wish a fellow business owner good luck! Check out my site at http://www.katiskupcakes.com
Chris says
Love your blog. I am going to try that apple upside down pie. It looks really yummy.
Lynn Parks-Carter says
Cathy,
Found your website by using stumble; glad I did! Your photos are beautiful, and Ienjoy your writing very much. I am going to try cranberry chutney; can’t resist Pilgrims meet Bollywood; but I do live in LA after all…
Stevie-Dean says
Like others before me I just stumbled onto your blog while looking for Thai food in Portland…. I have never read a blog before and am I ever thankful that yours was the first! We appear to have much in common. I, too, raised my two children in the Willamette Valley (they are much older than yours – like almost 35 and raising their own children) – I also love run on sentences – butter – mayonnaise – and Jewish men (I married into a whole family of them). We are also a HUGE food family. My most picky eater ever, my son (he grew up on Beefaroni, Ravilios, and Top Ramen) grew up to be an amazing chef who has go on to work for many great restaurants over the years and is currently plying his trade – specializing if fresh Northwest seafood, on the Washington coast (so have faith – they do grow up and someday, like mine, yours will realize that he really does like spicy food or fish). My lovely husband (who packed up and left Oregon to follow me around for the last seven years because I thought that working in Wyoming and Nevada sounded entertaining) and I are currently back home in Oregon and happily cooking our way through life at the beach (just south of Manzanita). I feel like I met you by reading your blog and am thankful for the meeting. I’ll stop back by and see how life is turning out for you and if you’re ever coming down to the beach let me know and we’ll make sure you eat well while you’re here! Thanks again. Stevie
Belinda says
I am totally in love with this blog.
MommieDawn says
I love love LOVE your site! I’m a vegetarian married to a meat-a-vore, and have used TONS of your recipes for our whole family! Thanks for the food, the laughs, the sighs and the awwwwww’s.
Meredith says
In the last paragraph on your younger son, I think you mean “discerning” where you have “disconcerting.”
That said, I just discovered your blog and am extremely excited to make some of these recipes – the little rolls with eggs baked into them? genius! Also: I heartily second your love of Alton Brown. My hubby loves him so much he has an AB t-shirt that says “Science: it’s what’s for dinner”
Patty Guttu says
I love anyone who follows their bliss. Pig is the other white meat. Ha!
I am missing the Pacific Northwest.
meg says
my boyfriend found your recipe for eggs in a breadbowl online on “stumbleupon” and we began reading your blog together. thanks so much for the great recipes, wine advice and laughs!
Vickie says
Just what I needed – recipes, reviews, virtual tastings, and aesthetics all on one interesting blog. I am too dependent on French wine, namely Merlot, and would like to break out and understand more wines.
Sharon Hutson says
I loved reading about you, your stream of thoughts, and of course, your “get back in the kitchen and cook” inspiring recipes!
Denise says
I was totally taken with your post on Baked eggs in Bread bowls. I love making baked eggs with spinach and bacon for weekend brunches…but somehow never even thought to put them into bread bowls. Ur post has been truly inspiring!
Jessica says
LOVE AT FIRST SITE!
You had me at ranch dressing macaroni and cheese.
I would love to post some of your recipes with credit and link to you on my blog. Is that ok with you?
Warmly,
xoxo
Jessica
Jim says
I just Stumbled across your site, and I’m glad I did. Any blog that combines food and words like nincompoop are definitely worth reading through!
Looking forward to reading more… Cheers!
Angie says
We LOVE your recipes and pixs! Just shared with our grown kids. Thanks so much!
rosalina says
hi! love your blog. i’ve just started a food blog too. i was inspired to do it because of your blog and others like you.
like some of your readers, i will be trying out your recipes (will credit and link you of course) soon.
cheers!
Janet in Phoenix says
I recently disccovered your blog and pictures! They are both terrific and I intend to try many, many of your recipes as soon as possible! Your pictures are professional quality and make my mouth water every time I check in to see the latest dish!
Joyce says
LOVE your blog. Thanks for the laughs.
Kris says
Hi. I just read your blog for the first time. Love it. Very funny. You remind me of me! Ha. My Adoptablogger#4 newbie tipped me on to you. She thought I would enjoy your writing and she’s right. Look forward to more recipes and a few laughs!
Cheers.
dawn says
You are amazing following your dreams, not many people get to do that. Best of luck.
ToniaGoodwin says
People deserve very good life and mortgage loans or commercial loan can make it much better. Just because freedom depends on money state.
pat wickman says
Great blog….Husband and followed our dream from Central Texas to the beaches of Florida! Loving life…cooking…and having fun!
Elizabeth says
Fabulous! Can’t wait to read more…
alex says
This is the most delicious recipe website I have stumbled across, and I look forward to trying some of these recipes out this summer =)
Roberta says
Hi Cathy…Just love your blog! My 18-yr old son sent me the cinnamon donut muffin recipe and away I went…searching the blog for other recipes. I, too, love to cook, and, coincidentally, EAT! But alas, my thighs, unlike yours, are extremely good friends! I’ll keep reading your blog…hmmmm…may even start one myself! Thanks for a good read!
Roberta
Mamamimi says
Just found your blog. Love it! So entertaining and it satisfies my culinary curiosity!
Carol says
Baked your Easy foccacia Saturday and the whole family loved it, thanks. I was just wondering what you thought the difference was between a foccacia and a ciabatta. Thanks
Noble Pig says
Well, first off the shape.Ă‚Â I also don’t think of focaccia as sandwich bread and ciabatta I do.Ă‚Â Also, ciabatta has a much crustier top while focaccia is soft and very oily.Ă‚Â For me they are completely different, especially in texture.
FREDDYBILL says
Well hello from Toronto. Rainy Saturday here. Wife n I just lazing around doing nothing. I like those days. Came across your site via “stumbleupon” Saw you were living in McMinnville. I spent 24 hours there a few years ago on business and so was intrigued. I love food. I love food, love wine and love most of all, I love interesting people. My intention will be to spend some time learning more about you and your gang and hopefully derive as much pleasure from your writing and recipes as I did reading your intro. I’m a half a generation older than you (kids are now 23 and 25) and also very happy with spouse (Relax! No stalker here)
Off to read more about you and your fans.
Marina says
Hello from Jersey!
I stumbled across this blog by complete chance and I have to say, it’s fantastic. Your easy to follow recipes just made a group of teens very happy. (tomorrow is carmalized chocolate banana marshmallow sandwich day!) Keep up the awesome blog. đŸ™‚
Holly says
I live in McMinnville too! Small world.
Michele says
I stumbled upon one of your recipe articles that started out with “the weather remains wintery, not cold but wet” and I knew you had to be in Oregon. Hah. I’m down in Eugene, but I grew up closer to McMinnville. Food looks good, I look forward to trying the scones, apples and others.
Emma says
Your blog is great! It’s at the top of my “favorite blogs” list. Your recipes are fantastic, and it’s so inspiring how you’re living your dream. Good luck in all that you do!
Elisa says
Greetings! I StumbleUpon’d your blog about a week ago. I have to tell you, I’m hooked!! I absolutely love your blog. Most especially, I love everything you’ve cooked and shared. Between a friend and myself, we plan on making your recipes. So far I’ve made your peppermint brownies, and he has made your pepperoni puffs. They were both amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your recipes and your life. Good luck to you on your vineyard adventure. Happy 4th of July. đŸ™‚
Jill says
Love your blog! Enjoy all the recipes and the funny stories. You’re a great writer! I have a baking/life/ everything blog đŸ™‚ Feel free to head over and have a read. I just featured your poprock cupcake recipes. Its such a great idea!!
http://www.fontgirl.wordpress.com
Dorothy says
I just found your recipe for Mom’s New York Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce. It sounds wonderful. I am sooo hooked on cheesecake! I want to make this recipe but was not clear on the last ingredient given for the sauce. Does 1/4 c fromboise mean 1/4 cup raspberry JELLY because it doesn’t say? Also… does the 1/2 pint heavy whipping cream have to be whipped before folding into batter or just fold in as is? I would very much appreciate it if you could email me your reply. Thank You in advance.
Noble Pig says
Framboise is a French, raspberry eau-de-vie….available atĂ‚Â most liquor stores.Ă‚Â As far as the cream, you do not whip it.
Hazel says
Hi! My friend just gave me the link to your blog and said I would enjoy it, and I most certainly do enjoy your blog! I am excited because I am moving to Davis to study there for a year in this coming September, to study Food Science, not viticulture, but hope to include a couple of classes in viticulture. I have just started a food blog and cannot wait to continue it during my time in California. I will be frequently checking up on your blog too đŸ™‚
Tanktonkin says
Your blog is sooo wonderful!!! My new favorite for sure! I cannot wait to try some of your fabulous recipes and drinks!! What a fun place to come and see what is new for the day! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this and share all of your wonderful foods and laughs! đŸ™‚
Alisa says
You have a most wonderful site! I really love your photos,recipes and the way you write. I just love it!
Kelli says
I stumbled upon your site and I am hooked! I hope to try some of your recipes and start en exercise regime to combat the results! I, too, live to eat good food and I love your hilarious story about the barf baby!
Rick Becerra says
Your web site is awesome. I have wowed my wife with many of your recipes. I have had a batting average better that Alex Rodriguez with my new cooking know how. I have one question though. I have 4 little ones and I am reluctant to use wine in some of the recipes. Is it ok?
Noble Pig says
Made properly, foods cooked with alcohol are perfectly safe to serve the little ones in your life. The dish should be cooked long enough, usually several minutes, for most of the alcohol itself to evaporate, leaving only harmless trace residues and the concentrated flavor of the wine or beverage used.
When you cook with wine, beer, sherry, and spirits, they can greatly enhance the taste of some dishes, acting as a flavor conductor to heighten the taste of all the ingredients.
Hersh says
excellent and inspiring! đŸ™‚
Deb says
What a great blog! My friend sent me the link to it (she just made your crazy stuffed pasta concoction!) and I discovered on a picture of your wine bottle that you are in McMinnnville! My daughter goes to Linfield College and so next time I’m in town – and I love to visit McMinnville (especially the fabric store!), we’ll seek out Noble Pig. Thanks for some really appealing recipes…I hate to bake, but I seem to crave what you’ve been craving lately, so I’m giving some of them a try!
Travis says
Just happened across your blog today. I am currently a V&E student at Davis and just so you know, we now have both a Target and Trader Joe’s. Life is so good. I’ll have to look out for your wine. Cheers!
Sim says
I sometimes feel like there are too many blogs but I am happy that I found yours today. Not only do I love that you had a chocolate chip corn bread recipe but that there is Yiddish being used in the Oregon wine countryside! Thanks for your blog…and if you know of any extra nice single Jewish men please introduce them to us lol!
Marina says
Hi Cathy. I love your blog (OMG that croissant bread pudding was to die for) and am so excited for your wine making success! I am a mom in So Cal (no, not the O.C., S.B.) who is also married to a physician who is slightly concerned with my jabbering on on the internet. I have a food blog too, Yummy Mummy, and will link to your site when I finally get a “favorites” or “blog roll” going.
Cheers!
http://www.yummymummykitchen.com
Karyn says
Just found your blog today, via Stumble. LOVE IT, but mainly because I love your style and your openness. You make this an easy pleasurable read. The best food blog I’ve seen yet and one that has encouraged me to move from my cookbooks to online just a touch more. Looking forward to reading and absorbing everything you share.
Jane says
excited to find your blog!
roseann says
thank you for your wonderful recipes and humor! as you can tell from my e mail address i love to eat .i know i will be reading your blog daily!
WineDineDivas says
Just found your Blog! Congratulations Cathy for your success! Finally your dream came through. Your blog makes people smile and we are sure that your wines will do the same, and not just because of the lovely alcohol content.
Cheers:)
Judit & Corina
genevieve says
I absolutely adore your blog, have just spent the last hour or so looking back through all your posts – your recipes are just amazing! And I totally know what you mean about getting hooked on blogs – I have my own little blog obession happening too, now I must add yours to my list of blogs to visit regularly!
genevieve says
ps. I was compelled to add a link to noble pig on my blog, hope you don’t mind! but i must share the love…. đŸ™‚