Isn't It Romantic?

You've got to love a man who leaves garden flowers and the secret heart discovered inside a walnut, on a corner of your desk. Everyday expressions like these don't cost much, but speak volumes. Don't wait for Valentine's Day to slip a sweet note or token of affection into your beloved's pocket or under his pillow. Thoughtfulness counts.

photos by: Lisa Keating 

Our road trips are paid for by donations from viewers (like you) and sponsors. All opinions expressed are our honest thoughts and experiences. Any promotional content is clearly identified as advertising. If you are interested sponsoring an EncinoMom video, please inquire at: info@EncinoMom.com

New Orleans or New Orleans Square?

Here are a few snaps from my camera roll. Can you tell which pics are New Orleans (Louisana) and which are from New Orleans Square (Disneyland)? When I was a kid, I always loved to linger in New Orleans Square when we visited Disneyland; the music, the narrow, winding alleyways filled with shops, the food. I had no idea how true to the original Big Easy the California copy was! It's as true today, as ever.

photos by: Lisa Keating


Our road trips are paid for by donations from viewers (like you) and sponsors. All opinions expressed are our honest thoughts and experiences. Any promotional content is clearly identified as advertising. If you are interested sponsoring an EncinoMom video, please inquire at: info@EncinoMom.com 


Oh yes, all of the photos above are from a recent trip to New Orleans, except the second from the left, taken yesterday at Disneyland.

Grilled Artichoke Recipe

Prep: Wash artichokes, trim stem, cut off top 1/2" of leaves and remaining leaf tips, if desired. I use a sharp knife and kitchen scissors (for the individual leaf tips). Cut artichoke in half, remove choke ("hair" and any purple leaves) using a spoon.

Boil: Immediately place in pot of boiling water with lemon (you can use the lemon left over after squeezing the juice for your grilling sauce). Boil for approximately 20 minutes. You want to leave the artichokes slightly undercooked - they will finish cooking on the grill.

Drain: Remove from heat, drain and cool. You may refrigerate artichokes at this point and grill them later (I grilled mine the next day).

Preheat Grill. In a large bowl squeeze the juice of two lemons. Mix with 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 cloves of minced fresh garlic (or a generous sprinkle of garlic powder), freshly ground pepper and salt to taste. (I used Lime Flake Sea Salt).

Toss: Add the artichokes to your bowl and turn to coat thoroughly.

Grill: Place artichokes on the grill, cut side down. Cook for about 10 minutes and turn. Cook for about 5 minutes more on the other side. You should have nice grill marks on the cut side of your artichokes.

Add: A Teaspoon or two of mayonnaise to your leftover lemon/oil mixture (if desired) and whisk together. Serve on the side as a dipping sauce.

Serve: Immediately with an additional squeeze of fresh lemon. Grilled artichokes are also great served chilled with a cup of Gazpacho!

photos by: Lisa Keating 

EncinoMom on a (California) Mission

It's that time of year when 4th graders throughout our state, study the California missions. Here are a couple of snaps from a recent trip to one of my childhood favorites.

Can you guess which one it is? Here's a hint: Hitchcock fans may become dizzy just thinking about that famous chase scene up the tower steps!






photos by: Warren Keating

Best Laid Plans - Irish Whiskey Pudding Recipe, Part 2