

Golden Beet, Ricotta, and Blue Cheese Ravioli
Pasta is one of my all-time favorite foods. It comes in such a wide variety of shapes and forms, how could one ever get tired of it? I went on a bit of a pasta binge inspired by a recent visit to one of my favorite restaurants, Union. Their off-menu porchetta is supposed to be amazing, but I have never tried it because I would … Continue reading Golden Beet, Ricotta, and Blue Cheese Ravioli

Finding Bliss with a Morning Tisane Ritual
“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace.” -May Sarton I recently started a new job that allows me to work with food in a setting that is steeped in art, nature, and history. I consider myself extremely lucky to be at a location that … Continue reading Finding Bliss with a Morning Tisane Ritual

Creamy Broccoli Slaw with Bacon
Broccoli was not my favorite vegetable growing up. In fact, I still don’t buy it at the store. To be totally honest I only made this because it was delivered to my doorstep by Imperfect Produce when I forgot to customize my order. Peering into my box, I was surprised to find two large broccoli heads among various other produce I was much more excited … Continue reading Creamy Broccoli Slaw with Bacon

Fresh Plum Cake Featuring Imperfect Produce
A couple years ago, a Facebook friend posted an article on Imperfect Produce, a new start up in the Bay Area, with the mission to reduce food waste. It pains me to see food thrown away, especially perfectly good food; but I’m embarrassed to admit that as much of a foodie as I had proclaimed myself to be, I knew next to nothing about … Continue reading Fresh Plum Cake Featuring Imperfect Produce

Chilled Cucumber Soup
Summer is in full effect here in So-Cal; with temperatures in the 90’s I’m very hesitant to do any sort of cooking that involves the stove or oven. Chilled soups are new to me, but I can’t remember ever tasting one that was bad on a hot day, so I figured I’d take my chances and wing it. This chilled soup is perfect as a … Continue reading Chilled Cucumber Soup

Sous Vide Lemon Chicken and Spiced Lentils
Have you ever eaten a dish so good you’ve thought about it days later, trying to figure out what the heck was in it? That was me this week after eating at The Tasting Kitchen in Santa Monica. The branzino there was deliciously buttery with pine nuts and castelvetrano olives, the steak crusted yet tender and juicy, and the wild boar atop a cheesy polenta … Continue reading Sous Vide Lemon Chicken and Spiced Lentils

Crispy Yeasted Waffles
Ask what I want for breakfast, and I will ask for waffles. Don’t ask, and I will plead for them anyway. One morning, to hush my incessant waffle cries, Rob found a waffle house nearby. We’ve tried several of their sweet and savory ones, but my favorite is the creme brulee- a crispy waffle with pockets full of sweet custard sprinkled with turbinado sugar, torched … Continue reading Crispy Yeasted Waffles

Earl Grey Sugar Cookies
When I was younger, my mom and her friends would host regular tea parties- serious affairs where we would bring our own tea cups and saucers. I remember being about 9 or 10 years old and looking for just the right tea cup and saucer set which I felt truly reflected my personality. In preparation for these get-togethers, the moms would have us daughters assemble … Continue reading Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies
My first distinct memory of cookie decorating was at my aunt and uncle’s house when I was about 6 or 7 years old. All of our family and friends gathered in their sun room where several tables held bins full of huge sugar cookies in many shapes and sizes- giant snowmen and Christmas trees and snowflakes, icing in all colors, sprinkles, and candies. This new … Continue reading Gingerbread Cookies

Beer Braised Brisket
Guess what I had for breakfast this morning. Brisket and mashed potatoes! Heck yes! No regrets here. This is a bit of a Frankenstein recipe- the cooler weather has me craving all the comfort foods. All week I day-dreamed of a stew-y beef dish. I looked up recipes and found beer braising would create a deeper, more complex flavor than I could have with spices alone. … Continue reading Beer Braised Brisket