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
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
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
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
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
Confession: I’ve never been a fan of plain white rice. I understand that rice is a staple that keeps many people fed and full, but in my personal experience with white rice it’s often unnecessary carbs serving as a vehicle for the real flavorful food. I mean, why would I want to eat plain white rice when fried rice exists? When I can make creamy risotto strewn … Continue reading Mexican Red Rice
It’s really hard to make Brussels sprouts look sexy. In case you haven’t noticed I’m very particular about the way food looks on this blog. I tried to make these look as good as they taste, but may not have done them justice. These little guys are tossed in a blend of seasoned olive oil and balsamic vinegar before roasting, allowing them to crisp up and … Continue reading Crispy Lemon Brussels Sprouts
I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Here’s the really short list because this is the closest I’m willing to get to a Thanksgiving post: The best and most supportive friends and family My boyfriend who is really too kind for his own good My coworkers who manage to keep me sane MY NEW CAR!!! Yeah, I stressed out about that for … Continue reading Cranberry Almond Cake & Candied Oranges
It’s been chilly (by SoCal standards at least), and with everything under the sun turning pumpkin flavored lately, pumpkin soup has been on the brain. I’ve never made anything with pumpkin before, so experimenting with this creamy soup was totally new to me! The soup is basically a coconut milk and pumpkin puree to which I added roasted carrots, onions, garlic, and parsley blended with chicken stock. My coworker gave … Continue reading Spiced Pumpkin Soup and Ricotta Crostini
Recently I’d been craving a barley drink I had in Malaysia, so I bought a bag of the stuff and now I’m trying to figure out what to do with the rest of it! In case you’re not familiar with barley, it is a cereal grain that I think is highly underrated. It has more protein and fiber than rice- so as someone who is … Continue reading Toasted Barley and Quinoa Salad
and she cooks 