Category Archives: Kid – Friendly

Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Blue Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Blue Cheese

Mac and cheese, an American classic that even though having been re-invented many times over by pretty much every professional chef and home cook out there, somehow retains its iconic comfort food status. The great thing (and what I think

Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Blue Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Blue Cheese

Mac and cheese, an American classic that even though having been re-invented many times over by pretty much every professional chef and home cook out there, somehow retains its iconic comfort food status. The great thing (and what I think

Tomato Basil Spirals

Tomato Basil Spirals

This is a quick little sandwich wrap that does double duty: it can be a simple snack for one, but also works wonderfully as an appetizer when entertaining. lavash bread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 tomato fresh basil leaves salt pepper

Tomato Basil Spirals

Tomato Basil Spirals

This is a quick little sandwich wrap that does double duty: it can be a simple snack for one, but also works wonderfully as an appetizer when entertaining. lavash bread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 tomato fresh basil leaves salt pepper

Buttermilk Pancakes

Buttermilk Pancakes

What better way to start a morning than with pancakes? When they are fresh out of the pan and drizzled with maple syrup, it is like giving your belly and soul a warm hug. Now, who can say no to

Buttermilk Pancakes

Buttermilk Pancakes

What better way to start a morning than with pancakes? When they are fresh out of the pan and drizzled with maple syrup, it is like giving your belly and soul a warm hug. Now, who can say no to

Soy Kale Chips

Soy Kale Chips

When it comes to kale, I find people either love or loathe it. As for me, I will admit that I’m not much of a fan- its dense texture and lack of natural flavor is akin to eating cardboard. That

Soy Kale Chips

Soy Kale Chips

When it comes to kale, I find people either love or loathe it. As for me, I will admit that I’m not much of a fan- its dense texture and lack of natural flavor is akin to eating cardboard. That

Pineapple Sorbet

Pineapple Sorbet

I don’t know if it is just my taste buds, but for me, the pineapple is simultaneously contrasting in being sweet, sour, tangy, spicy, and even salty. The pineapple’s distinct flavor really packs a punch and can be sometimes overwhelming.

Pineapple Sorbet

Pineapple Sorbet

I don’t know if it is just my taste buds, but for me, the pineapple is simultaneously contrasting in being sweet, sour, tangy, spicy, and even salty. The pineapple’s distinct flavor really packs a punch and can be sometimes overwhelming.

Sweet Egg Soup

Sweet Egg Soup

This sweet soup is from my mother’s kitchen. She doesn’t have a sweet tooth, nor is she much of a baker, so sweets were not very common in our household growing up. I remember it being a real treat whenever

Sweet Egg Soup

Sweet Egg Soup

This sweet soup is from my mother’s kitchen. She doesn’t have a sweet tooth, nor is she much of a baker, so sweets were not very common in our household growing up. I remember it being a real treat whenever

Vegetable Japchae

Vegetable Japchae aka Korean Sweet Potato Noodles

One of the more popular of Korean foods, Japchae (commonly pronounced: jap-chay, job-chay, or chap-chay) is a sweet potato noodle dish traditionally made with stir-fried vegetables, beef, and topped with sesame seeds. Like most Asian foods, the idea of cooking

Vegetable Japchae

Vegetable Japchae aka Korean Sweet Potato Noodles

One of the more popular of Korean foods, Japchae (commonly pronounced: jap-chay, job-chay, or chap-chay) is a sweet potato noodle dish traditionally made with stir-fried vegetables, beef, and topped with sesame seeds. Like most Asian foods, the idea of cooking

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Red Velvet Cupcakes

These mini-cakes are easy to make, quick to decorate, and always put a smile on one’s face. Not to mention: if you bring these to a party, some of those smiles will be for you! Makes 24 cupcakes For the

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Red Velvet Cupcakes

These mini-cakes are easy to make, quick to decorate, and always put a smile on one’s face. Not to mention: if you bring these to a party, some of those smiles will be for you! Makes 24 cupcakes For the

Pumpkin Ice Cream

Pumpkin Ice Cream

I love my ice creams and will take any seasonal opportunity to keep my freezer stocked with a quart (or three!) of this creamy treat. Pumpkin is one of those flavors that comes with so many associations of Autumnal weather

Pumpkin Ice Cream

Pumpkin Ice Cream

I love my ice creams and will take any seasonal opportunity to keep my freezer stocked with a quart (or three!) of this creamy treat. Pumpkin is one of those flavors that comes with so many associations of Autumnal weather

Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Stuffing is among the most comforting of comfort foods in the winter season. Traditionally made during Thanksgiving, but not limited to that sole holiday, I make this throughout the colder months since it is a simple one-pot type of meal

Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Stuffing is among the most comforting of comfort foods in the winter season. Traditionally made during Thanksgiving, but not limited to that sole holiday, I make this throughout the colder months since it is a simple one-pot type of meal

Apple Pie

Apple Pie

This is probably the most iconic, classic American dessert in our country’s edible lexicon. Every family has their own recipe and tradition in making this pie. For some, like my friend Dan, it is his way of signaling the arrival

Apple Pie

Apple Pie

This is probably the most iconic, classic American dessert in our country’s edible lexicon. Every family has their own recipe and tradition in making this pie. For some, like my friend Dan, it is his way of signaling the arrival

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Meatloaf

Ah meatloaf… one of the most comforting of comfort foods. I mean, it’s pretty hard to say resist the aroma of this roast wafting out of the oven. The best part? This meatloaf is packed with a fair share of

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Meatloaf

Ah meatloaf… one of the most comforting of comfort foods. I mean, it’s pretty hard to say resist the aroma of this roast wafting out of the oven. The best part? This meatloaf is packed with a fair share of

Risotto Ai Funghi Porcini aka Porcini Mushroom Risotto

Risotto Ai Funghi Porcini aka Porcini Mushroom Risotto

My friends Neal and Roberto came over from Rome for a visit and I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with them in the kitchen. We got together and spent an evening catching up and come dinnertime, Roberto

Risotto Ai Funghi Porcini aka Porcini Mushroom Risotto

Risotto Ai Funghi Porcini aka Porcini Mushroom Risotto

My friends Neal and Roberto came over from Rome for a visit and I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with them in the kitchen. We got together and spent an evening catching up and come dinnertime, Roberto

Orecchiette Pasta in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Orecchiette Pasta in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

From Italian, orecchiette translates to “little ear,” which is an appropriate name since this small, round pasta cooks up into little pockets (or ears!) that are perfect for holding onto cream sauces. Most times, a pasta sauce can be prepared

Orecchiette Pasta in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Orecchiette Pasta in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

From Italian, orecchiette translates to “little ear,” which is an appropriate name since this small, round pasta cooks up into little pockets (or ears!) that are perfect for holding onto cream sauces. Most times, a pasta sauce can be prepared

Melon Mint Salad

Melon Mint Salad

There are many tricks of the trade when it comes to selecting a good melon. For me this is how I go about it for each one – WATERMELON: look for a large stem-end which indicates it was on the

Melon Mint Salad

Melon Mint Salad

There are many tricks of the trade when it comes to selecting a good melon. For me this is how I go about it for each one – WATERMELON: look for a large stem-end which indicates it was on the

Egg, Rice, & Spinach Bowl

Egg, Rice, & Spinach Bowl

I grew up eating rice every night for dinner, so it has become a standard habit of mine when making rice to always make more than needed – which is great because having cooked rice on hand always comes in

Egg, Rice, & Spinach Bowl

Egg, Rice, & Spinach Bowl

I grew up eating rice every night for dinner, so it has become a standard habit of mine when making rice to always make more than needed – which is great because having cooked rice on hand always comes in

Plum Sorbet

Plum Sorbet

Ah, plums… one of those refreshing fruits that can’t be beat. They are the perfect size to snack on, with that great combination of being simultaneously both tart and sweet. And as the season ends, while most people will start

Plum Sorbet

Plum Sorbet

Ah, plums… one of those refreshing fruits that can’t be beat. They are the perfect size to snack on, with that great combination of being simultaneously both tart and sweet. And as the season ends, while most people will start

Broccoli Soup

Broccoli Soup

This is pretty much a variation on my Asparagus Soup recipe, which in essence is a variation on my philosophy on how to make a simple and healthy, yet satisfying soup. Once you get the basic formula down, no vegetable

Broccoli Soup

Broccoli Soup

This is pretty much a variation on my Asparagus Soup recipe, which in essence is a variation on my philosophy on how to make a simple and healthy, yet satisfying soup. Once you get the basic formula down, no vegetable

Cheese Fondue

Cheese Fondue

One of my favorite passtimes is to go hunting for vintage cookware, whether it be at an estate sale, garage sale, antique shop, thrift store, or flea market. On one such adventure, I found a vintage, orange-enameled fondue pot. Making

Cheese Fondue

Cheese Fondue

One of my favorite passtimes is to go hunting for vintage cookware, whether it be at an estate sale, garage sale, antique shop, thrift store, or flea market. On one such adventure, I found a vintage, orange-enameled fondue pot. Making

Flautas

Chicken and Potato Flautas

It is true what so many people say about food: it really does bring us together. What I love most is the sharing aspect of this social exercise. Most times, it’s me who is at the stove’s helm, but every

Flautas

Chicken and Potato Flautas

It is true what so many people say about food: it really does bring us together. What I love most is the sharing aspect of this social exercise. Most times, it’s me who is at the stove’s helm, but every

Blueberry Yogurt Muffins

Blueberry Yogurt Muffins

These muffins came about with a good friend of mine, who recently became a mother. Well, maybe not recently, seeing as how her daughter is a year and a half now. We got together to bake baby’s first cake, a

Blueberry Yogurt Muffins

Blueberry Yogurt Muffins

These muffins came about with a good friend of mine, who recently became a mother. Well, maybe not recently, seeing as how her daughter is a year and a half now. We got together to bake baby’s first cake, a

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

A twist on the classic lemonade, this pink variety has added summer sweetness from the strawberries, and a hint of spice from the basil. Makes about 4 cups 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4-5 lemons) 1/4 cup simple syrup

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

A twist on the classic lemonade, this pink variety has added summer sweetness from the strawberries, and a hint of spice from the basil. Makes about 4 cups 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4-5 lemons) 1/4 cup simple syrup

Rocky Road Marshmallow Bars

Rocky Road Marshmallow Bars

I’m not a confectioner by any means, so I did have to follow another recipe for the marshmallows. Though, I did change it just a bit to suit my needs and with what I thought would make it a little

Rocky Road Marshmallow Bars

Rocky Road Marshmallow Bars

I’m not a confectioner by any means, so I did have to follow another recipe for the marshmallows. Though, I did change it just a bit to suit my needs and with what I thought would make it a little

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

I think mashed potatoes were one of the first things I learned to make as a child. It was probably equal parts ease of doing and desire of eating. To this day, I still love a big pile of this

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

I think mashed potatoes were one of the first things I learned to make as a child. It was probably equal parts ease of doing and desire of eating. To this day, I still love a big pile of this

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled Corn on the Cob

I love corn! It is the one vegetable I always look forward to enjoying as I wake my grill from its hibernation for the upcoming summer season. I usually like to marinate corn and grill them wrapped in foil, but

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled Corn on the Cob

I love corn! It is the one vegetable I always look forward to enjoying as I wake my grill from its hibernation for the upcoming summer season. I usually like to marinate corn and grill them wrapped in foil, but

Chop Salad

Chop Salad

They say cooking is a creative sport, and I couldn’t agree more, especially when it comes to salads. More specifically, the Chop Salad. This salad is exactly as its name implies: it’s chopped! For me, and probably you too, making

Chop Salad

Chop Salad

They say cooking is a creative sport, and I couldn’t agree more, especially when it comes to salads. More specifically, the Chop Salad. This salad is exactly as its name implies: it’s chopped! For me, and probably you too, making

Strawberry Sorbet

Strawberry Sorbet

While I do love the creamy tang of Strawberry Ice Cream, the pure and crisp bite of this berry shines even brighter as a sorbet. When in this icy form, it is beautifully bright red and is wonderfully sweet, with

Strawberry Sorbet

Strawberry Sorbet

While I do love the creamy tang of Strawberry Ice Cream, the pure and crisp bite of this berry shines even brighter as a sorbet. When in this icy form, it is beautifully bright red and is wonderfully sweet, with

Penne Pasta in Ricotta Cheese Sauce with Spinach and Peas

Penne Pasta in Ricotta Cheese Sauce with Spinach and Peas

I once had a great conversation with a personal trainer/diet nutritionist (who at the time was working on public school food reform), and I remember at one point we were on the subject of cheeses, and he told me that

Penne Pasta in Ricotta Cheese Sauce with Spinach and Peas

Penne Pasta in Ricotta Cheese Sauce with Spinach and Peas

I once had a great conversation with a personal trainer/diet nutritionist (who at the time was working on public school food reform), and I remember at one point we were on the subject of cheeses, and he told me that

Fresh Strawberry Ice-Cream

Strawberry Ice-Cream

Spring is in full swing, and summer is just around the corner. And that means one of my favorite fruits are coming into season: the strawberry. I love the crisp and sweet, with just a little tang, bite they have.

Fresh Strawberry Ice-Cream

Strawberry Ice-Cream

Spring is in full swing, and summer is just around the corner. And that means one of my favorite fruits are coming into season: the strawberry. I love the crisp and sweet, with just a little tang, bite they have.

Hummus Lavash Sandwich Wrap

Hummus Lavash Sandwich Wrap

This rolled sandwich is one of my go-to daily essentials. I used to make one daily for lunch when I used to work at a job that afforded little time to have a sit-down lunch. Even now, I am constantly

Hummus Lavash Sandwich Wrap

Hummus Lavash Sandwich Wrap

This rolled sandwich is one of my go-to daily essentials. I used to make one daily for lunch when I used to work at a job that afforded little time to have a sit-down lunch. Even now, I am constantly

Homemade Potato Chips

Homemade Potato Chips

I love potato chips. Love, love, love, love! Well, maybe I’m overreacting a little, seeing as how I also love, love, love French fries! I don’t know what it is, but there is something about crispy pieces of potato that

Homemade Potato Chips

Homemade Potato Chips

I love potato chips. Love, love, love, love! Well, maybe I’m overreacting a little, seeing as how I also love, love, love French fries! I don’t know what it is, but there is something about crispy pieces of potato that

Asparagus Soup

Asparagus Soup

One of my favorite spring vegetables is the asparagus. They are quirkly little lookers and have such a great distinctive taste. Most times I prefer to slice them into salads, blanch them with shellfish, or sauté them as a side

Asparagus Soup

Asparagus Soup

One of my favorite spring vegetables is the asparagus. They are quirkly little lookers and have such a great distinctive taste. Most times I prefer to slice them into salads, blanch them with shellfish, or sauté them as a side

Jeweled Eggs (an Easter Project)

Jeweled Eggs (An Easter Project)

With every new spring season comes new a fresh new beginning. The trees begin to wake up, flowers start to appear, and the daylight lingers a little bit longer each day. As Easter approaches, so does one of my favorite

Jeweled Eggs (an Easter Project)

Jeweled Eggs (An Easter Project)

With every new spring season comes new a fresh new beginning. The trees begin to wake up, flowers start to appear, and the daylight lingers a little bit longer each day. As Easter approaches, so does one of my favorite

Rice Stir Fry (a healthy alternative to fried rice)

Rice Stir Fry (A Healthy Alternative to Fried Rice)

Growing up in a Chinese family meant one thing at dinner: RICE! Every nightly meal was accompanied by a bowl (or two!) of this freshly cooked, steamy, staple grain. And as the week progressed, my mother would collect any leftover

Rice Stir Fry (a healthy alternative to fried rice)

Rice Stir Fry (A Healthy Alternative to Fried Rice)

Growing up in a Chinese family meant one thing at dinner: RICE! Every nightly meal was accompanied by a bowl (or two!) of this freshly cooked, steamy, staple grain. And as the week progressed, my mother would collect any leftover

Chocolate Mousse Coffee Cups

Chocolate Mousse Coffee Cups

A while back I shared a recipe for making chocolate mousse. It was made using raw egg whites, which gave the mousse its light and airy structure. But for some, the idea of having raw eggs can be less than

Chocolate Mousse Coffee Cups

Chocolate Mousse Coffee Cups

A while back I shared a recipe for making chocolate mousse. It was made using raw egg whites, which gave the mousse its light and airy structure. But for some, the idea of having raw eggs can be less than