Category Archives: Lunch
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
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
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
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
Asparagus with Egg and Orange
This is a light and healthy dish I like to make when the spring rolls around. Asparagus is in season and with its abundance comes my joy in eating this vegetable. It may sound like an odd trio, but this
Asparagus with Egg and Orange
This is a light and healthy dish I like to make when the spring rolls around. Asparagus is in season and with its abundance comes my joy in eating this vegetable. It may sound like an odd trio, but this
Purple Cabbage & Carrot Ribbon Salad with Mission Figs, Radish, & Walnuts
Who says a salad has to be green? Here, the purple (also known as red) cabbage is the star of the show. When shaved down into a little nest, the deep purple hues of this hearty vegetable contrast well with
Purple Cabbage & Carrot Ribbon Salad with Mission Figs, Radish, & Walnuts
Who says a salad has to be green? Here, the purple (also known as red) cabbage is the star of the show. When shaved down into a little nest, the deep purple hues of this hearty vegetable contrast well with
Linguine Pasta with Butter and Arugula
This pasta is a great and simple one to prepare since it does not require a cooked sauce. The linguine is dressed with butter, parmesan cheese, lemon, olive oil, and comes together with heat from the warm pasta. Add in
Linguine Pasta with Butter and Arugula
This pasta is a great and simple one to prepare since it does not require a cooked sauce. The linguine is dressed with butter, parmesan cheese, lemon, olive oil, and comes together with heat from the warm pasta. Add in
Cremini Mushroom Soup
Mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, flavors, textures, and rarities. One of my favorite varieties is the commonly found cremini (which is actually a baby portobello) and is readily available at pretty much any local market. Normally, I enjoy my
Cremini Mushroom Soup
Mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, flavors, textures, and rarities. One of my favorite varieties is the commonly found cremini (which is actually a baby portobello) and is readily available at pretty much any local market. Normally, I enjoy my
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Sriracha BBQ Pork Ribs
Slow-cooking a rack of ribs smothered in sauce is a perfect introduction to grilling; consistently basting the meat as it cooks keeps it moist and flavorful, which means that even it happens to over-cook, no-one will be the wiser. This
Sriracha BBQ Pork Ribs
Slow-cooking a rack of ribs smothered in sauce is a perfect introduction to grilling; consistently basting the meat as it cooks keeps it moist and flavorful, which means that even it happens to over-cook, no-one will be the wiser. This
Dry Rubbed BBQ Pork Ribs
When it comes to grilling a rack of ribs, there are primarily two routes to take: wet or dry. Most times it is easier to take the wet route, since basting meat with a sauce usually allows more room for
Dry Rubbed BBQ Pork Ribs
When it comes to grilling a rack of ribs, there are primarily two routes to take: wet or dry. Most times it is easier to take the wet route, since basting meat with a sauce usually allows more room for
Egg Avocado Tomato Trio Salad
So I’ve been a little more fitness-conscious lately. Recently, my mornings have included a lengthy jog with the dog, followed by an intense at-home cardio program called INSANITY. In an effort to be more aware of what to eat on
Egg Avocado Tomato Trio Salad
So I’ve been a little more fitness-conscious lately. Recently, my mornings have included a lengthy jog with the dog, followed by an intense at-home cardio program called INSANITY. In an effort to be more aware of what to eat on
Simple Pork Chop
There is no reason why we can’t enjoy a good meal, even when short on time. By using a thinner cut of meat, this pork chop cooks up really fast. And while the pork rests, a simple pan sauce whips
Simple Pork Chop
There is no reason why we can’t enjoy a good meal, even when short on time. By using a thinner cut of meat, this pork chop cooks up really fast. And while the pork rests, a simple pan sauce whips
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
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
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
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
Fettuccine with Oyster Mushrooms and Sage
They may look alien, bizarre, and out of this world, but oyster mushrooms are quite the treat. With a tender bite and a silky texture, this elegant fungus more than lives up to its aphrodisiac namesake. Pairing with fresh sage
Fettuccine with Oyster Mushrooms and Sage
They may look alien, bizarre, and out of this world, but oyster mushrooms are quite the treat. With a tender bite and a silky texture, this elegant fungus more than lives up to its aphrodisiac namesake. Pairing with fresh sage
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
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
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
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
Shaved Asparagus and Carrot Salad with Shrimp
An inventive way to make a salad is to not use any leafy greens at all. By shaving down asparagus and carrots, it makes these otherwise hard vegetables quite enjoyable to eat in their raw form. Coupled with blanched shrimp
Shaved Asparagus and Carrot Salad with Shrimp
An inventive way to make a salad is to not use any leafy greens at all. By shaving down asparagus and carrots, it makes these otherwise hard vegetables quite enjoyable to eat in their raw form. Coupled with blanched shrimp
Pico de Gallo (aka Salsa Fresca) & Homemade Tortilla Chips
Chips and salsa: it is a kitchen staple nowadays. Whether a quick snack, or part of a party table spread, this Mexican combo has become a standard in the American edible lexicon. I recently started making my own tortilla chips
Pico de Gallo (aka Salsa Fresca) & Homemade Tortilla Chips
Chips and salsa: it is a kitchen staple nowadays. Whether a quick snack, or part of a party table spread, this Mexican combo has become a standard in the American edible lexicon. I recently started making my own tortilla chips
Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Pizza with Truffle Oil and Egg
A while back I mentioned how I actually prefer a tomato-sauce-less pizza, because sometimes the tang of the sauce can be too strong, or other times there is so much that it drowns the whole pie. So most times I
Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Pizza with Truffle Oil and Egg
A while back I mentioned how I actually prefer a tomato-sauce-less pizza, because sometimes the tang of the sauce can be too strong, or other times there is so much that it drowns the whole pie. So most times I
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
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
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
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
Pasta All’Arrabiata aka Angry Pasta
So, my good friend Neal has been living in Rome for the last year and (thanks to the marvelous wonder that is modern technology) we are able to chat frequently. I love hearing about his adventures in the land of
Pasta All’Arrabiata aka Angry Pasta
So, my good friend Neal has been living in Rome for the last year and (thanks to the marvelous wonder that is modern technology) we are able to chat frequently. I love hearing about his adventures in the land of
Caprese (cah-prehy-zay) Salad
Ah, the great thing about living in California is that even though it isn’t summer yet, we always have a steady supply of tomatoes. Which means, I can enjoy this fresh salad pretty much any time of the year. Sure,
Caprese (cah-prehy-zay) Salad
Ah, the great thing about living in California is that even though it isn’t summer yet, we always have a steady supply of tomatoes. Which means, I can enjoy this fresh salad pretty much any time of the year. Sure,
Panko Chicken Paillard
I love making things that allow me to get physical. In this case, wielding a meat mallet! A paillard (pronounced: pey-yahr) is a French technique, and is essentially a piece of meat (traditionally chicken or veal) that has been pounded
Panko Chicken Paillard
I love making things that allow me to get physical. In this case, wielding a meat mallet! A paillard (pronounced: pey-yahr) is a French technique, and is essentially a piece of meat (traditionally chicken or veal) that has been pounded
Crispy Tortilla Snacker
I love this recipe. I can make it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is basically two toasted tortillas with cheese and whichever ingredients I have at the moment. What I like about this is that it can be made
Crispy Tortilla Snacker
I love this recipe. I can make it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is basically two toasted tortillas with cheese and whichever ingredients I have at the moment. What I like about this is that it can be made
Watercress and Tomato Salad with Broccoli Coins
In a previous post (found here), I talked about the marvel that is the broccoli stalk. It is a part of the tree-like vegetable that is crisp like an apple, and mildly sweet like a cucumber. It tastes great cooked,
Watercress and Tomato Salad with Broccoli Coins
In a previous post (found here), I talked about the marvel that is the broccoli stalk. It is a part of the tree-like vegetable that is crisp like an apple, and mildly sweet like a cucumber. It tastes great cooked,
BST (Bacon Spinach Tomato) Sandwich
Today for lunch I made a sandwich. It was a quick revision of the classic BLT; revised mostly because I just used what I already had in the kitchen. The only change really was the substitution of spinach in for
BST (Bacon Spinach Tomato) Sandwich
Today for lunch I made a sandwich. It was a quick revision of the classic BLT; revised mostly because I just used what I already had in the kitchen. The only change really was the substitution of spinach in for
Romaine Wedge Salad
The thing I like about salads is the creative license that can be taken when building them. There are so many options of ingredients to choose from. Which greens? Just one type, or a mix of lettuces? What kind of
Romaine Wedge Salad
The thing I like about salads is the creative license that can be taken when building them. There are so many options of ingredients to choose from. Which greens? Just one type, or a mix of lettuces? What kind of
Fried Egg with (Turkey) Bacon
Nothing brings me out to my imagined country-style life like fried eggs and bacon. Having grown up in a big melting pot of a city (San Francisco, to be exact), I find myself drawn to the ideas of suburbia, small
Fried Egg with (Turkey) Bacon
Nothing brings me out to my imagined country-style life like fried eggs and bacon. Having grown up in a big melting pot of a city (San Francisco, to be exact), I find myself drawn to the ideas of suburbia, small
Fettuccine with Parsley and Butter
Sometimes even I am too busy (or lazy!) to cook up even my own recipes. That being said, I still don’t let myself suffer bad take-out or rummage through the pantry for who-knows-what to eat. In this recipe, fettuccine pasta
Fettuccine with Parsley and Butter
Sometimes even I am too busy (or lazy!) to cook up even my own recipes. That being said, I still don’t let myself suffer bad take-out or rummage through the pantry for who-knows-what to eat. In this recipe, fettuccine pasta
Spaghetti with Onions, Jalapeño, and Garlic
Do not be discouraged by the title ingredients of this pasta dish. I know it sounds intimidating – a trio of flavors that could leave you with a socially repelling aromatic aura. When the bold ingredients that make up the
Spaghetti with Onions, Jalapeño, and Garlic
Do not be discouraged by the title ingredients of this pasta dish. I know it sounds intimidating – a trio of flavors that could leave you with a socially repelling aromatic aura. When the bold ingredients that make up the
Heirloom Tomato and Egg Burger
With the warm summer season coming to a close, it is time to take advantage of all the beautiful heirloom tomatoes that come with it. They come in so many shapes, colors, and sizes, but each and every one has
Heirloom Tomato and Egg Burger
With the warm summer season coming to a close, it is time to take advantage of all the beautiful heirloom tomatoes that come with it. They come in so many shapes, colors, and sizes, but each and every one has
