Category Archives: Sides

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

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

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

Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic-Glazed Bacon

Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic-Glazed Bacon

These little mini cabbages have always had a bad rap, mostly because they are generally cooked to death- being boiled or steamed until they become gray and mushy, with a sulphuric smell. Brussels sprouts do have a distinct taste, but

Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic-Glazed Bacon

Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic-Glazed Bacon

These little mini cabbages have always had a bad rap, mostly because they are generally cooked to death- being boiled or steamed until they become gray and mushy, with a sulphuric smell. Brussels sprouts do have a distinct taste, but

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

Guacamole with Corn and Feta Cheese

Guacamole with Corn and Feta Cheese

You know, I was never really a fan of guacamole. I think it had something to do with going to dive taquerias (there are tons of them here in SF, both good and bad) and seeing the sheer amount of

Guacamole with Corn and Feta Cheese

Guacamole with Corn and Feta Cheese

You know, I was never really a fan of guacamole. I think it had something to do with going to dive taquerias (there are tons of them here in SF, both good and bad) and seeing the sheer amount of

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

Pico de Gallo and Homemade 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

Pico de Gallo and Homemade 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

Caprese Salad

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 Salad

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,

Tortilla Snacker

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

Tortilla Snacker

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

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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,

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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,

Romaine Wedge Salad

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

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

Bean and Bell Pepper Salad

Bean and Bell Pepper Salad

In the mad rush of roasting, baking, searing, braising, and frying, sometimes we forget that there is another option: none of the above.  This is a quick and easy no-cook dish that can accompany any meal, or stand on its

Bean and Bell Pepper Salad

Bean and Bell Pepper Salad

In the mad rush of roasting, baking, searing, braising, and frying, sometimes we forget that there is another option: none of the above.  This is a quick and easy no-cook dish that can accompany any meal, or stand on its

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Potato and Corn Chunky Soup

Simple and hearty, this chunky soup is easy to make and has a nostalgic element of home-goodness.  It is warm and filling, the potatoes give texture and thickness, while the creamed corn lends a light touch of sweetness.  It is

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Potato and Corn Chunky Soup

Simple and hearty, this chunky soup is easy to make and has a nostalgic element of home-goodness.  It is warm and filling, the potatoes give texture and thickness, while the creamed corn lends a light touch of sweetness.  It is

Roasted Portobello Mushrooms

Roasted Portobello Mushroom

I love mushrooms, and the portobello is at the top of my list of favorite edible fungi.  It has such great complex flavors and a wonderfully meaty, yet silky texture when you bite into it.  And because it has a

Roasted Portobello Mushrooms

Roasted Portobello Mushroom

I love mushrooms, and the portobello is at the top of my list of favorite edible fungi.  It has such great complex flavors and a wonderfully meaty, yet silky texture when you bite into it.  And because it has a

Potato Salad (Mexican Flair)

Potato Salad with a Mexican Flair

In charge of the potato salad for this year’s barbeque?  Ditch the plain old classic salad and bring this one with a little flair from South of the Border.  Its sweet and spicy kick, along with a fresh crunchy texture,

Potato Salad (Mexican Flair)

Potato Salad with a Mexican Flair

In charge of the potato salad for this year’s barbeque?  Ditch the plain old classic salad and bring this one with a little flair from South of the Border.  Its sweet and spicy kick, along with a fresh crunchy texture,

Potato Bean Salad

Potato and Beans Salad

Potato salad does not have to be weighed down with a heavy mayonnaise dressing.  By adding in beans for extra body and tossing it all in a simple vinaigrette dressing, this fresh twist on a classic will keep you feeling

Potato Bean Salad

Potato and Beans Salad

Potato salad does not have to be weighed down with a heavy mayonnaise dressing.  By adding in beans for extra body and tossing it all in a simple vinaigrette dressing, this fresh twist on a classic will keep you feeling

French Fries

Shoestring French Fries

Frying up a batch of shoe-string potatoes is so quick and easy (and tasty!),  it’s no wonder that the french fry is a menu staple, all the way from a greasy spoon diner to a Michelin-rated steak house. There are

French Fries

Shoestring French Fries

Frying up a batch of shoe-string potatoes is so quick and easy (and tasty!),  it’s no wonder that the french fry is a menu staple, all the way from a greasy spoon diner to a Michelin-rated steak house. There are

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Salty Crust Potatoes

This is a super easy preparation that can be made to eat on its own, or served as a side with dinner.  Although the name of these potatoes may lead you to think they are little sodium-loaded-ticking-time-bombs, they are not. 

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Salty Crust Potatoes

This is a super easy preparation that can be made to eat on its own, or served as a side with dinner.  Although the name of these potatoes may lead you to think they are little sodium-loaded-ticking-time-bombs, they are not.