Category Archives: Vegan

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.

Purple Cabbage and Carrot Ribbon Salad with Walnuts and Mission Figs

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 and Carrot Ribbon Salad with Walnuts and Mission Figs

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

Cremini Mushroom Soup

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

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

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

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

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

Vegetable Stock (bottle)

Vegetable Stock

In an effort to become even more resourceful when it comes to utilizing anything and everything that crosses my cutting board, I’ve gotten into the habit of making my own stock. Rather than tossing them into the compost bin, I’ve

Vegetable Stock (bottle)

Vegetable Stock

In an effort to become even more resourceful when it comes to utilizing anything and everything that crosses my cutting board, I’ve gotten into the habit of making my own stock. Rather than tossing them into the compost bin, I’ve

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

Caramelizing Onions

How to (Properly) Caramelize Onions

In our current climate of easy recipes and quick cooking, sautéing onions until they are browned (or “caramel” colored) have become synonymous with being caramelized onions. For most people, it is perfectly acceptable; they are nicely flavored and lightly roasted,

Caramelizing Onions

How to (Properly) Caramelize Onions

In our current climate of easy recipes and quick cooking, sautéing onions until they are browned (or “caramel” colored) have become synonymous with being caramelized onions. For most people, it is perfectly acceptable; they are nicely flavored and lightly roasted,

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

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

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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,

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Broccoli Coins

Have you ever wondered why you can get broccoli by the bunch or by the crowns? Why the two options if essentially they are both the same? Broccoli stalks are an often-overlooked part of the vegetable, so much so that

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Broccoli Coins

Have you ever wondered why you can get broccoli by the bunch or by the crowns? Why the two options if essentially they are both the same? Broccoli stalks are an often-overlooked part of the vegetable, so much so that

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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Cranberry Sauce

This classic condiment to the Thanksgiving meal needs no introduction.  I will confess that more often than not, I prefer to pair the sweet tang of this sauce with my slices of turkey instead of drowning them in gravy… Is

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Cranberry Sauce

This classic condiment to the Thanksgiving meal needs no introduction.  I will confess that more often than not, I prefer to pair the sweet tang of this sauce with my slices of turkey instead of drowning them in gravy… Is

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Grapefruit Sorbet

It is the end of September, and if you live in San Francisco, you know what that means: Indian Summer!  I love the brief heatwave we get right before the season changes.  The days are warm, and the sunsets are

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Grapefruit Sorbet

It is the end of September, and if you live in San Francisco, you know what that means: Indian Summer!  I love the brief heatwave we get right before the season changes.  The days are warm, and the sunsets are

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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 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.