Category Archives: Vegetarian

Cheddar Cheese and Buttermilk Scones

Cheddar Cheese Buttermilk Scones

For the longest time, I did not know the difference between a scone and biscuit. I basically operated under the assumption that “scone” was merely a fancy British term for what we Americans know as biscuits. Finally, I decided to

Cheddar Cheese and Buttermilk Scones

Cheddar Cheese Buttermilk Scones

For the longest time, I did not know the difference between a scone and biscuit. I basically operated under the assumption that “scone” was merely a fancy British term for what we Americans know as biscuits. Finally, I decided to

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

Asparagus with Egg and Orange

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

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

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.

Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons

Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons

My little sister always makes coconut macaroons whenever she hears the word “potluck.” She’s made them so many times, she can do them in her sleep and has it practically down to a science. So finally one day I pulled

Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons

Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons

My little sister always makes coconut macaroons whenever she hears the word “potluck.” She’s made them so many times, she can do them in her sleep and has it practically down to a science. So finally one day I pulled

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

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

Linguine Pasta with Butter and Arugula

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

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

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

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

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

Chocolate Bread Pudding

Chocolate Bread Pudding

This bread pudding is one of my favorite desserts because it brings together two of my most beloved food groups: bread and chocolate! The great thing about this recipe is its versatility; the pudding can become sweeter, richer, or milder

Chocolate Bread Pudding

Chocolate Bread Pudding

This bread pudding is one of my favorite desserts because it brings together two of my most beloved food groups: bread and chocolate! The great thing about this recipe is its versatility; the pudding can become sweeter, richer, or milder

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

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

Egg Avocado Tomato Trio Salad

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

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

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

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

Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberries

Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberries

This Italian dessert is one of my favorite things to eat. Of course, there is no coincidence that it is basically a culinary cousin to one of my other favorite foods: ice cream. The two share similar cooking methods: a

Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberries

Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberries

This Italian dessert is one of my favorite things to eat. Of course, there is no coincidence that it is basically a culinary cousin to one of my other favorite foods: ice cream. The two share similar cooking methods: a

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

Caramelized Onion Tart

Caramelized Onion Tart

Aside from the time needed to prepare the onions, this tart is actually incredibly easy to make, with stunning results. The star ingredient starts out so simple and humble, but with a bit of patience in its preparation and paired

Caramelized Onion Tart

Caramelized Onion Tart

Aside from the time needed to prepare the onions, this tart is actually incredibly easy to make, with stunning results. The star ingredient starts out so simple and humble, but with a bit of patience in its preparation and paired

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,

Fettuccine with Oyster Mushrooms and 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

Fettuccine with Oyster Mushrooms and 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

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.