A Tom Collins is a slightly sweet, tart, and fizzy cocktail that pairs perfectly with warm weather.  Invented in 1876 by “the father of mixology“, Jerry Thomas, this cocktail first appeared in his well-known book titled “How to Mix Drinks or The Bon-Vivant’s Companion.”  This was the first drink book ever published in the United […]

You should eat some asparagus this Spring.  And they can be so much better than a lot of restaurants make them.  April to June is the typical growing season and the best time to eat them–since you can find them with tender stalks and vibrant green colors.  Thicker, older stems produce a woody and much tougher vegetable. […]

Overnight oats have become extremely popular.  I can understand why.  This easy, no-cook breakfast alternative is simple to throw together the night before and can be adapted to meet anyone’s preferences.  Typically, overnight oats incorporate equal parts raw rolled oats and sometimes nut milk, cow milk, or yogurt. You can add your favorite fresh or […]

If you are looking for a lean protein to include in your diet or if you just want a seasonal take on a classic dish, pork tenderloin can be a great option.  Pork loin is low in fat, high in protein, and rich in vitamin B.  It is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat and […]

Strawberries are one of the first summer fruits to ripen. They are also my favorite. The most cultivated berry in the country, strawberries are grown in every state, with the majority coming from California and Florida.  The long growing season runs from January through November.  But peak strawberry season is April through June, so don’t […]

Pasta served with a shallot white wine sauce is much lighter than the cream-based alternatives that permeate Americanized Italian food.  Paired with mushrooms, the sauce has a rich, earthy flavor. Pappardelle with wild mushrooms is as simple as it gets, but don’t be fooled by its simplicity, it’s delicious. I served this dish recently at […]

There is a growing trend toward vegetarianism and veganism among young people.  I recently read that in the past several years, vegetarianism has increased substantially among those under 25 years old.  My anecdotal experience is similar.  My friend’s eleven-year-old decided to become a vegetarian at the age of six, despite no one else in her […]

This is a twist on a traditional margarita and it is delicious!  The simultaneously sweet and tart freshly squeezed blood orange juice helps intensify the flavor of the fresh lime juice and eliminates the need for added sugar.  You can increase or decrease the amount of blood orange juice in this recipe to adapt it […]

It’s almost Memorial Day–a holiday honoring those who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces.  It is a patriotic day for those in the United States.  But Memorial Day has also come to represent the unofficial start of the summer season.  With this, you have vacations, family gatherings, camping adventures, pool parties, and […]

When I was little, I strongly disliked cooked carrots.  I still don’t love them, but their sweetness makes them an incredibly important vegetable in the cooking world.  And when it comes to baking, they are one of the only vegetables to have their very own cake.  I came to enjoy carrot cake later in life. […]

Kale and quinoa salad is one of my favorite salads.  For those who are local to the San Francisco Bay Area, this is my version of the kale salad at Palo Alto’s Calafia Cafe.  Chef Charlie Ayers, originally from Brooklyn, New York, was the former Executive Chef for Google.  His food style got national recognition for […]

Everyone needs a great sangria recipe in their life.  Considered a “punch” by definition, this delicious and refreshing white wine sangria recipe is perfect for a casual warm weather get-together.  My recipe is fruity, light, and refreshing with just a touch of sweetness. Many ask for recommendations on what type of wine works best for […]

I recently traveled to the Southwest, the Arizona desert to be exact.  For only a few short days I was celebrating two very different, yet wonderful things: a milestone birthday of a parent and 26 years of friendship with a remarkable group of women, #solidsix. It was an emotional trip, to say the least, filled […]

Quail eggs have long been considered a delicacy in many parts of the world including Asia, Europe, and North America.  Surprisingly, in other countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, a hard-boiled quail egg is not unusual or considered exotic.  In those countries, quail eggs can even be seen as garnish on a hot dog. […]

If you are a chocolate lover, keep reading. There is nothing more delicious and decadent than a molten chocolate cake.  It is simple but delightful.  A molten cake is a combination of two things, a flourless chocolate cake (often referred to as a decadence cake) and a soufflé. Its name refers to the lava-like chocolate […]