Recent Posts

Coconut Mochi Cake – aka Chinese Nian Gao for Lunar New Year

Coconut Mochi Cake – aka Chinese Nian Gao for Lunar New Year

February 10th, marks the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon. Of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is the only mythical creature and symbolizes good fortune and strength. It is said that the lunar year harnesses the powers of its…

Greek-Inspired Longevity Bean Soup

Greek-Inspired Longevity Bean Soup

It is never too soon to be proactive about your health and longevity! As we ring in the New Year, many of us have considered healthy lifestyle goals and the meals we consume are a large part of it. The Blue Zones of the world…

Oatmeal Persimmon Cookies

Oatmeal Persimmon Cookies

Four generations in my family look forward to these cookies when persimmons are at their peak season. That’s now, conveniently coinciding with cookie season! The recipe is one from the late-70’s or early-80’s judging from my handwritten recipe card. The photo is from my mom’s…

Wild Rice and Delicata Squash Salad

Wild Rice and Delicata Squash Salad

Any trip to Napa for me includes a stop at the Rancho Gordo retail store. A recent trip with friends resulted in a stop to the shop that includes many other products in addition to their vast variety of beans. I came away with six…

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are super soft, mini cakes really. They’re like that tender, fluffy top of a cupcake that’s the best, first bite. If you’re a fan of soft cookies, try these for your pumpkin-spice season! Truth be told, my favorite is a crisp cookie. One…

Easy Sheet Pan Summer Vegetables

Easy Sheet Pan Summer Vegetables

Sheet pan cooking is popular for good reason – it’s easy and an effective way to get plenty of tasty food cooked fast. This is my go-to method for roasting vegetables, this time with purple potatoes that have recently been available at my farmers’ market.…

Pan con Tomate — Bread with Tomato

Pan con Tomate — Bread with Tomato

When in Spain, pan con tomate is eaten throughout the day – breakfast through tapas time. The dish is simply grated, fresh tomato on toasted bread; with a rub of fresh garlic, a splash of extra-virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt for additional…

Strawberry Brioche Bread Pudding

Strawberry Brioche Bread Pudding

The genesis of this summertime dessert happened about a month ago when a student of my husband’s gifted us with a loaf of homemade challah and a jar of homemade strawberry jam (Thank you “Y”!). After devouring several slices simply toasted with butter and the…

Spanish-Inspired Chopped Salad with Shrimp

Spanish-Inspired Chopped Salad with Shrimp

By now you’ve rightly noticed I am a huge fan of Spanish food. It started in the late-90’s when I had a two-week work assignment based in Madrid and environs. I was an immediate admirer of the foods after feasting on all manner of dishes,…

Chocolate Pudding Cake

Chocolate Pudding Cake

Is enduring, fudge-y pudding cake on your radar? If not, you are in for a chocolatey treat. As the cake bakes, a rich fudge-y sauce forms on the bottom of the pan, leaving a light, brownie-like cake atop. It’s a marvel to watch as it…