Winter

Avocado and Citrus Salad with Chile-Lime Dressing

Avocado and Citrus Salad with Chile-Lime Dressing

We usually ease up on our salad consumption during the winter months, so when spring comes around it’s a pleasure to tuck into a refreshing salad with our meals. The farmers at my local market are beginning to arrive with spring green offerings, and many…

Quick Soda Bread with Whole Wheat and Walnuts

Quick Soda Bread with Whole Wheat and Walnuts

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and the American tradition of corned beef and cabbage will be making an appearance on our table. I say “American” tradition as I’m told this dish isn’t served at Irish homes on the holiday. Growing up my…

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…

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…

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…

Chicken Smothered in Onion and Mustard Sauce

Chicken Smothered in Onion and Mustard Sauce

Chilly, rainy days are still with us so hearty, warming meals are what’s on our table. This main dish comes together fairly quickly for a weeknight but can also be presented for a celebratory table.  (Especially if you add a few sprigs or slices of…

Pear Almond Olive Oil Cake

Pear Almond Olive Oil Cake

A recipe for an olive oil cake always catches my eye and piques my curiosity. I love them because they bake with a moist and tender crumb and keep for a day or so with little diminution of these ideal traits. It is still citrus…

Chana Dal Vegetable Soup

Chana Dal Vegetable Soup

The recent cold snap, followed by days of atmospheric river rains, have landed me back to the pantry for meal inspiration. Fortunately, I keep a cache of pulses (the edible seed from a legume plant) for just these situations. Channa dal is a type of…