Grains + Legumes

I love soup. Soup is comforting, healing, often healthy, hearty, and, except consommé, relatively easy to make. I honestly think I could eat soup every day, even in the summer. This black bean soup is a favorite of my family.  To me it is simple, subtle, and nourishing, and one I have made recently while in […]

Muesli is a cereal I fell in love with when I traveled to Iceland a few years ago. Iceland is truly an amazing place and I enjoyed everything I did while traveling there. And I loved the special homemade foods. Nutty whole-grain goodness was seen throughout Iceland in bread and cereals, with subtle yet distinct […]

My husband loves lamb stew. In all honesty, I think it’s because it reminds him of goat stew, something we both become fond of while vacationing in Anguilla. Can’t say that I’ve ever had (or would eat) goat stew on a regular basis, but in the Caribbean it’s as common as a fish sandwich and […]

Dark, leafy green vegetables are among the most nutrient-dense foods, and let’s face it, we could all benefit from eating more of them. Some say kale is the “king of greens”, but Swiss chard is equally impressive in its wide array of nutritional benefits. Swiss chard is a leafy green belonging to the goosefoot family, which […]

I always considered myself a mashed potato person, but my sister loved Thanksgiving stuffing. It took me a few years, but I got there. Thanksgiving is my preferred holiday. I’ve mentioned this before, but a holiday based around food, friends, and family is the perfect holiday for me. Thanksgiving has no real rules when it […]

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know I am a big fan of overnight oats. Easy, healthy, and extremely adaptable.  My older son and husband now love almost any combination I make. These are a collection of some of my favorite overnight oat bowls I’ve made and loved. Sometimes I post recipes exclusively […]

Halloumi (or haloumi), is often associated with the Greek island of Cyprus, and is a semi-hard, unripened, brined cheese made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk and sometimes cow’s milk. Halloumi cheese, is often referred to as a “grilling or frying cheese” due to its high melting point allowing it to be easily […]

Mushroom farro is a hearty winter comfort food to me. The addition of black truffle oil makes this simple dish even more delicious.  Farro is an ancient grain from Mesopotamia that has been around forever. Considered a nutritious grain, farro is high in protein, fiber, and B complex vitamins, and is considered a much healthier […]

My eleven-year-old taught me how to make homemade corn tortillas and they were outstanding. My son appreciates good food, he always has actually, with the exception of sweet potatoes. As a baby, he loved most flavors and textures. By age five it was clear I had a fish and vegetable lover on my hands and […]

Everyone has their favorite comfort foods, truffle polenta fries are one of mine. Totally serious. I have always been a big fan of polenta; the simple addition of truffle oil is a game-changer. Polenta served in the form of “fries“, is a fantastic way to incorporate an earthy grain into your winter meal without much […]

My entire family is addicted to Chinese food.  For my husband and me, it’s just in our blood after growing up in NYC. We grew up eating crispy Peking duck served with fluffy pancakes; dumplings of all varieties; and perfectly browned, crispy scallion pancakes. Our older son was born in NY and being that I was […]

Let’s discuss millet. Millet is an ancient seed originating from Africa and Northern China. Millet has been around for centuries and remains a “staple” in the diets of about 1/3 of the world’s population. With a milk-sweet corn-like flavor, this grain is naturally gluten-free–making it a go-to for Celiac sufferers. Millet is a whole grain, […]

I have not been shy about my love of salads. I am, however, an admitted salad snob. My husband agrees. I like my salads to taste good and to look good. Appearance matters. Making a salad look appetizing should not be that complicated: vegetables in their natural states are inherently pretty, given the variety of […]

Jesse Ziff Cool is my featured Changemaker this month. For my non-local readers, Cool is a well-known Silicon Valley chef who has been dedicated to sustainable agriculture and cuisine for more than four decades–long before “farm-to-table” was a catchphrase. To be clear, despite many comparisons, she is not Alice Waters. Nor is she trying to be. […]

This is a fun dish and a great seasonal one for warmer weather. I love to serve it with Noah’s cod cakes. I’m a big quinoa fan. I have basically stopped eating rice, and I do watch my carbs–so quinoa and riced cauliflower have become my go-to’s.  Quinoa is a gluten-free, high-protein plant food containing […]