It is summer and burgers are all the rage. Not everyone is a carnivore or prefers a meat patty. A majority of us prefer veggie burgers aka vegetarian burgers. And it’s not because I am from California that I love veggie burgers. I just do. Lately, much improvement has been made to the veggie patty….
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open-face caprese sandwiches
It’s early summer and basil is in season! Basil is abundant in the markets everywhere. Did you know that basil is actually a member of the mint family? it’s true! Here are a few pointers to go along with that fresh bunch of basil you just purchased, or will after reading this post. When shopping for…
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ricotta meatballs with chianti sauce + a giveaway
These grass-fed beef ricotta meatballs with Chianti sauce are one of my hubby’s all-time favorites for several reasons. First of all, they are baked, not fried, which leaves them a whole lot lighter in calories. Secondly, the tomato wine sauce is to die for. And finally, fennel seeds! Oh yeah, those little fennel seeds add…
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tofu + vegetable curry
This is one of those dishes where I made it for my family, and took a few quick photos because it tasted so delicious that I had to share. Please excuse the quick non-artistic photos. However, you will thank me for including this quick and simple recipe on my blog. Tofu and vegetable curry is so…
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coconut chia seed pudding + raspberry puree
To feel energized and strong all day long it is important to eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast in the morning. Coconut chia seed pudding with raspberry puree is a great breakfast to have on-hand for days when you don’t have time to make a healthy meal. Not only is this coconut chia seed pudding…
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chilled avocado soup + cilantro oil
For the past couple of nights, I have been busily building my family tree on ancestry.com. Last night, I stayed up until 2 am. I’m hooked. Recently, I went to Texas to visit my father’s side of the family. While there I questioned my Aunts and Uncles about our Native American heritage. I wanted to…
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peanut butter + carob frosty paws [dog treats]
My family loves our three dogs Rocco, Dolce, and Mochi. Rocco is 11 years old, and happens to be one of the biggest Labs I have ever seen. Dolce is a 10 year old Lhasa who is awesome at snuggling but very territorial. Our newest addition, Mochi, is only 10 months old, and is an over-the-top…
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blue velvet cupcakes [vegan]
I’m not vegan, but it does help to slowly incorporate some healthy vegan items into your diet – even if it does happen to be cupcakes! My love for red velvet cake cupcakes runs deep, but with red food coloring as a main ingredient, my favorite cupcake doesn’t score high on the “healthy” meter. That…
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stout braised grass-fed beef sliders + ginger slaw
Have you ever been to a psychic party? Neither have I, until I recently hosted my own. I have two amazing friends who happen to be twins and psychic. Chinhee and Sunhee Park belong to a group of psychics, called ESPsychics. When Chinhee and Sunhee offered to do a psychic party at my house for…
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asparagus, mushroom + roasted garlic tart
This month, my sister and I took our Mom to Texas to visit and re-connect with my Dad’s family. My Dad passed away 9 years ago. Both my sister and I have not seen many of our family members since his funeral. This was an exciting and emotional trip for the three of us. We…
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strawberry tres leches trifle
I hosted an event (a psychic party but I’ll post more on that later) at my home and wanted to make a dessert with the strawberries that I had purchased from the truck. It had to be lower calorie and healthy. What I decided on was this Strawberry Tres Leches Trifle, which I had found…
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old-fashioned blueberry pancakes [gluten- and soy-free]
Lately, it seems that a majority of people are going gluten-free. I’m not one of those people; however, I am always interested in cooking healthier dishes for my family and friends. Not sure why, but I have been craving pancakes, so this morning I decided to make a batch of these gluten- and soy-free pancakes…
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lemony edamame dip
When I entertain I like to make something a bit different that my friends wouldn’t normally make themselves at home. Lemony edamame dip is one of those appetizers that will surprise your guests and their . It is a light and refreshing appetizer best served during spring or summer. Living in Southern California, my lemon…
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spanish potato omelet [tortilla espanola]
In my quest to cook healthier meals for my family, I continue to take healthy cooking classes – which I hope to one day teach myself.
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healthy pasta salad caprese
Not that I mind the warm weather – it’s just that it makes seasonal cooking a bit more complex. Pumpkin and butternut squash just aren’t appetizing on these warm winter days. As soon as I know it is going to be another summer like day, I make this pasta salad. You can’t beat it for…
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chia seed + banana muffins
Now that I’m a temporary real housewife, or a “domestic technician” as my hubby calls it, is a busy job, but since I’m no longer working 10-hour days and commuting, I do have more time to exercise. So far, my days have been consisting of 2 daily dog walks – we live in a hilly…
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peanut butter + chocolate energy bars
Most mornings, I’m quickly heading out the door either to go to work, walk the dogs, or bike ride. Normally, I never know what kind of busy morning awaits me. For those busy mornings, I love to grab something that is all ready made, for a quick and easy breakfast to go. These Peanut Butter…
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italian minestrone
I make this soup when one of my family members are sick, or for a light but comforting dinner. Use leftover chicken with carcass intact, or do what I do….purchase a whole roasted chicken from the market. The rind from the Parmesan cheese cooks into the soup, adding a slightly sharp nutty flavor, and your…
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curried turkey + israeli couscous salad
It’s only 6:30 am on a Saturday morning, my day to sleep in, but instead, I woke up dreaming of preparing a Thanksgiving turkey, and now I’m using the time to write this blog post. A blog post for a curried turkey + Israeli couscous salad recipe…how ironic is that? Yes, I just found out that…
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chicken pot stickers + sweet soy dipping sauce
From him, I developed a passion for Chinese food. My Step dad loved to cook. He would make us, specialties such as char sui pork, steamed lobster, shrimp or pork shumai, pot-stickers, fried won tons, egg rolls, and the best tasting taquitos ever! Not Chinese, but to this day, those taquitos were the most amazing taquitos I have…
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