September 20, 2012
Guacamole is easy to make from scratch. It’s particularly delicious in the summer months when you can get your hands on ripe local tomatoes. You can make this recipe more complex by adding diced red onions or cilantro. But I like the simple four ingredient guacamole the best.
April 17, 2012
Kale is pretty much the holy grail for health food eaters. But for you skeptics out there that don’t believe it can actually taste good, this recipe is for you. I won’t list of all of the nutritional benefits of kale here, but it really is one of the most nutrient packed foods out there. Just remember that when you fight over the last helpings of this dish.
June 3, 2013
Asparagus season is in full swing here in the NYC region. I have been buying it and cooking it like crazy. I made this recipe for Baked Asparagus a few nights ago and it was a big success! Chris and I ate the whole batch and I bought more today to make it again. It only requires a few ingredients and it’s pretty low maintenance once you assemble everything in the baking dish.
July 23, 2013
This is an easy way to prepare potatoes. Baby potatoes cook quickly and there is no peeling involved. Simply cut in half, add oil, seasoning and roast for 30min. A garnish of fresh herbs looks beautiful and adds additional flavor and nutrients.
August 6, 2013
Sauteed kale with tomatoes is a favorite late summer dish of mine. The ripe, farm grown tomatoes that show up in August at NYC farmer’s markets make this recipe extra special. And I just love how the balsamic vinegar sweetens the kale and compliments the saltiness of the parmesan cheese.
May 13, 2013
It is April in NYC, and beautiful artichokes flown in from California are starting to appear in grocery stores. I grew up eating artichokes, but it wasn’t until recently that I started preparing them myself. Artichokes are one of my favorite foods, but they are an intimidating vegetable to take on for the first time. The good news is that they are easier to prep than you’d think – you just have to be mindful of the sharp point on the tip of each leaf. If you are new to artichokes, basic steamed artichokes may be an easier first time approach.
February 27, 2012
For me, roasted sweet potato fries are just as good as deep fried. I like mine a little on the burnt side, and they do burn easily, so it can be a close call occasionally. I’ve made these in all different shapes – fries, planks, wedges, circles – doesn’t matter as long as you cut them in about the same thickness. If you don’t mind the skin, I recommend leaving it on to boost the fiber and nutritional value.
July 17, 2013
This recipe is inspired by a dish my mom made recently with wild rice. The flavors are delicious, but I’ve never been crazy about rice. I love quinoa, however, so I wanted to try making a quinoa version with a few modifications.
February 7, 2013
Broccoli Rabe is a beautiful green. It has cute little broccoli florets nestled between large green leaves. The cuteness factor ends with its appearance however, because the taste packs a punch. Broccoli Rabe is a member of the Brassica family (think cabbages) and it has a bite that is similar to mustard greens (of which it is a close relative). Broccoli Rabe, and all members of the brassica family, are shown to have cancer fighting properties and are particularly effective against stomach, lung, and colon cancers. With a history of colon cancer in my family, I make a particular effort and use some cooking techniques to soften the bitter flavor.
June 13, 2012
I love making quinoa “salads”. I get inspired by which vegetables are fresh and in season – add a homemade salad dressing and possibly cheese, meat or beans – and it becomes a perfect, complete meal. The best part about quinoa salads are that they store well for several days in the refrigerator, and travel well – making them an easy take-to-work lunch option.