I love bold colors and I am not afraid to use them! We had our rooms painted deep orange, buttercup yellow, brick red and silver metallic long before colorful walls became chic in California. My pre-kids car was of a dazzlingly crimson hue and my husband’s yellow Z3 stood out in traffic jams. Peek into
Healthy
Healthy Apricot Cake
Common culinary wisdom holds that you are either a baker or a cook. I hate to admit it but I am NOT a baker! Baking does not come naturally to me at all; nothing in baking makes sense. First time I ever made cookies, the directions called for “creaming butter.” I almost felt like Amelia
Warm Mezze Hummus
It is not rocket science that eating healthy is a lot harder when you are traveling. Finding Michelin-rated restaurants that serve healthy five-star dishes is often “mission impossible.” Especially if you are dining outside of California. Coming back from vacations is somewhat bitter-sweet for me. A flight home is often accompanied by nostalgia… and a
Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad
Comfort food comes in all textures and flavors. Comfort food is that special dish that your mom made you when you were sick. The dish that helped you get over a bad breakup. The dish that got you through your finals in college. It’s your grandma’s matzo-ball soup. Mom’s mac-and-cheese. Crispy grilled-cheese sandwich. Hearty bowl
Salmon Sashimi with Blue Cheese and White Miso Puree
The birthday season has officially been kicked off at our house. My hubby opened it with his yesterday and I will close it with mine in January. In our family, birthday parties are loud, with lots of friends, wine and food. But this year, the birthday boy was feeling melancholic and asked for a more private celebration. No loud toasts,
Fermentation Experimentation
Yep, I make my very own milk Kefir (Кефир.) An Eastern European-style yogurt, Kefir is loaded with lots and lots of tummy-friendly bacteria. Not to brag, but I also curdle farmers cheese (Творог): a creamier, smoother, and milder form of cottage cheese. Surprisingly, fermenting dairy products at home is super easy, fast and fun! A
Granny Smith Apple And Yam Soup with Glazed Slivered Almonds
Silky and warming with a hint of ginger and curry, this soup is perfect for a chilly fall night. Granny Smith Apple And Yam Soup with Glazed Slivered Almonds Adapted from A Beautiful Bowl of Soup by Paulette Mitchell Ingredients For the almonds Vegetable oil cooking spray 2 tablespoon agave nectar 1 cup (4 ounces) slivered
Caramelized Roasted Figs with Baby Greens and Honey Vinaigrette
This summer salad is a hit at every gathering. It’s one of my most requested recipes. Slightly tangy vinaigrette truly compliments the sweetness of the caramelized figs. Caramelized Roasted Figs with Baby Greens and Honey Vinaigrette Top 5 recipe on FoodBuzz Adapted from FoodNetwork.com Ingredients 4 small fresh black mission figs, stemmed Extra-virgin olive oil
Simple and Healthy Vegan Vanilla and Agave Nectar Cupcakes
Top five glimpses into the character of my 5-year-old son Jacob: At the dinner table. Jacob: “Mommy, this soup is spicy. Can I have some wine?” “Lizard of Oz,”said Jacob. My 7-year-old daughter Mika needed to measure 3 tablespoons of liquid for her science experiment. She asked Jacob for help. He returned with 3 table spoons.
Julia’s Heirloom Red and Green Tomato Gazpacho
I feel lucky to know people who are passionate about food and cooking, just like me. Recently, my friends Julia and Yuri, true aficionados of fine cuisine, had us over for company. Julia’s elaborate multi-course dinners, complemented with her husband’s well researched wine pairings, always make me look forward to evenings at their house. The theme
Butternut Squash Tagine with Buttered Chile Couscous
I love snooping around my refrigerator the day after a dinner party. All the delicious leftovers and a break from cooking! Leftover dinner of the day: comforting and satisfying Squash Tagine with Buttered Couscous. Like all stews, this sweet and hearty slow-cooked squash definitely tastes better the second day. Hey, kids, wash your hands, it’s a leftovers
The Superhero Soup
I feel like I receive an extra reward sticker every time I successfully serve my family a nutritious meal that they all enjoy. That is why I am always on a lookout for a healthy recipe that appeals to all members of my family, including a self-proclaimed vegetarian daughter who does not really like vegetables,