Sides

Hen of the Woods Quesadillas with Avocado Salsa

Hen of the Woods Quesadillas with Avocado Salsa

Fond memories of my trip to Mexico this spring still loom large, especially recalling the many flavors we feasted on during time in Oaxaca and Mexico City. With thanks to my friend Ruth Alegria who conducts culinary adventures in Mexico City and beyond, we knew…

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…

Wild Rice and Delicata Squash Salad

Wild Rice and Delicata Squash Salad

Any trip to Napa for me includes a stop at the Rancho Gordo retail store. A recent trip with friends resulted in a stop to the shop that includes many other products in addition to their vast variety of beans. I came away with six…

Easy Sheet Pan Summer Vegetables

Easy Sheet Pan Summer Vegetables

Sheet pan cooking is popular for good reason – it’s easy and an effective way to get plenty of tasty food cooked fast. This is my go-to method for roasting vegetables, this time with purple potatoes that have recently been available at my farmers’ market.…

Pan con Tomate — Bread with Tomato

Pan con Tomate — Bread with Tomato

When in Spain, pan con tomate is eaten throughout the day – breakfast through tapas time. The dish is simply grated, fresh tomato on toasted bread; with a rub of fresh garlic, a splash of extra-virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt for additional…

Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Mini-Frittatas

Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Mini-Frittatas

Springtime means brunch time for many of us. And finally (Finally!) we are slated for dry and sunny days to gather with family and friends. Even if it’s for just hubby and me, I often make a frittata for our Sunday brunch. I make it…

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…

Autumn Brown Rice Salad

Autumn Brown Rice Salad

Autumn in the Bay Area brings delightfully mild, sunny days. While autumn produce has made an appearance at markets, I’m not ready to fully dive into hearty fare just yet. This brown rice salad uses autumn produce but is welcomed on lunch and dinner plates…

Greek-Inspired Chicken and Rice Soup

Greek-Inspired Chicken and Rice Soup

Brrrr – This winter is especially chilly, often with a daily temperature range from the high-30’s to high 40’s on several days running.  Snow atop the Bay Area’s highest peaks also attest to this fact. This soup can come together using ingredients you may already…

Spanish-Style Garlic Bread Soup

Spanish-Style Garlic Bread Soup

A recent series of dental procedures required I expand my repertoire of soft food dishes.  No chewing, so either puréed or very, very soft to eat.  I made my way through Chinese jook (rice congee), lentil soup, and this bread soup through the several weeks…