My mom has always said that we, the Chinese people, have an unspoken kinship with Jewish folks — insofar as “where Jewish people have guilt, Chinese people have shame.” That, and we both love to eat. Thirty seconds ago, I shared this theory with my Jewish friend, Randi (we’re sitting on her sofa, re-watching the latest episode of Parenthood — because apparently we gluttons for punishment also share a passion for fug-faced sobbing) and she laughed. And then she agreed. And then she offered me a popsicle. So, there ya go, Momma. #nailedit And with that, I give you: Chinese-approved Hanukkah foods. … Read More
duck fat-roasted potato + wilted kale salad with miso-mustard dressing (gluten-free)
I can already tell that this winter is going to be about DUCK FAT IN ALL THE THINGS. If you’re a veggie-terry-an or a vegan or a fish-a-whateveran, feel free to read that as OLIVE OIL IN ALL THE THINGS. Just know your tastebuds are getting royally ripped off. Because le fat of le duck is le bombdiggidamndamn. (Would you believe I almost considered going into technical writing in college? True story. Something about wanting a paycheck.) Per the usj, for this Thanksgiving’s brunch we ditched the turkey (figuring everyone heads off to a turkey household for dinner) and opted … Read More
fried honey-garlic delicata with white miso + furikake // gf + vegan
You guys, I’m back from Boston, and I had more good times with the bestie than one is supposed to have on a “work” trip, I’m almost certain. We ate all the things (you should def skim Insty for the recap — ps, follow me! :)) and walked all the places (it’s normal to draw every comparison between Hogwarts and Harward, right?). We even cooked LIVE lobbies for the first time ever, and no one died (well…). But but but! They didn’t scream! So it was about 900 times less traumatic (for me) than I expected. Also, when I say we … Read More
spicy pineapple + parsley salad with avocado + chilies
Greetings from Boston, friends! I just flew in from California and BOY are my arms tired. Is that still a thing? Seriously though, I’m but five hours off the plane and I can already admit to suffering from some serious jetlag. Except, it’s the kind of jetlag that hits you before you swap time zones. Before you boarded the plane. Alrite alrite, before you even checked for the third time that, yes, you packed your charger and yes, the garage door is closed – and wait, should I bring a scarf for the plane? you know how cold I get … Read More
Parmesan-Ricotta Spaghetti Squash Fritters with Crispy Fried Sage
Parmesan-Ricotta Spaghetti Squash Fritters with Crispy Fried Sage – the ideal pairing of creamy and crispy cheese, sweet spaghetti squash and nutty, toasted sage. Autumnal bliss. When we lived in San Luis Obispo — that is, a near lifetime ago, full of workdays ending at 4pm, leisurely evening bike rides and long morning strolls through the quaintest of downtowns (remind me why we left again?) — one of our favorite lazy Saturdays was a drive through the hills of south county, taking the seemingly less-traveled backroads past horse farms and vineyards, through sun-shattered corridors of black oaks, all the way to Pismo … Read More