I remember the moment, sometime in the mid-1970s, when my mom discovered pesto. What a happy day that was! She of course made it with basil, and since our family hadn’t been introduced to a food processor, she pulverized the basil with a mortar and pestle. So exotic, as if we had … [Read more...]
Beet Hummus
The first time I had beets was at a friend’s house when I was four. My friend and I left the two slices of canned beets on our plates. However, when we were told we’d get potato chips (something I never got at home) if we ate our beets, I reluctantly ate them up. They weren’t so … [Read more...]
Brown Butter and Chive Corn Sticks
My uncle used to say, with pride, “Your Aunt Ali would never eat something just because it was good for her!” I'm with Aunt Ali. You will never see me tossing back a glass of apple cider vinegar! That sounds like torture to me, even if it has health benefits. I like to eat food … [Read more...]
Cured Meyer Lemons
The Meyer lemon trees in Berkeley, including mine, are still loaded with fruit. Not wanting to waste a single lemon, I searched through my cookbook collection to find something new to make with them. I came across a way to preserve lemons quicker, and different … [Read more...]
Mom’s Bread
My mom was crowned The Bread Queen by her friends years ago. Everyone knew she made the best bread around. In the 60s and 70s not many people made bread at home, and there weren’t artisan bread shops on every corner as there are now—at least in the S.F. Bay Area. Homemade bread … [Read more...]
Preserved Lemons
Today I’m starting a section of pantry staples. Just a recipe, a photo or two, and a few words. Quick and easy. It is February in Berkeley, CA and the Meyer lemon trees are full! So the “essentials” for my pantry (this month) will be lemon rich. First up: Preserved Lemons, a … [Read more...]