The sun is getting brighter, the air is breezy and sweet, and we're just moving away from soup season. But my mind is still reflecting on so-called immune-boosting foods from the last post! Although total diet quality likely matters more than loading up on a single "superfood," there are special foods worth exploring. Mushrooms are … Continue reading Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup
Do you remember when rice cakes first came out? I think it was during the fat-free craze when everyone was searching for zero fat snacks, expecting them to pull off weight or maybe improve heart health. I sort of liked them: they were definitely crunchy. But they were also unsatisfying, as if they had dissolved … Continue reading The Humble Rice Cake
Whatever's in my supermarket produce aisle inspires my next dish—this time it was large, perfectly round portobello mushroom caps. I know some people hate mushrooms, maybe a texture thing, but I grew up eating them. My mom often had a bowl of dried mushrooms soaking in its brown liquid that she'd toss into a vegetable … Continue reading Stuffed Portobellos
If you enjoy hummus, you'll probably like this recipe. Hummus is on my weekly shopping list, but it does get boring after a while. This is a very easy recipe and fun alternative to hummus. And it's versatile. You can use it as a dip for chopped vegetables, a protein-rich breakfast toast topper, a spread … Continue reading Roasted Sweet Potato, Beet & Bean Spread
Throughout my childhood, my Dad was very active in the Chinese community in Rhode Island. He was one of the founders of the Rhode Island Association of Chinese Americans, at the time a small but close-knit community group that worked to promote local Chinese businesses and the integration of Chinese immigrants newly arriving in the state. … Continue reading A Healthy Spin on a Chinese Takeout Favorite
I admit upfront that I've never made risotto from scratch. Does it count that I've salivated when watching television chefs cook and plate it? It's a comfort-food type of rice dish, using a sticky short grain white rice that is constantly stirred to release its starch, developing a silky creamy texture. A bit bored with … Continue reading Farro Risotto
