One of the memories I have of my grandmother revolves around cream of mushroom soup. I can remember many rainy days with that can of condensed soup, thinned out with water and heated on the stove top. Something about it takes me to that nostalgic place of comfort. Actually, both sides of my family enjoyed …
Growing up in San Francisco prior to gentrification, I had the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of cultures and the foods they offered. This was a definite blessing. I love food, period. There are times I crave a certain flavor, but do not want it in the original form so I adapt according to …
This last October I took the most amazing course, “Shared Soul: A Culinary Journey with Michael Twitty.” Not only was the course fantastic, being able to listen to Michael Twitty share African history through food was enlightening. In order to prepare for the last class we made Jollof Rice on our own. I previously learned …
While at my local market, I cruised by the seafood section looking for my usual salmon. They didn’t have what I wanted so I decided to try something new. I literally have never cooked halibut before, but decided to give it a try. I only ordered one halibut steak, but knew I would create a …
Peach Cobbler with Buttermilk Biscuit Crust Growing up I literally had the best aunt in the world. My Maternal Aunt, Aunt Jackie as I always called her, was the most calm and sweet person. Her wide smile followed by, “Hi Baby,” when I’d walk in the room would just brighten up my day. I think …
I grew up eating boxed cornbread. I feel like my entire childhood and young adult life, family meals always came with a side of sweetened Jiffy Cornbread. I loved it, but that was one of those traditions I had to release. In the Spring of 2009, I found out that I had an allergy to …
Last week, I walked out to our courtyard and saw a very ripe fig growing on it’s tree. I picked the fig, rinsed and enjoyed every bite. For several days, all I could think about was eating more figs. On my grocery run I decided to make a fig salad with some of my favorite …
I made potato salad for the first time, then broke the rules and brought it to a potluck. When I grew up there was only one person who made potato salad at family gatherings, that was my cousin Karen. I have no real recollection of who made it before her, but as a teenager and …
Several years ago I went to a rock climbing potluck with a friend of mine. I do not remember what I brought, but another dish completely captivated my attention. I looked at the colorful vegetable mixture and scooped up some to put alongside my barbecue. I took a bite of the salad and felt my …
One particular day while tending to my outside planter box, I looked at my over abundance of basil and asked the question, “What am I going to do with all this basil?” My neighbors and son suggested pesto, which I found to be the common suggestion. Pesto was not what I wanted in that moment. …