Recent Posts

Sewing up a Cross Back Apron

Sewing up a Cross Back Apron

tl;dr: How I customized Purl Soho’s Cross Back Apron for myself and rocked a dinner party. My alteration process included (in case you want to adapt it) Like so many garment sewing projects, I finished this apron just hours before an occasion where I wanted … read more

Patchwork Quilted Coasters

Patchwork Quilted Coasters

I made these gorgeous Aloha themed patchwork coasters from some lovely fabric that I purchased in Maui. I love how they look against the living room coffee table. They are the perfect pop of color to complement our mostly neutral apartment furniture and go perfectly … read more

Vegetarian Friendly Maui

Vegetarian Friendly Maui

Whoever said Maui was a special place was spot on.  In my opinion, it’s one of the most relaxing places in the world.  I love spending time both at the beach but also on the verdant mountainside of Haleakala. As a vegetarian, it can be … read more

Sage Seasoned Cannellini Beans:  A Simple Summer Supper for San Francisco

Sage Seasoned Cannellini Beans: A Simple Summer Supper for San Francisco

The perfect San Francisco summer meal needs to warm you up from the cold, wind and fog creeping over the hills like dragon’s breath.  This recipe hits that spot perfectly and it’s easy too.  With a nice side salad (such as watermelon and feta salad) and … read more

Cooking Diaries:  Enchiladas from Scratch

Cooking Diaries: Enchiladas from Scratch

Many Saturdays ago, I wandered down 24th Street in the Mission when I came across La Palma, a small “Mexicatessen” where business was already booming at 9 am.   There was a small provisions store up front, somewhat sparse by Mexican grocery standards, but I … read more

Summer Dinners:  Thai Slaw and Crispy Pan Fried Tofu

Summer Dinners: Thai Slaw and Crispy Pan Fried Tofu

Note:  This is an old blog post from last year that I forgot to publish until now: Thai Slaw is the perfect dish to bring to a picnic.  It’s full of fresh crunchy veggies like cabbage and carrots but is also zingy and hearty from the … read more

Curried Corn and Potato Soup

Curried Corn and Potato Soup

How do you make a hot summer soup that is hearty enough to be a meal but not siesta inducing?  This question and a picture of a chef shaving off kernels of corn in Ottolenghi’s Plenty serve as the inspirations of this soup. I wanted the soup … read more

Tomato Jam

Tomato Jam

One of my favorite part of the summer are all the tomatoes at the farmer’s markets.  Living in San Francisco, I’m incredibly spoiled — I have a small farmer’s market  3 blocks from my house and a larger market only a 5 min drive away. … read more

Sunshine Soup in a Culinary Terrarium:  Golden Gazpacho

Sunshine Soup in a Culinary Terrarium: Golden Gazpacho

If you have been searching for liquid essence of the summer sun, this is the soup for you.  The yellow gazpacho recipe from Ana Sortun’s Spice cookbook has a vibrant tomato flavor and a velvety texture from bread and good extra virgin olive oil.  Since … read more

Spice in Jars:  Tarla Dalal’s Chai Masala

Spice in Jars: Tarla Dalal’s Chai Masala

Do you ever have days that unexpectedly keep getting better?  The other day, a good friend texted me to ask if we could grab dinner that night since he had to bail on my birthday dinner for a most awesome reason – his girlfriend was surprising him … read more