Cuisine

A Grain-Rich Redo of Tabbouleh Salad

A Grain-Rich Redo of Tabbouleh Salad

While the typical tabbouleh recipe calls for a higher proportion of parsley and mint to bulgur, here, I flip-flop the ratio out of personal taste. What results is a grain-rich salad that is still accentuated by mint and parsley. Tell me which way you prefer! (more).

Tzatziki, Yogurt Cucumber Dip

Tzatziki, Yogurt Cucumber Dip

This tzatziki, or yogurt cucumber dip, is worthy of a prize, as it can be combined with my Baba Ganoush, Eggplant Dip and my Ever-So-Delicious Classic Hummus (see Appetizers). Serve these for a Middle Eastern/Greek dinner, and your guests will be moved by your food! (more).

Baba Ganoush, Eggplant Dip

Baba Ganoush, Eggplant Dip

Who knew that this Arabic phrase, bābā ḡannūj, translates to father of coquetry or pampered daddy? And who knew that it was rumored a member of the royal harem supposedly created this glorious dip? * **This dip is regal with its mix of roasted eggplant, (more).

Ever-So-Delicious Classic Hummus

Ever-So-Delicious Classic Hummus

After years of trial and error, you can learn from my blunders and benefit from the right balance of tahini to lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. This creamy mix is a welcome taste for vegans and the population at large. Try it once and (more).

Oriental Peanut Teriyaki Salad

Oriental Peanut Teriyaki Salad

My Oriental Peanut Teriyaki Salad is exploding with a palate of Asian flavors— from that classic teriyaki sauce to a dressing full of sesame oil, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Plus, the peanut butter in this dressing makes you want to lick the spoon! And (more).

Oriental Pasta Salad with Spinach, Mandarins & Almonds

Oriental Pasta Salad with Spinach, Mandarins & Almonds

This scrumptious, protein-packed salad features over 76 grams of protein per serving from the dense chickpea pasta and the sweet yet savory teriyaki chicken. And don’t forget the nutrient-rich spinach, high in folate and Vitamin K, which is highlighted in this salad. And if that (more).

Stellar Oriental Salad Dressing

Stellar Oriental Salad Dressing

My Stellar Oriental Salad Dressing is a must-try for anyone who loves the taste sensations of Asian cuisine but has little time on their hands. With the robust mix of sesame oil, lime juice, and teriyaki sauce, it’s unthinkable it takes 10 minutes to make. (more).

My Original Mexican Lasagna

My Original Mexican Lasagna

My Original Mexican Lasagna is a healthy adaptation of the traditional Mexican dish called chilaquiles. Here, a red sauce of tomato, onion, and sweet peppers is layered with chicken, tortillas, and peppers, and is topped off with mozzarella cheese and a dollop of sour cream. (more).

My Original Mexican Lasagna Sauce

My Original Mexican Lasagna Sauce

Decades after my junior year abroad  in Mérida, Mexico, I began experimenting with an unusual take on a regional dish known as chilaquiles. From the typical mix of sweet peppers, tomatoes, and onions, I ran across a rich sauce to use for my Mexican lasagna. (more).

Chipotle Hummus With A Kick

Chipotle Hummus With A Kick

Here My Chipotle Hummus With A Kick is the perfect fusion of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines. This tasty starter draws on the heat of Mexican chipotle peppers in adobo sauce but tames it with the cooling effect of absorbent sour cream, garbanzo beans, and tahini. (more).

Lusciously Creamy Italian Dressing

Lusciously Creamy Italian Dressing

Try your hand at this lusciously creamy Italian dressing and you’ll see it lives up to its name! Here a rich base of buttermilk and cream cheese is balanced by the tang of vinegar and lemon juice and the pungency of shallots and garlic.

Classic Cantucci (Italian Almond Biscotti)

Classic Cantucci (Italian Almond Biscotti)

Biscotto, the plural form of biscotti, is derived from the Latin word, biscotus, for twice baked. So, this popular twice baked cookie is perfect for dipping in your morning coffee or capping off a long evening. Full of anise and almonds, this Italian version is (more).

Healthy Asian Veggie & Chicken Stir-Fry

Healthy Asian Veggie & Chicken Stir-Fry

This healthy Asian stir-fry is packed with 32.7 g. of protein, making it a guilt-free dish to serve to your loved ones or yourself. And the subtle heat of the garlic chili paste is set off by the sweet hint of the rice seasoning, the (more).

Thai Red Curry with Chicken and Basil

Thai Red Curry with Chicken and Basil

This easy Thai curry takes only 15 minutes to prep but tastes like you labored all day in the kitchen! This winner of a recipe couples the saltiness of fish sauce with the sour tang of lime juice, all balanced by creamy coconut milk and (more).

Tuscan-Inspired Minestrone Soup

Tuscan-Inspired Minestrone Soup

Tuscany is where I first fell in love with this region’s take on that legendary dish, minestrone soup. Who cannot love the creamy consistency of Italian’s homegrown borlotti beans, the vitamin-packed leaves of lacinato kale, and the gritty texture of that nutty yet savory Parmesan? (more).

Mexican Pozole Soup

Mexican Pozole Soup

This sensational soup fills the home with the flavorful aroma of earthy hominy and smoky chili anchos. The garnish of lemons and radishes lends a textural crunch and tangy note to this unique soup. Note: this soup is mild in heat although using chilies. It (more).

Honduran Morning Coffee

Honduran Morning Coffee

Here, the traditional cup of Joe is given a twist, with the unexpected complement of allspice and sugar to coffee. This is the customary way coffee was served when I was a Peace Corp Volunteer two decades ago in the coffee producing sector of western (more).

Sopa de Lima (Yucatán Chicken Lime Soup)

Sopa de Lima (Yucatán Chicken Lime Soup)

This adapted, time-honored soup from the Yucatán features a blend of sweet mini peppers, which is accented by a sour tang of freshly squeezed lime juice. Naturally low in carbs and fat, this soup still abounds in flavor and can be made vegetarian and vegan. (more).

Guacamole Like You’ve Never Tasted Before

Guacamole Like You’ve Never Tasted Before

While you often think of guacamole as a splurge, its star ingredient, avocado, is nutritively high in fiber and potassium. So, indulge in this mouth-watering appetizer, which is alway the hit of any occasion, whether a simple family gathering or a potluck where you want (more).