Savory Fig Pastries

For ten days I was debating what to make for my upcoming pop-up (see flyer). It’s happening in one of my favorite coffee shops in Austin. They don’t have a kitchen there, so I have to prepare the food at…

Warming Pumpkin with North African Flavors

I can’t believe I posted the recipe video for this vibrant, warming dish on Instagram and YouTube but never here. It’s January and pumpkins are still around, at least here in North Carolina, where I am now. Not sure about…

A Weekend Guide to Boston

Or, how to avoid getting frost bites in November in Boston! It was my second time in Boston. The first was about a month earlier, with the whole family. Had Leo, my eldest, not started college there, I probably never…

Stuffed Collard Greens

I love stuffed vegetables but I’m rarely in the mood to make it myself. Though I love stuffing leaves — it’s like rolling a joint (says the woman who, in 51 years, has never actually rolled one). It’s satisfying —…

Asparagus Soup with Zucchini & Spinach

A friend has been sharing his pain with me about his heartbreak after a 10-month relationship ended—heartbreak that could have been avoided if he had been willing to fully commit to her. I listened, took his side, and held space…

Broccoli Salad with Lemony Dressing

Did you know I was a private chef during the pandemic? I never mentioned that because it was brief and partly and wasn’t as exciting as it sounds. Not even cooking for Hollywood stars and well-known directors made it glamorous.…