Simple Tuna Poke Bowls Summer cooking is all about low fuss and high reward. Actually, all cooking should rely on that ratio. Tuna poke, using sushi-grade fish, is the type of meal I’m talking about! Refreshing, flavorful, and finished without the use of a single pot or pan. Poke tuna is a ubiquitous Hawaiian convenience…
Summer
Matcha Limeade
Sometimes you want a tall, refreshing libation (without the added alcohol). Matcha limeade is the cool down you’re looking for. I’ve made this matcha limeade for weekend gatherings and al fresco entertaining, and it’s always a hit. Use either organic ceremonial grade matcha powder or individual matcha packets from Trader Joe’s. I’ve used both in…
Slow Roasted Sockeye Salmon
Slow Roasted Salmon with Lemon and Dill Slow roasted salmon with lemon and dill is easy, fresh and fast. A low and slow temperature melts the fat in the salmon and makes the finished product super tender. Top it with herbed yogurt sauce or chermoula for a dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight meal and impressive…
Aperol Spritz
A Summer Thirst Quencher We’re having a relatively quiet summer around here. No big European adventures and our travel plans are centered around family time in Sun Valley, Idaho, and San Diego. But when we’re at home in Houston, battling the humidity and trying not to spontaneously combust, there’s nothing like a cold Aperol spritz…
Roasted Za’atar Okra
Simple Roasted Okra Whether you’re a lover or a hater of the South’s favorite slimy vegetable, I think you should give this a shot. Roasted za’atar okra is crunchy from a high heat oven and flavorful with the elements of one of my favorite spice blends. Za’atar is a middle Eastern staple made with sumac,…
Gluten-Free Berry Crisp
An Epic Gluten-Free Berry Crisp Sixteen years and a lifetime ago, when I finished cooking school in San Francisco, I did an externship at Greens restaurant. I was relieved to hear that I’d be a pastry assistant (which meant hanging with the sweet pastry chef in a quiet 5am kitchen). Working “the line” during dinner…
Spinach Salad with Pesto and Peas
Spinach Salad with Pesto and Peas, Please! If you’re hosting friends for a backyard BBQ this weekend — or heading to a lake house, the beach or the mountains — make this easy spinach salad. It’s my go-to summer salad, full of flavor, easy to put together and always a crowd pleaser. I found this…
Burrata and Stone Fruit Crostini
Quick! Enjoy all the stone fruit while you can. And while you’re at it, add some toasted crusty bread rubbed with garlic, creamy burrata, summer basil and flaky sea salt. Burrata and stone fruit crostini is full of sweet summer flavor and super simple to put together. Nectarines are my fruit of choice for this…
Indian-Spiced Marinated Tomatoes
The first time I made these Indian-spiced tomatoes I was a student in the professional program at Tante Marie’s Cooking School in San Francisco. When this recipe for Indian-spiced tomatoes landed in my hands, it sounded like an abomination. Why cover delicious, in-season tomatoes with strong spices, chilies, ginger and onions? Not to mention brown…
Rustic Strawberry Galette
I’m a lazy cook at heart. Sign me up for anything that’s unfussy, uncomplicated and if there’s a shortcut involved, all the better. That’s why I opt for recipes like this rustic strawberry galette. The pastry dough is forgiving — and I wouldn’t judge if you bought frozen pie dough — and the filling is…