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cornbread dressing with clam juice

June 14, 2022 Neo Soul

Maple Cornbread Dressing with Clams

Cornbread dressing is a classic American Southern dish made by tons of African-American home cooks on holidays and celebratory occasions. It’s a fantastic way of repurposing leftover cornbread. All you do is by re-mix day-old cornbread with some type of stock, meats, veggies, herbs and spices, then bake it all up. It’s a type of…

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guacamole with jalapeños

May 27, 2022 Meatless

Roasted Jalapeño Guacamole

If you like spicy food, my approach to guacamole is what you need in your life. Flame roasted Jalapeños provide a moist and spicy crunch along with finely chopped white onion, while an abundance of lime juice steps in to deliver a tangy coolness. However, the texture if also front and center in my recipe….

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lime chicken wings in two sauces

February 9, 2022 Recipes

Spicy Lime Chicken Wings

This is a super easy recipe involving rather ordinary set of ingredients, resulting in such extraordinary results. As the title would suggest … limes are the featured ingredient in these easy lime chicken wings. That’s a no-brainer. But varying the type of hot sauce and chile powder is where there is room for creativity. The…

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February 9, 2022 Easy Ideas

“Duck Sauce” with Date Syrup

A good sauce can either make or break a meal. And with restaurants frequently being stingy with condiments with delivery food, it helps to have some dipping sauce recipes on hand that you can whip up quite easily. To make this easy variation of duck sauce, all it takes is 30 minutes to make fresh…

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Sicilian tomato eggplant soup

December 26, 2021 Meatless

Sicilian Tomato Eggplant Soup (Alla Norma)

Pasta Alla Norma is a classic Sicilian dish consisting of ziti with a tomato and eggplant sauce. Ricotta cheese is also added with a hint of red pepper flakes. But if you’re looking to cut down on carbs, then this tomato eggplant soup is a fantastic way to experience its flavors without having to consume…

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Pumpkin sour with tostones

December 11, 2021 Meatless

Pumpkin Soup with Lentils Using Calabaza and Pasilla Chiles

If you’re not into the classic “American” pumpkin, consider switching to a Calabaza pumpkin that is super popular in Caribbean Latin cuisine. It’s not as watery and it tastes more like a butternut squash, which makes it a perfect candidate for a pumpkin soup. This soup is the result of merging two concepts I had…

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pasilla tomatillo salsa

November 28, 2021 Meatless

Pasilla Tomatillo Salsa from Chef Rick Bayless

I recently received an education in Oaxacan Tomatillo Salsa with Pasilla chilies, and minimalist cooking from watching Chef Rick Bayless on YouTube. He hooked up this awesome salsa with just 3 ingredients (tomatillos, Pasilla chiles, and garlic) and this will certainly be added to my list of regular things to make going forward. If you…

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Skordalia frittata being served

October 9, 2021 Easy Ideas

Skordalia Frittata with Calabrian Pepper Sauce

Skordalia is a Greek, potato-based garlic spread that I came across in Titan Foods, one of many Greek grocery stores in Astoria. Other than using it as a spread, my first instinct was to use it with broccoli and cheese and a Skordalia omelette. Just randomly drop in a few spoonfulls here and there after…

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green tomat brown rice

October 6, 2021 Meatless

Green Tomato Brown Rice

So many videos exist about how cooking brown rice correctly and I’m here to show you how simple it can be. And you happen to be growing tomatoes, here’s something you can do with any unripe gems you might have left in your autumn garden. Or if you can find green tomatoes elsewhere, by all…

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stewed blackeyed peas

October 3, 2021 Meatless

Stewed Blackeyed Peas in Spicy Miso Broth

I truly believe that miso is like the “bacon” of plant-based cooking because it’s like an instant shot of salty, umami flavor. Incorporating miso into some stewed blackeyed peas is the easiest recipe in the world. And of course a little hint of spiciness is always appreciated. If you can boil water, you can make…

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August 14, 2021 Easy Ideas

Air Fryer Potatoes with Thai Curry Paste

This “easy idea” recipe has quickness in mind for when you want some crispy home fries.  And for lovers of Thai curry and/or anything spicy, you’re in for a treat because these are laced with spicy, aromatic Asian flavors. If you don’t have an air fryer, go get one! I use a Ninja. Or, you…

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August 8, 2021 Easy Ideas

Cherry Tomato Bites

When cherry tomatoes are in season, they’re absolutely fantastic … and when homegrown, even more so. They’re oh-so sweet, super juicy. Simple “easy idea” recipes are the best way to experience the garden-fresh flavors. Cherry tomato bites are the quickest and easiest 3-ingredient appetizer in the world. Anyone can do it! Making these is not…

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Thai curry eggplant with lentils

August 8, 2021 Meatless

Thai Curry Eggplant with Lentils

When you order Thai food as much as I do and you’re craving that Thai curry flavor at home, using canned curry paste is your best friend. Sure, it’s not made from scratch but it’s pretty darn good. You can come close to replicating any simmered coconut milk-based curry dish from a Thai restaurant without…

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air fried stuffed peppers

July 29, 2021 Easy Ideas

Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers, Quick and Easy

Growing your own peppers is super rewarding for obvious reasons … yielding completely fresh and organic produce. Everyone loves it! So as a grower, when you see the fruits of your labor hanging from your plants you want to eat them immediately. This is the perfect opportunity to make stuffed peppers. But if you’re like…

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June 18, 2021 Easy Ideas

Summer Salmon Burger

When you want a leaner burger experience other than classic beef, a salmon burger is an often-overlooked choice when it comes to alternative burgers. For these patties the clean flavors of garlic, ginger, chives and coriander mixed in with some honey mustard leave your mouth with a satisfying “umami” flavor. Like all burgers, all it…

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Blackeyed Pea Salad

June 16, 2021 Easy Ideas

Blackeyed Pea Salad, Tabouli Style

People familiar with my food know that I really love serving up bold and spicy flavors. So it’s a good idea to have this mild and refreshing Blackeyed Pea Salad to serve alongside some spicy jerk chicken or some Vegan Jollof Rice as a palette cleanser. This delivers the fresh, lemon-dressed, and parsley-packed experience of…

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pineapple limeade in frozen glasses

June 5, 2021 Cocktails and Beverages

Pineapple Honey Limeade

Sure, lemonade is a great classic choice for a refreshing summer drink, but limeade is another fantastic option. The tartness of fresh lime juice is quite intense, which means you don’t need to use very much. Lime juice needs lots of sweetener, so why not go the natural route and make some freshly made pineapple…

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red pepper tahini dressing

June 2, 2021 Recipes

Red Pepper Tahini Dressing

When you love red bell peppers and find yourself frequently buy jars of them, you’re already on your way to making a fantastic 4-ingredient red pepper dressing. Simply grab a clove of garlic, kosher salt, and tahini. Mash the red pepper and garlic into a paste. Stir in the tahini, then thin it out with…

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May 17, 2021 Easy Ideas

Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette with Honey and Mustard

To make your own vinaigrette, all you need to do is whisk some acid into some oil, then add “other” ingredients as desired. Lemon garlic vinaigrette is ever-so common, and adding a touch of honey mustard and smoked paprika gives this classic flavor combination more “umph”. Its tangy with a smokey kick, and just a…

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May 6, 2021 Desserts

Maple Cornbread with Berry Preserves

This recipe for maple cornbread is inspired by my obsession with heritage cooking lately. Simply because, as a genealogy enthusiast I constantly wonder what my ancestors were eating. Or, if I was there in that time and place, I like to imagine what I would have cooked with the ingredients that were available. If you…

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Curry sweet potato dip with broccoli

April 15, 2021 Meatless

Sweet Potato Dip with Curry and Candied Ginger

This recipe comes close to being a hummus, if it were not for the absence of chickpeas or any other type of bean. Whether you consider this a sweet potato dip, spread, hummus, or mash … it’s still something that showcases a Jamaican-inspired way to prepare this ever-so-versatile root vegetable. I’m not Jamaican but I…

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March 13, 2021 Easy Ideas

Oven-Dried Tomato Slices

Drying food is great for campers and hikers, but home cooks have good reason to use this cooking technique to make oven-dried tomato slices. Why? Simply because they’re awesome in vegetarian sandwiches.  Let’s not forget that tomatoes are technically a fruit and their sugar content is quite high. Without moisture, flavors become super concentrated in…

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March 7, 2021 Easy Ideas

Red Quinoa, Quick and Easy

Of course, salsa from a jar is great for nachos. But cooking with it as a starter for some red rice or red quinoa is an easy idea to serve as a side to any plant-based meal. Red quinoa is also great substitute in meatless tacos, yielding a clumpy, slightly caramelized, meat-like filling. This was…

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January 24, 2021 Neo Soul

Lean Collard Greens with Smoked Pork Chops

Traditional preparation of collard greens involves slowly cooking down a ham hock. The meat breaks down and the greens are infused with the pork fat that renders off. Nowadays, many people substitute the ham hock with smoked turkey for a healthier version without pork. To take the health factor one step further, I even have…

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December 9, 2020 Meatless

Artichoke Aioli, Quick and Easy

Cooking an artichoke might not be hugely popular and it may not seem easy, but its refreshing flavor is something very rewarding. Instead of eating it the classic way … painstakingly scraping the leaves with your teeth … use the flesh to make artichoke aioli. This easy recipe happened because I wanted to revisit this…

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Herb Roasted Potatoes fresh out of the oven

December 3, 2020 Meatless

Herb Roasted Potatoes

Few things are as rewarding – and as easy – as roasting potatoes. Insert fresh herbs, minced garlic, and cracked black pepper into the equation, and you’re set up for herb roasted potatoes. It’s a heavenly, home-cooked side dish. When it comes to potatoes, I usually make my spicy home fries laced with chili powder…

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Andouille Vegan Red Beans

November 25, 2020 Meatless

Andouille Vegan Red Beans

If you have a love/hate relationship with meat like I do, this Vegan Red Beans recipe is something you need in your life. Even if you love meat, this is an extremely satisfying copycat concept for Andouille sausage. It’s spicy, smoky, and oh so hearty. And … it’s plant-based! So, after much Andouille research and…

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November 15, 2020 Meatless

Fried Green Tomato Bites

What to do when you’re faced with too many unripe tomatoes?  Most people would say, “Fry ‘em up!” A couple months ago I pickled a batch of them when I swore I was done with the growing season. However, seeing so many unripe cherry tomatoes still in my container garden convinced me to hang on…

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November 1, 2020 Easy Ideas

Jerk Barbecue Chickpea Tacos

This Jamaican/Mexican fusion approach to a taco yields an extremely meat-looking chickpea filling. Cooking them down in barbecue sauce results in a deep red-brown color that almost mimics ground beef. But simulating meat isn’t really the point. Chickpea tacos are a source of healthy protein, and I love how the mashed chickpeas act as a…

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pickled gren tomatoes complete

September 22, 2020 Easy Ideas

Pickled Green Tomatoes, the Quick Method

Here’s something super easy to do with unripe tomatoes. The classic pickling process involves preserving in a jar. However, quick pickling can achieve similar results in a skillet with some oil, salt, and vinegar. It’s super easy. This is something I usually do with slices of jalapeño peppers, or banana peppers. But with an abundance…

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September 18, 2020 Easy Ideas

Quick Taco Meat – Classic American Style

Taco Tuesday is a breeze once you have the right meat locked down. The meat I’m talking about here is what goes on the classic Americanized taco. I’m talking about the tacos I ate growing up. The ones with the pouch of meat seasonings, Ortega hard shells with layers of diced tomato, shredded lettuce, and…

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collard green pesto with cashews

July 25, 2020 Meatless

Collard Green Pesto with Cashews

Followers of my cooking can confidently say that I love complicated (and spicy) recipes. So, for this collard green pesto I’m keeping things basic. Being of Black American and Italian descent, this combination was made for me. Ha! But really, I’ve always wanted to do more with collard greens other than my usual Sautéed Collard…

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Green enchilada sauce, completed

July 13, 2020 Recipes

Green Enchilada Sauce

When you love enchiladas as much as I do, making your own enchilada sauce is a must. Green enchilada sauce always wins in my book for a key reason. It’s super easy! But also, the flavor profile of this tomatillo-based sauce packed with citrusy cilantro, aromatic onions and spicy peppers is a personal favorite. If…

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a spoon full of vegan baked beans

June 27, 2020 Meatless

Vegan Baked Beans with Smoked Tomatoes

My vegan baked beans are a cookout crowd-pleaser for their bold smoky flavor while delivering a healthy-ish, meatless experience. Also, it’s quite an easy recipe. Smoked tomatoes are used as a base for a hearty and onion-packed homemade barbecue sauce and the beans pretty much cook low and slow. Upon completion of testing this recipe…

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BLT club sandwich

June 7, 2020 Easy Ideas

Healthier Club Sandwiches

Being at home all day working a 9-to-5 job means you need food to be quick and easy, while utilizing as few dishes as possible. The simplicity of club sandwiches make them an easy go-to option. By their classic definition, they aren’t too fancy, have mayonnaise, jam packed with meat, held together by cocktail toothpicks,…

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vegetarian sandwich

April 20, 2020 Easy Ideas

How to Make Awesome Vegetarian Sandwiches

Really good vegetarian sandwiches go beyond the basics of just some lettuce, cheese and tomato. With two key pieces of equipment you can turn almost anything into a sandwich fixing. Layer them in between two pieces of your favorite bread with some condiments, and you’re all set! My love for decadent vegetarian sandwiches began just…

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broiled buffalo cauliflower

March 29, 2020 Easy Ideas

Broiled Buffalo Cauliflower

Buffalo cauliflower is an easy idea that combines the two concepts of buffalo wings and meatless cooking. If you love spicy food, this should be added to your repertoire. You get the vinegary cayenne-infused flavor delivered to your sinuses by way of this nutritious crunchy vegetable. Also, it’s also super easy. If you want a…

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Kale slaw with Sriracha mayo dressing

March 22, 2020 Meatless

Sriracha Kale Slaw

My recipe for kale slaw is extremely simple. It’s jam packed with fresh cruciferous vegetables, turned spicy, and lifted with citrus flavors of lemon juice and cilantro. Like most slaw and salad recipes, the amounts are completely flexible and open for interpretation. So, feel free to use this as a guide and put your own…

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Shepherd's pie scooped from the dish

March 10, 2020 Recipes

Mexican Shepherd’s Pie with Braised Beef

For St. Patrick’s Day I wanted to revamp shepherd’s pie using Mexican seasonings and braised beef. I’m a little Irish but never felt a connection to Irish food. Shepherd’s pie was the extent of what I knew growing up. So now that I know how to cook, my version utilizes the flavors I know so…

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February 29, 2020 Easy Ideas

Burnt Ends Fried Plantains Smothered in Barbecue Sauce

Smothering fried sweet plantains in barbecue sauce is something you might think was an accident. Well, it kinda was. One day I had to get creative with a batch of over-fried plantains. If you love a spicy-but-sweet flavor profile, you need to try this. And this easy idea solves a couple of problems people usually…

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February 17, 2020 Meatless

Braised Potatoes in Puerto Rican Sofrito Sauce

My braised potatoes are cooked down in a tomato-based sauce with traditional Puerto Rican sofrito. If you’re not familiar with braising, basically they’re roasted in seasoned liquid resulting in a pan of miniature crispy-skinned potatoes. Then, you’re left with a rich sofrito sauce reduction to garnish your potato with.    So here’s a crash course on…

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sweet potato chili with cashew crema

January 25, 2020 Meatless

Chipotle Sweet Potato Chili with Cashew Lime “Crema”

If you love chili, this recipe will convince you that meat has little to do with it. The thick, spicy, and tomatoey sauce with all kinds of textures coming together in one bowl is what seals the deal for me. Sweet potato chili is quite common among vegan cooking. That’s old news. But for my…

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baked kale chips

January 20, 2020 Cooking Tips

Baked Kale Chips, Here are Some Tips

If you’re skeptical about the concept of turning fresh kale into crispy, oven-baked kale chips, I completely understand. I was doubtful as well. This trendy snack is huge among health food enthusiasts and countless recipes exist on the internet … each has its own signature. Seasonings may vary, but the cooking process is all the…

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December 15, 2019 Cooking Tips

10 Chocolate Chip Cookie Tips

Through much trial and error from the age of 8, I have developed my own set of chocolate chip cookie tips. In about 1984, my oldest sister burned a batch of Nestle Tollhouse cookies and I whined so much that I was actually crying. Even after that traumatic incident, she made them countless times and…

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November 6, 2019 Easy Ideas

Sofrito of the American South

If you’re new to the concept of sofrito, it’s basically the blending a bunch of fresh vegetables, aromatics and herbs to use as a sauté base. You can use it in soups, stews, rice, or anything you sauté or boil. Many cultures have their own version, and seeing how I enjoy learning about American Southern…

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October 20, 2019 Easy Ideas

Buffalo Roasted Chickpeas

In a recent effort to eat less meat, this easy idea came about when I was seriously craving some buffalo wings. Roasted chickpeas have been trendy for a while, but infusing them in buffalo sauce will make you not miss chicken in the least bit. The crunchy exterior actually reminds me of chicken skin. The…

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October 10, 2019 Meatless

Sautéed Cabbage with Jamaican Curry

As a curry lover, I claim Jamaican curry as my favorite. It typically has more turmeric than other curry blends and also contains allspice. On occasion, I order take-out from a fantastic  Jamaican restaurant in my area, and their cabbage is always way too steamed for my liking. They deliver succulent jerk chicken and curried…

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Tabasco peppers and Tabasco vinegar

September 26, 2019 Recipes

Homemade Tabasco Vinegar

An ingredient I use often is Tabasco vinegar, especially in my sautéed collard greens. And, I recently started adding just a tad to my black beans. Having balcony space in the New York City meant I could grow my own peppers and make Tabasco vinegar from scratch. So I planted a seedling from Home Depot…

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September 21, 2019 Meatless

Jollof Creamed Spinach in Coconut Milk

This African-influenced take on creamed spinach was something I stumbled upon by accident. I had a gigantic bag of unused spinach from Costco that I had to freeze and it was forever going to be mushy after thawing. I also had some leftover Jollof tomato-base mixture in my freezer. From watching lots of African and…

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September 3, 2019 Easy Ideas

Garden Salad with Thai Basil Lime Vinaigrette

Growing my own food was something I had no idea I would be good at. My first attempt at gardening in pots was last year. Much trial and error occurs in gardening and thanks to YouTube we can pretty much learn how to do anything. I have learned quite a bit from the Roots and…

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August 26, 2019 Meatless

Black Vegan Recipes

I enjoy cooking all types of comfort food. But as a biracial food blogger I love to explore what my Black ancestors may have cooked. This involves finding creative ways to prepare comfort food from the African Diaspora. So … what exactly is that? I loosely define it as dishes that utilize ingredients and cooking…

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August 3, 2019 Meatless

Jamaican Curry Lentils with Coconut Milk

For curry lovers, this Jamaican version of curry lentils offers a quick and easy vegan side dish. It can also be transformed into a main course meal if treated as such. Simply serve it over rice and add an endless combination of toppings as you would do with a bowl of chili. Even better –…

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chicken salad

July 25, 2019 Recipes

Chicken Salad with Roasted Garlic

This chicken salad recipe was created with garlic lovers in mind, as it utilizes an entire bulb of roasted garlic. The dressing is slightly tangy from fresh lemon juice and delivers a bit of a bite from a healthy dose of dijon mustard. Really, it’s all about the chicken, roasted garlic, and dressing. Once those…

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Finished cauliflower rice

July 7, 2019 Meatless

Yellow Cauliflower Rice and Beans

In searching for ways to jazz up cauliflower rice, I wanted a less-carb version of the classic Puerto Rican rice and beans. A quick sauté using Puerto Rican sofrito and achiote oil offers an easy, flavorful option. Sofrito is simply a blend of specific herbs, aromatics and peppers that get blended up in a food…

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June 10, 2019 Easy Ideas

Sweet Potato “Cold Cuts”

Sweet potato recipes have historically been very time-intensive procedures. However, all it takes is a mandolin slicer to turn this classic American-Southern Soul Food ingredient into a fixing for a sandwich or wrap. Even better … it only requires 20 to 30 minutes of cooking. It’s as easy as cooking bacon but not as messy…

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jollof stewed okra

June 9, 2019 Easy Ideas

Jollof Stewed Okra

This stewed okra is a quick and easy side dish to whip up. If you ever tried making my vegan style Jollof Rice, there will definitely be extra Jollof tomato “stew” base to use in other recipes. You could have stored this in the freezer, or to make it fresh simply refer back to the…

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red enchilada sauce

April 9, 2019 Recipes

Red Enchilada Sauce

Making a really good red enchilada sauce is an extremely rewarding and messy procedure. Because that I order enchiladas at least once a week, I couldn’t go on any longer without paying proper tribute to this amazing Mexican comfort food. It was time to actually MAKE it. Upon ordering enchiladas, I almost always choose green…

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March 11, 2019 Recipes

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice with Okra

This spin on the classic American Southern recipe for red beans and rice incorporates two key ingredients to give it a Jamaican edge … Scotch bonnet pepper and allspice. I was inspired to cook with okra more often after watching countless African home chefs on YouTube, so this recipe seemed okra-appropriate. Many thanks to Ghanian…

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December 23, 2018 Meatless

Smoked Tomato Soup with Roasted Eggplant

  I really love a simple tomato soup. Even more … the use of mesquite-smoked tomatoes gives you a good reason to fire up a small grill during the cooler seasons. However, for me a soup with just tomatoes is never enough. I always need to add another vegetable, and eggplant is my favorite choice…

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December 11, 2018 Meatless

Spinach Artichoke “Pesto” with Goat Cheese

This easy “pesto” was born on a day when I was craving spinach artichoke dip. I was really not in the mood for the cream cheese and heavy cream in practically every recipe I could find. So, I took a healthier & lighter approach with fewer ingredients and arrived at this pesto-like mixture (omitting the…

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November 28, 2018 Meatless

Cucumber Salad with Chili-and-Garlic-Oil

The marinade from this cucumber salad can be applied to any vegetable you prefer, but I’ve found that it works most amazingly with cucumbers due to their absorbent nature. A tangy edge is introduced from fresh lemon juice and if you’re not familiar with freshly ground coriander – which I hear is actually seeds of…

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jollof rice served

September 15, 2018 Meatless

Jollof Rice, Vegan Style

Countless Jollof Rice recipes from African cooks exist on YouTube, and I wanted to get in on the action. However I really didn’t want to add meat, so this vegan jollof rice is the result! And meat aside, this recipe which follows more of a Ghanian method.  There is an ongoing culinary debate about how…

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skinny coleslaw

September 2, 2018 Meatless

Coleslaw with Sriracha-Ginger “Vinaigrette”

If you’re in the mood for coleslaw without mayonnaise and enjoy a spicy edge, then consider this vegan alternative featuring Sriracha sauce and grated ginger. You could call it a skinny coleslaw. I uses the term “vinaigrette” loosely because lemon juice is the acidic stand-in for vinegar this coleslaw recipe. And like most vegetable marinades…

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Blackeyed Pea Dip

July 1, 2018 Meatless

Black-Eyed Pea Dip with Roasted Garlic

Put down the hummus and consider this faster-cooking black-eyed pea dip to impress any vegan and/or Southern/Soul food aficionados you may be cooking for. Roasting garlic is a crucial step you certainly don’t want to skip, as it takes only 20 minutes and ideal to be done in a toaster oven. Once the peas are…

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May 25, 2018 Meatless

Homefries Two Ways

These crispy, well-seasoned, oven-made homefries can enhance any meal if you just follow just a few simple concepts. Be sure to briefly boil them (for just a few minutes) prior to seasoning, don’t be shy with the seasonings, and use extreme temperatures.  You can achieve similar results using one of two methods — frying in…

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May 13, 2018 Easy Ideas

Shoestring Fried Sweet Potatoes

  Naturally sweet and oh-so-crispy bits of fried sweet potatoes in the form of shoestrings are an exciting addition to any sandwich, wrap, or taco. Plus, after they’re fried, they can also be seasoned and turned into a stand-alone snack. No matter if you are vegan, vegetarian, or meat-loving, these fixings are loved by all….

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jerk chicken on a weber grill

May 12, 2018 Easy Ideas

Easy Jerk Chicken from the Jar

While researching recipes for jerk chicken, I was struck by how many home cooks try to add their own “other” ingredients. Non-traditional items including parsley, nutmeg, 5-spice powder, or even soy sauce are in some recipes. To experience the traditional version of this amazing Jamaican comfort food so I turned to YouTube, where it’s easy…

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April 28, 2018 Meatless

Vegan Gumbo with Mashed Yams

Traditional gumbo achieves its thick texture from making a roux at the start of the recipe. But for my interpretation of vegan gumbo, I achieve a similar consistency from mixing some mashed yams into your bowl at the very end. Keep in mind that this is a very loose interpretation of the classic definition of…

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April 22, 2018 Meatless

Sautéed Collard Greens

This recipe for sautéed collard greens does not involve the classic method of preparation. Traditionally the greens endure hours of simmering with a ham hock or smoked turkey wing. Instead, you can try this vegan option in only 20 minutes of cooking time. These cook much quicker,  retain a lot more nutrients and have a…

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pulled chicken

April 14, 2016 Recipes

Smoky Sofrito Pulled Chicken Breast

When faced with the challenge of finding new ways to cook chicken breast, consider this easy, flavorful method of stewing for 3 hours and delicately pulling it apart with a fork. Use this recipe for making pulled chicken sandwiches, chicken tacos, empanada filling, over salad, or just eating it over simple white rice with a…

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March 25, 2016 Meatless

Salsa Verde with Roasted Poblano Pepper

When indulging in Mexican food, the most difficult decision for me ends up being the decision of choosing salsa verde or salsa roja — red sauce or green sauce. If you like a little kick of heat, the addition of poblano peppers will convince you that green is the way to go. This relatively easy…

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March 5, 2016 Cooking Tips

7 Tips for Fluffy White Rice

Everyone has varying techniques for cooking a batch of plain white rice and other rice-based recipes. Because of its wishy washy nature rice deserves its own blog post to yield an irresistibly light and fluffy batch regardless of which technique you use. After much trial and tragic error, I arrived at these tips that I…

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February 20, 2016 Recipes

Basic Black Beans

To prepare a hearty batch of classic black beans requires just a few key ingredients … cumin, bay leaf, onion and a piece of smoked turkey or pork product if you are a meat eater. This flavor combination is quite standard among many Latin cuisine cooks. But YOUR black beans can stand out among the…

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February 11, 2016 Recipes

Easy Plain Tomato Sauce

Countless comfort food recipes – especially many rice and beans – call for a small 8 ounce can of plain tomato sauce.  However, upon reading the labels on the cans, pretty much all brands seem to have some trace of “spices”, herbs,  or even red coloring. Making your own plain tomato sauce takes only 20…

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January 22, 2016 Recipes

Rice with Pigeon Peas (Arroz con Gandules)

Pigeon peas (gandules) are quite global but I first encountered these nutritious legumes in a Puerto Rican context from watching chef Daisy Martinez. This was basically her recipe, until I started doing a couple things a little differently. The global concept of cooking rice and beans in the same pot seems quite simple … seasoning…

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jalapeños stuffed with pork shoulder

January 16, 2016 Easy Ideas

Jalapeño Poppers Stuffed with Pork Shoulder

  Pork shoulder is perfectly suited for jalapeño poppers due to its succulent fibrous texture. This meat allows you to break it apart into long whole chunks that conform easily to the pepper and still remain intact when handled.  Also, the fat rendered from pork shoulder can be brushed on before roasting for added love….

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December 21, 2015 Recipes

Adobo Roasted Pork Shoulder

Chef Daisy Martinez introduced this recipe for Puerto Rican style roasted pork shoulder to my life 10 years ago. It’s traditionally called “perníl”. Cooking for large amounts of people (who have no hang-ups about eating pork) has never been the same again.  A wet rub, called Adobo, consisting of garlic paste and other basic ingredients…

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December 15, 2015 Meatless

Creamy Tomato Soup with Spring Onions

I was obsessed with tomato soup one day and came across these large, very green spring onions. So, naturally I took to the kitchen and tried to figure this out. This recipe is extremely basic and relies on the savory/sweet, earthy flavor of roasted garlic. I only use 2 cups of vegetable broth for a…

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December 10, 2015 Cocktails and Beverages

Coquito with Homemade Caramel

Coquito is a egg nog-like, coconut based cocktail that is often shared around any festive time in many Caribbean Latin households.  It’s common and exciting to receive a bottle of homemade coquito because the recipes can get quite creative from kitchen to kitchen. With the absence of raw egg and realizing that other kitchens incorporate…

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December 1, 2015 Desserts

Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Raspberry Torte

Since the emergence of the gluten-free trend, countless flourless cake recipes are based on the concept of trying to mimic the volume and texture of an actual “with-flour” cake, largely by adding lots of eggs. However my first recollection of flourless dessert dates back to the late 1990s when flourless “cakes” took on a more…

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November 29, 2015 Recipes

Tomatillo Turkey Green Chili

This slow ‘n low 6-hour Mexican-inspired green chili answers all questions you have about wondering what to do with leftover holiday turkey. Give the classic red chili a rest and reach for the tomatillos. They come in a husk found at any Mexican grocery store, and a growing number of mainstream stores as well.  This…

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mac 'n cheese

October 26, 2015 Meatless

Skillet Baked Mac and Cheese

Recipes for a nice, comforting batch of mac and cheese can quickly go from inspirationally gooey to a tragic cheese casserole of mush if not handled with care. Overcooking the pasta is often a huge problem. To achieve a nice, creamy and smooth cheese sauce you only need a low temperature, the right blend of…

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October 11, 2015 Desserts

Cranberry Apple Crisp

Every time the temperature drops outside the idea of apple pie seems to always creep into my mind. Making a really good pie crust certainly has some complicated obstacles, so an apple crisp is an equally exciting easier option. And even better … both the filling and crumb topping can pre-made and stored in the…

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September 5, 2015 Recipes

Puerto Rican Sofrito, Freshly Made

Chef Daisy Martinez first opened my eyes to the process of making Puerto Rican sofrito, which is a staple in Caribbean Latin cuisine. Basically the concept of is to act as a sautéed seasoning for any oil or fat which contributes to any base flavor in a recipe. Instead of sautéing each vegetable individually, sofrito is a…

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July 5, 2015 Cocktails and Beverages

Vodka Watermelon Cocktail with Mint

As seedless watermelons begin to arrive in stores, you should also be on the lookout for some fresh mint leaves to enjoy this refreshing watermelon cocktail. Carving out a watermelon and infusing melon balls in vodka is so easy. It’s also a fun, crowd-pleasing presentation that makes everyone want to party. Guests love it. The…

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pina colada with guava nectar

May 25, 2015 Cocktails and Beverages

Piña Colada with Guava Nectar

There are two types of people in this world … those who love piña colada and those who don’t. A common complaint among the haters is that its too sweet and they don’t like the coconut milk/cream. So, my spin on a piña colada tackles both of those issues. With the introduction of guava nectar,…

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May 3, 2015 Neo Soul

Spicy Lime Baked Chicken Wings

If you like spicy as well as tangy flavors together, welcome to the easiest baked chicken wings recipe in the world. Red Devil hot sauce and fresh lime juice are combined with some really standard powdered seasonings to yield a succulent chicken wings that fall off the bone … provided you have some patience! This…

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April 20, 2015 Recipes

Chorizo Turkey Burger with Cilantro Lime Spread

A turkey burger is the poster child of “healthy” burgers, but they certainly lack moisture and flavor. Chorizo (pictured below) is a spicy pork sausage from all parts of Latin America, and  found all throughout Astoria, Queens, NYC. If you don’t mind eating a little pork, mixing some fresh chorizo with ground turkey is a…

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March 28, 2015 Recipes

Guava Jelly

I came across guavas one day while shopping, when the most amazing aroma crossed my path. No matter where I went in the produce department, a small crate of goodness was demanding my attention. Previously, I passed by the aisle with peanut butter and jelly, so why not make guava jelly.  I had certainly heard of…

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February 28, 2015 Desserts

Bittersweet Chocolate Chunk Cookies

I have been perfecting this recipe for chocolate chunk cookies since I was a kid.  It originated from following directions on the back of a bag of Nestle Toll House chocolate chips when I was about 8 years old. My sister burnt a batch of cookies and I was determined to learn how to make…

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I’m Ben, a home cook with a less-meat approach cross-cultural comfort food, sharing cooking tips and recipes in Astoria, Queens, NYC.

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Meatless Monday Ideas!

Air Fryer Potatoes with Thai Curry Paste

Cherry Tomato Bites

Thai Curry Eggplant with Lentils

Thai curry eggplant with lentils

Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers, Quick and Easy

air fried stuffed peppers

Blackeyed Pea Salad, Tabouli Style

Blackeyed Pea Salad

Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette with Honey and Mustard

Maple Cornbread with Berry Preserves

Sweet Potato Dip with Curry and Candied Ginger

Curry sweet potato dip with broccoli

Check out more Meatless Monday inspired posts!

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For Juneteenth this year, I'm showcasing this fant For Juneteenth this year, I'm showcasing this fantastic Maple Cornbread Dressing with Clams … a Rhode Island take on a classic Southern side dish. 

I was inspired by the virtual cookout by @eattheculture so wanted to get in on the action … I'm always "that one" who is late to the BBQ anyway 😅

Sooo, about the dressing. It's s not just about the naturally sweet maple 🍁 syrup and briny clam 🦪 juice that makes this so spectacular. But also my soulful Green Tomato "American Southern" Sofrito delivers a punch of sauté base flavor, featuring my homegrown green tomatoes and Tabasco 🌶️ peppers, parsley, and "holy trinity" gumbo veggies. 

After watch my bf make his Southern cornbread dressing for 7 years, I decided it was time to make a version that speaks to my own heritage cooking. Adding clam juice and maple syrup to a cornbread product is found in  Rhode Island Narragansett Indian recipes (a tribe of which many Black Rhode Islaners belong to), so it made perfect sense to incorporate those ingredients into my version of cornbread dressing. All Rhode Islanders take our clams very seriously.

☝🏻 You can find the full recipe details and back story on the blog … the link is up in my bio.

#cornbreaddressing #eattheculture #juneteenth #juneteenthfood #globaleats #clamrecipe #juneteenthrecipes #clamrecipes #blackfoodbloggers #rhodeislandfood #newenglandfood #heritagecooking #cornbreadstuffing #virtualcookout
Recently learned about potato and peppers as a tac Recently learned about potato and peppers as a taco filling from a local restaurant @astoriatacofactory, called Papas con Rajas … so I decided to hook it up for lunch today when trying to use only what I had available … potatoes 🥔, Jalapeño peppers, white onion, last night’s 🇲🇽 Mexican red sauce 🌶️, avocado 🥑, and crispy lettuce🥬. 

👇🏻For the potatoes:
▪️1 teaspoon chili powder
▪️1 teaspoon cumin
▪️2 teaspoon kosher salt
▪️2 tablespoons Mexican oregano
▪️1 teaspoon black pepper
▪️1 teaspoon garlic powder
▪️2 tablespoons canola oil

#papasconrajas #vegantaco #mexicanvegan #tacorecipe #potatorecipe #tacolover #tacosarelife #mexicannight #mexicanfood #veganmexicanfood #veganmexican #comidavegana #mexicanfoodlover #nocarne #meatless #recetasveganas #jalapenos #mexicancooking #recetasvegetarianas
Garden-to-table season is finally here … when ga Garden-to-table season is finally here … when garden fresh veggies can help transform an otherwise ordinary meal made with store-bought pantry ingredients. 

Today some homegrown lettuce 🥬 and curly endive 🌿 was mixed with some store bought lettuce in dressing up my house-standard Hummus and Avocado Salad with Asiago Cesar dressing. Then loosely chopped kalamata olives are my latest obsession for that plant-based salty element.

Used the same never-fail lettuce-crisping technique in my feed 10 posts ago.

👇🏻Some notes on growing salad greens … my gardening “teachers” are @marisgardenandkitchen, @gingerfootgarden, and the @jamesprogioni channel on YouTube so here is what I have learned from them, as well as from my trials and tribulations:

🥬 If you have a little space and just a little soil, you can grow lettuce. It’s a relatively easy crop you can grow in not a whole lot of potting soil because it requires shallow roots, about 6 inches is good. 

🥬 If you don’t have the most optimal lighting conditions to grow lettuce, something will still grow … just a little slower. 

🥬 Lettuce likes cooler weather so make this mental note for this upcoming fall. Mine seem to be okay in a dappled light/partial shade area where it’s somewhat shielded by the effects of the harsh hot summer sun, so far. We’ll see. 

🥬 Squirrels 🐿️ will mess with it so swipe left to see the chicken wire squirrel fence I rigged up.

#gardentotable #salagreens #summersalad #avocadosalad #freshlettuce #gardensalad #freshfood #homegrownfood #curlyendive #eatwhatyougrow
Aloo Gobi Matar was my obsession for the day. I or Aloo Gobi Matar was my obsession for the day. I order this spicy vegan Indian dish all the time from @sevaindian and it was time to learn how to make it. For guidance, followed the recipe from @cookingfromheart

The process was actually quite similar to my Vegan Jollof Rice. It's basically a spicy tomato and onion gravy used in Jollof, just with different spices. 

The best part about making this at home is being able to control the spiciness. As a spicy food lover it was so gratifying to hook myself up with some heat. 

#indianfood #aloogobimatar #indiancooking  #spicyfood #spicycooking #vegancooking #indiancurry #indiancookingathome #spicyfoodie #aloogobi #indianfoodlover #indianfoodlovers #southasianfood #spicyveggies
Happy Friday, everyone. Here’s a spicy breakfast Happy Friday, everyone. Here’s a spicy breakfast salad that went down while trying to make the most of leftovers on Friday mornings. 

#quinoasalad #leftovermakeover #srirachadressing #poachedeggs #saladforbreakfast #spicyfoodlover #breakfastsalad #saladideas #saladoftheday  #poachedeggsalad #saladplate #leftoversforlunch
Guacamole in jerk chicken tacos with leftover zucc Guacamole in jerk chicken tacos with leftover zucchini and red sauce from the weekend's Mexican takeout is how I'm rolling with taco Tuesday today. 

I did jerk chicken on the BBQ on Sunday but it was so dang hot outside that I forgot to get footage of it like I usually do. It's kinda difficult with extreme heat and smoke to the face… like it's going to fall off.

#leftoversrecipe #chickentacos #spicychicken  #fusioncooking #tacorecipe #jerkchicken #tacolover #tacosathome #homemadetacos #leftoverideas #tacoloversunite #tacolove #homemadetacos #tacotuesday
What are everyone's personal rules for making guac What are everyone's personal rules for making guacamole? With avocados finally showing up ripened in stores, I decided to share my approach to a simple Roasted Jalapeño Guacamole recipe. 

The key takeaways are:

▪️1. No tomatoes. I don't like the slime factor.

▪️2. Very finely chopped white onion … for a little moist crunch. 

▪️3. Seasoned lime juice starter. This means letting the garlic, Jalapeños, and salt (and any other seasoning) hang out in an abundance of lime juice so it creates a strong base to mash everything else into. The order matters.

▪️4. Using a pastry cutter to mash it up to preserve some chunky texture.

▪️5. And whenever possible it always helps to grill the Jalapeños over charcoal. 

I’ve heard of other awesome ideas like using tomatillos instead of tomatoes 🤔.

#guac #guacamolelover #guacamolerecipe #roastedjalapeños #guacamoledip #avocadolove #greenfoods #easyrecipes #mexicaninspired #cookingfromscratch
What made this 4-minute poached egg salad bowl soo What made this 4-minute poached egg salad bowl soooo heavenly was the roasted cherry tomatoes done in the air fryer at 300 degrees for about 20 minutes … tossed with olive oil then seasoned with smoked sea salt, black pepper, and thyme. 

Or maybe it was the store bought Asiago Caesar dressing fusing with the silky egg yolk and the thinly sliced jalapeño peppers creating a spicy “jalapeño caesar effect. 

And once again ... pushing hard with the raw beets.

#poachedeggs #poachedeggsalad #poachedeggsofinstagram #roastedtomatoes #food52gram #sundriedtomatoes #saladforlunch #veggiepower #saladideas #saladoftheday  #saladplate #saladphotography #eggyolk #julienne
Here’s a quick demo of how I revive wilted lettu Here’s a quick demo of how I revive wilted lettuce … something I do all the time and it gives such satisfaction. With the amount of salads I share with everyone, I couldn’t let any more time pass without showing this simple cooking tip.

It’s important to …
1. Use a sharp knife
2. Be gentle and not to shred it with your fingers (to avoid it getting bruised). 
3. Use cold water.

#cookingtips #kitchenhacks #saladmaking #lettuce #organiclettuce #saladlife
A loaded, veggie-packed plant based salad was my o A loaded, veggie-packed plant based salad was my obsession today to make the most of my leftover tahini dressing from the weekend’s delivery from @duzannyc. 

Made some harissa air fried chickpeas meets Jamaican curry air fried okra, with avocado to bring the two together.

It may look all cute for the pic, but I slathered that sauce on as soon as I was ready to dig into this vegan awesomeness. 

#plantbasedsalad #roastedchickpeas #tahinidressing #roastedokra #avocadosalad #plantbasedprotein #saladbowl #micronutrients #eatinghealthy #eatinghealthyfood  #saladgram #saladmeal #airfriedfood
#airfriedveggies
A simple goat cheese frittata went down with artic A simple goat cheese frittata went down with artichoke hearts, sweet potatoes, broccoli, lots of chopped garlic and coarsely cracked black pepper.

I find artichoke hearts deliver a satisfying  moist chew that meat would provide, so no meat needed here. Same with broccoli to a lesser extent. And a little hot sauce had to happen upon eating to complete seal the deal with a salty and vinegary heat.

#frittata #goatcheese #castironcooking #brunchfood #eggrecipes #oneskilletmeal #skilletcooking
So excited to harvest a little homegrown lettuce t So excited to harvest a little homegrown lettuce to top off some store-bought salad green mix. It really elevated today’s airfried salmon and egg breakfast salad. Caramelized onions, raw matchstick beets, red peppers and Caesar dressing really sealed the deal. 

#breakfastsald #salmonsalad #airfriedsalmon #airfriedfood #salmondinner #freshlettuce #salmonandeggs #pescatarianmeals #salads #goodeats #saladforbreakfast #proteinpacked #hardboiledeggs #saladideas #gardentotable #saladaddict #saladmaking #saladlove
Simple and easy cooking is what ya need mid-week w Simple and easy cooking is what ya need mid-week when ur swamped … and a good reason to make a batch of sofrito on the weekend, like I did 13 posts back in my feed. It can be retrieved from the freezer for instant flavor.

👉🏻 1. Sauté some sofrito with salt as a flavor base for some brown rice, let it simmer, then in the meantime cook your salmon (air fry or toaster oven)  while you're working. 

👉🏻 2. Stir some fresh/frozen sofrito into the warm rice at the end (it will thaw) for a little lift. 

👉🏻 3. Toss fresh greens in some caesar dressing and garnish salmon with Sriracha.

#salmonsalad  #airfriedsalmon #salmonandrice #salmonbowl #ricebowl #cleaneats #easycookingathome #lunchplate #airfriedfish #srirachalover #srirachaoneverything  #freshgreens #saladgreens #brownrice #ricerecipes #pescatarianmeal
Just a quick demo of how you remove pits from oil Just a quick demo of how you remove pits from oil cured olives by hand. These #greekolives were given to me and had avoided using them until I just buckled down and just figured this out. The trick is ... going from the side. 

They do sell olive pitter tools but of course I don't have one 😅 and it seems like it wouldn't work as well with oil cured olives because they soft and lack structure 🤔. And the softer flesh of olive cured makes it easy to pick out the pit. 

#blackolives #oilcuredolives #cookingtips #cookingtipsandtricks #kitchenhacks
Was feeling Italian-inspired 🇮🇹 and meatless Was feeling Italian-inspired 🇮🇹 and meatless 🌱, so homemade Ricotta open-faced sandwiches #ricottatoast was today’s solution to dealing with some leftovers. 

Made fresh ricotta cheese from extra milk that I will never drink and only use for recipes. Also had too many one-off oddly shaped slices of bread; and figured out how to easily remove the pits from oil-cured olives someone had given me.

▪️Here’s what all went down:

👉🏻 Heated the milk until just before boiling (scalding), added vinegar and salt, let it sit, then strained the whey out of it. 

👉🏻 Realized the best way to remove olive pits is by opening it with your fingernails from the side of the olive, then sliced them up.

👉🏻 Marinated a can of butter beans in a simple vinaigrette with black pepper, lemon juice, and thinly sliced onions.

👉🏻 Thinly sliced and sautéed some banana peppers.

👉🏻 Toasted one side of multigrain bread, built all kinds of sandwich combinations, then drizzled this all with olive oil and topped with arugula before devouring it.

#italiancooking #meatlesscooking #openfacedsandwich #italiansandwich #toastrecipes #toastvariations #toast #vegetarianeats #healthysnackideas #ricottacheese #tastemade #easyrecipes #italianfood #thatsitalian #simplecooking #italianhomecooking
Have always been curious about harissa chicken, an Have always been curious about harissa chicken, and was soooo delighted to find this jar of @nyshuk harissa paste to get me started. 

Used this for a chicken marinade overnight with added fresh lemon juice, then did my oven baked chicken the way I normally do… high heat first (450 or  500), then low heat (300 or 350) for the rest of the journey, flipping often, until it falls off bone effortlessly. Also brushed it frequently with a little extra harissa/canola oil combo. 

As many of you know … I looooove me some spicy chicken and my go-to is always Jamaican jerk, but these bright, spicy, citrusy harissa flavors have me intrigued.

#ovenbakedchicken #harissapaste #spicychicken #cookingchicken #ovenchicken #drumsticks #bakedchicken #middleeasternfood #homemade #middleeasterncuisine #chickendrumsticks #protein  #chickengram #chickenrecipe #foodphotography
A quick lunch solution … simple smashed avocado A quick lunch solution … simple smashed avocado tacos when ya don’t have any bread, or anything else to make a batch of guacamole. 

And here’s why it helps to make a huge batch of Mexican #salsaroja which I’m so frequently posting to my feed, and store it in the freezer ... it thaws really well in the microwave.

Then cauliflower can be air fried and tossed in the sauce to make a quick and easy meatless taco “meat”. Instead of the usual cotija cheese, I top it with raw cauliflower ”rice” for added crunch, and finally a little bit of the @elyucateco_hotsauce green sauce. 

#smashedavocado #quickmealideas #meatlesstaco #mexicanvegan #vegantaco #cauliflowertacos  #mexicanveganfood #veganideas #plantbasedfoods #elyucateco #quickmeals #tacotuesday
Here's my solution for when ya serve a frittata an Here's my solution for when ya serve a frittata and people don't cut it in even wedges. Each wedge serving gets a tomato. 

At a previous job we had awesome catered lunches. When they would serve quiches and other round desserts, it would amaze me at how people would "illegally" 😅 cut their portion ... squares, slivers and random divets. It drove me soo crazy 😵‍💫 so I had to rush ahead and get my nice wedge before everyone got to it and butchered it to pieces. 

In here is ... portobello mushrooms sauteed in balsamic vinegar, garlic and black pepper. Also broccoli, goat cheese, more garlic, tomatoes, and roughly chopped black olives for that salty, meaty element instead of bacon. 

#frittata #breakfastfoods #breakfastisserved #eggrecipes #skilletmeal #egglover #frittatafriday
Growing season is on and poppin’ and here’s on Growing season is on and poppin’ and here’s one reason why I keep takeout containers … they’re great for planting seeds in the window when you have a small apartment. Usually I plant seedlings from a store, but spring of 2020 forced me to figure this out at home … as I reflect on these past pics of success.

👉🏻 And here’s a tip: When you #growseeds in a window the seedlings will naturally bend in one direction towards the light. To counter this, simply place a reflective surface on the darker side so the light comes from both directions. I use the same reflector that I use for photography … a a piece of metallic paper mounted on a piece of foamcore. Luckily my curtain helps keep this in place, but rig it up however you need to.

Also got some thyme coming up as well.

#growingseason2022 #zone7bgardening #growingfromseeds #tomatogrowing #germinated #gardeningtips #smallspacegardening #seedstarting
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Shopping at my favorite store in Astoria, Queens on a hot summer day ... Trade Fair on 30th Avenue and 31st Street.

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