Main Ingredient

May 16, 2011

Can't Believe It's Not Mayo

People have phobias. Weird ones. I have a few and I’m sure you have some too. I think it is just a part of life and those quirky qualities that make us so adorable. At least that’s what I tell myself. I for one hate ants. Okay, hate is kind of a strong word and now I’m feeling a bit guilty saying I hate ants because I’m sure, in the whole Lion King circle of life situation, they do fulfill some important (maybe even cute) purpose. Like hauling small twigs to their mounds or drinking dew drops from a lily […]

May 11, 2011

I’m Sorry Risotto

I didn’t have time today to go to the flower store. I didn’t want to bake you cookies or a cake, because we all know my track record when it comes to baking. And a simple note just didn’t seem like it would cut it. So to make up for the absent post on Monday, I made you this. Fava bean risotto made with fava bean stock. If you haven’t met a fava bean before, hold on to your hat. They look like a much larger, thicker, softer (faster, stronger) english pea pod; they happen to be in season; and […]

April 11, 2011

Fraiche Start

Today is a new week. My dishwasher cleaned all the dishes and I will put them away. I’m going to start wearing my retainers too, at least at night, which I bought over a year ago to straighten my teeth – yes, I’m 28 years old. And I will actually go to that dance class I always say I want to go to. Maybe I’ll even start taking yoga again. The list of things that might happen are endless. Because it is a brand new week. The slate has been wiped clean. Anything is possible. Like salt-free, cheese-less quiche. Fluffy quiche […]

April 6, 2011

Honey Baked "Ham" Chops

Here’s a quick reminder: No one is perfect. Not me, not Mr. Perfect, not even that good looking celebrity that has a dozen or so helpers to make him or her seem perfect. Although, I’d give them the prize for getting the closest. But it doesn’t hurt to try. Because in the effort to be flawless, you realize that your missteps are actually what make you amazing. (So there, porcelain-skinned celebrity). Take these honey baked “ham” chops, por ejemplo. Around Thanksgiving, a few of you sent me suggestions of traditional dishes that you wanted me to salt-free. Like Uncanny Pecanny […]

March 28, 2011

Always Use a Condiment

One of my favorite questions to ask people is, if they could only have one condiment for the rest of their life, what would it be? Mine is honey mustard. Obviously. Luckily, though, there hasn’t been a condiment shortage in the world, quite yet. And thanks to one of my favorite restaurants in town – Frjtz – choices aren’t limited, they are extensive. I love Frjtz not just because of their perfectly crispy french fries, which they make salt-free. But mainly because of their large menu list of condiments. They are loaded with salt. But they are also inspriring. Thai […]

March 21, 2011

Zest Friends

You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose. But you can’t pick your friend’s nose. Because that is gross. Unless that friend is a best friend. And then, if they ask you to pick their nose – because both of their hands are in a cast or are currently caught in a drain – you’d totally do it. Because that is what best friends are for. They are there in a time of need. They are there to scratch your back (or that itch in your nasal cavity). They are there to brighten your day. And when […]

March 14, 2011

Counterfeit Curry

I really liked growing up as a little sister. As the number two to my big brother’s number one, I was privy to Superman pajama hand-me-downs; slightly broken-in parents (who needed less convincing when it came to eating chocolate cookies for breakfast or going to my first middle school dance); immediate protection against loser boyfriends; and of course, all of big bro’s sage advice. And his good looking friends to swoon over, too. But there were moments when I cursed the day that I was born second. Like when my older brother, seemingly sweeter than me, took advantage of my trusting personality. When he […]

March 7, 2011

A Lesson in Poached Eggs

I live by the seat of my pants. My well-worn, stretch pants that I wear at least five of the seven days in a week. Since I work in San Francisco, and mostly from the comfort of my home, the idea of “getting dressed” continues to slowly fade from my social lexicon. I had a few years of working a real, office-casual kind of job where I put together sassy power suits and tailored pants with some flash-of-personality heels, confidently strutting downtown with the rest of the urban jungle thinking, “look how professional I am.” But comfort and simplicity have […]

March 4, 2011

Salt-Free Ranch Revealed

Ok. Now I know how my parents felt when my brother and I begged for a puppy. After weeks of being told “no” and that “just because” is a perfectly acceptable answer, they finally caved in. And Snickers, our cocker spaniel that eventually went blind and deaf but was a cuddle bug all the same, was eventually welcomed to the family. Arm, twisted. So after weeks of receiving wonderful emails from you all, requesting the ingredients for the secret low sodium ranch dressing – that I was going to save for the book – I just couldn’t resist any longer. […]

February 28, 2011

Smooth Moves

I’d like to begin by thanking Gale Gand – acclaimed pastry chef (you may have seen her as a guest judge on Top Chef Desserts) and host of the once-on-air show, Sweet Dreams. It was the summer before college, I was wrapped up in a blanket at an unreasonably early time of day, flipping through the infomercials and other A.M. television fodder, when I happened upon Gale, her adorable brunette bob, and an incredible milk shake recipe. Frothy, light, and luscious, the milk-based treat was irresistible. But this is far from the end of the story. Because there wasn’t a […]

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