We were staring at each other. A gigantic bag of broccoli, sweet potatoes, onions, Brussels sprouts and zucchini and I, separated only by the glass of the supermarket freezer. I knew we were meant to be. Last weekend, I fell into the magic Costco and got only a little swept away – and for good… Continue reading Cozy Chickpea Mash with Roasted Veg (GF + V)
Qi-Rice: Jeweled Sweet Sticky Rice with Dried Fruits and Peanuts (GF + V)
In March on a qigong retreat, I experienced one of the best desserts of my life, made by none other than Master Lu. It wasn’t cake, nor cookies, nothing like that. This was a beautifully jeweled sticky rice. I probably ate three cups of it in one sitting – no joke. I was so enthralled… Continue reading Qi-Rice: Jeweled Sweet Sticky Rice with Dried Fruits and Peanuts (GF + V)
Stories of Encounters: The Bernina Friends
Friendship is timeless. When you meet someone you might feel like they’ve always meant to be your friend. Maybe you don’t know that yet, but you feel understood by them and you know how rare that can be. Sometimes friendships surprise you because of a difference in age or circumstance, so let me tell you… Continue reading Stories of Encounters: The Bernina Friends
Hazelnut Snacking Cake w/Dark Chocolate Ganache (GF + V)
I miss my bro being home. I miss his pranks on my dad, I miss him driving me places, and I sometimes even miss the buzzing of his 3D printer developing his newest creation. However, one of the things I miss the most is making him desserts. And since he’s 6’3” and still growing, he… Continue reading Hazelnut Snacking Cake w/Dark Chocolate Ganache (GF + V)
Brush and Believe: A Watercolor Self-Affirmation Card Workshop
This summer when I was in Spain, I read a book about manifesting called Mind Magic (2024) by Dr. James Doty. A neurosurgeon by training, Dr. Doty explores the neuroscience behind manifestation. In simple terms, manifestation is about conditioning your mind to recognize traits and opportunities linked to your future state of being. On the… Continue reading Brush and Believe: A Watercolor Self-Affirmation Card Workshop
Stories of Encounters: The Pizzaiolo and Gluten-Free Medical Student [Italian Translation]
In 1994, at 21 years old, my mom met an Italian professor, Luisa, during her study abroad in Milan. Luisa would grow to become not only one of my mom’s favorite teachers, but close family friend. Now, 30 years after they first met, Luisa is helping me improve my Italian. Below is a story I… Continue reading Stories of Encounters: The Pizzaiolo and Gluten-Free Medical Student [Italian Translation]
Melanzane al Ragù: Two Italian Dishes, Married (GF + DF)
In my family, we’re always trying to find ways to reinvent our vegetable dishes. On one hand, one of my nonna’s signature side dishes is thinly sliced eggplant, oven-roasted, with touch of olive oil, salt, and thyme. On the other hand, my nonna’s ragù (with meat) is extraordinary. So, why not combine them? I… Continue reading Melanzane al Ragù: Two Italian Dishes, Married (GF + DF)
Nonna Tina’s Pomodoro (GF + V)
This summer, I fell in love with tomatoes. Admittedly, I may have eaten too many tomatoes, from the giant ones in Seville to the sun-dried ones in Sicily. So, when my Spanish teacher came to my grandmother’s house for dinner with a bag of fresh tomatoes, we had an idea: to make tomato sauce. My… Continue reading Nonna Tina’s Pomodoro (GF + V)
Nobu-Inspired Lunch Bowl (GF + DF)
If you go to NYC, you’ll see how many “bowl” restaurants there are: Chipotle, Naya, Inday, Pokeworks… the list goes on and on. And the line goes on too… To be honest, I’m tired of paying almost $20 per dish when I can make it myself with higher-quality ingredients in the comfort of my kitchen.… Continue reading Nobu-Inspired Lunch Bowl (GF + DF)
Nonna Tina’s Sure Hits: Minestrone (GF + V)
I’ll admit: I’ve been avoiding Nonna Tina’s minestrone for years. It never looked appetizing. While its visual appeal hasn’t changed, I gave it a try last week and understood why everyone else loves it so much. It’s grounding and comforting, easy to make, and easy to clean up. You have your carbs, protein, veg, and… Continue reading Nonna Tina’s Sure Hits: Minestrone (GF + V)