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)

Functional Foodie: Loaded Banana (GF + V)

Inspired by the dynamic duo of Dr. Roizen and Chef Jim at the Cleveland Clinic, where I interned last summer, I’m embarking on a mission to introduce culinary medicine in an accessible way – through social media. Every Friday, I’ll be sharing a “Functional Foodie” recipe as part of my job as Patient Care Navigator at… Continue reading Functional Foodie: Loaded Banana (GF + V)

Parents’ 21st Anniversary Dessert: Creamy Lemony Almond Shortbread Dessert (GF + V)

My parents celebrated their 21st anniversary on June 3rd. Woohoo! While I’ve been looking at their wedding pictures for years, I had only recently learned that neither of my parents actually tasted their wedding cake in full. How could that be?! After hearing such blasphemy, I concluded on two things: 1) I will eat (and… Continue reading Parents’ 21st Anniversary Dessert: Creamy Lemony Almond Shortbread Dessert (GF + V)

Sfinge: (Vegan) Moroccan Doughnuts

It may be rather clear by now: I love exploring international foods. One of my most recent finds is sfinge, a moroccan doughnut, which I discovered at the Michaeli Bakery in NYC. Theirs is a slight twist, having cinnamon, bourbon, and lemon. My mission: to recreate them.

Tanti Auguri Papà: A (Secretly) Vegan Celebration for my Dad’s Birthday

Almost four years ago, I started a tradition for my dad’s birthday. We would go to Casa Apicii, a lively West-Village modern Italian restaurant. It doesn’t only have some of the most delectable dishes in NYC, but also the most beautiful atmosphere. A 19th century townhouse decked out in revival tudor moldings, tall vaulted ceilings,… Continue reading Tanti Auguri Papà: A (Secretly) Vegan Celebration for my Dad’s Birthday

Flourless, oil-free lava brownies (GF + V)

Lately, chocolate has taken center stage in my dessert game. In this post, I’ll first share my newest love: a flourless, oil-free lava brownie recipe. And secondly, I’ll share the importance of getting your chocolate from sustainable sources. First up, the lava brownies. Why call them lava brownies? For starters, these brownies may as well… Continue reading Flourless, oil-free lava brownies (GF + V)

Pie crust scraps 3 ways: nut tartlet, linzer cookies, & baci di dama (GF + V)

In late October, I accomplished something unexpected: making an apple pie.  This was such a surprise, because considering I’ve spent the last 19 years sneering at pies, here I was, loving pie, going for my second slice. I ended up having leftover pie crust dough.  What to do, what to do… I wanted to challenge… Continue reading Pie crust scraps 3 ways: nut tartlet, linzer cookies, & baci di dama (GF + V)