Five-time James Beard nominee, Lesbian, Mexican, vegan and above all chingona (rough translation — badass), Phoenix chef Silvana Salcido Esparza is not only a master interpreter of Mexican cuisine, she’s a social justice warrior. “I come from generations of advocates for those who cannot advocate for themselves,” she says. I had the pleasure of meeting…
Pursuit of Happiness Red Lentil Soup with Spinach, Mint and Pepita Pesto
In Pursuit of Happiness — Recipe for the Trump Years Originally posted for Huffington Post on 11/27/2017 If you care about justice and respect, there’s no way to be happy about Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination. Use your vote, use your voice and nourish yourself. We need everyone in the game. This encore Meatless Monday originally ran November…
Pikliz
Preserving What’s on America’s Plate Originally posted for Huffington Post on 7/25/2016 Mark Twain, adored the abundance of America’s plate. He even dreamed of it. He found the food in Europe “as tasteless as paper.” He longed for the food of home, like “Saratoga potatoes. Hot wheat-bread, Southern Style. Radishes. Baked apples, with cream. American butter. Hominy….
Crema di Pistacchio (Pistachio Butter)
Vegan Takes a Holiday Originally posted for Huffington Post on 5/30/2016 This pistachio butter recipe from vegan pastry queen Fran Costigan makes a perfect — and perfectly decadent — homemade holiday gift. Save some for yourself. Happy Memorial Day, the unofficial launch of summer and summer holidays. Where to go? And what to eat? A growing number…
Vegan Date Honey
Jewish Veg Offers a Sweet Start to the New Year Originally posted for Huffington Post on 9/26/2016 Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, starts Sunday at sundown. So what do you want for this new year? Set your intention now. Rosh Hashanah offers “the most positive time to make a change in your life,” says…
My Favorite People, My Favorite Recipe: Michael Solomonov
MY FAVORITE PEOPLE, MY FAVORITE RECIPES: Michael Solomonov My Favorite People, My Favorite Recipes proudly welcomes Michael Solomonov, winner of this year’s James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef. At the Miami opening of Dizengoff, despite exhaustion, he shared his famous hummus recipe and why he’s so passionate about Israeli cuisine (which, btw, honey, is about sooooo…
My Favorite People, My Favorite Recipes: Paula Wolfert
MY FAVORITE PEOPLE, MY FAVORITE RECIPES: PAULA WOLFERT I’ve never had the honor of cooking with Paula Wolfert, whom I credit in Feeding the Hungry Ghost, but it feels like I have. She’s practically a cult for me and legions of others. I first discovered Paula in an issue of Food and Wine when I was…
My Favorite people, My Favorite Recipes: Stefan Uch
My Favorite people, My Favorite Recipes: Stefan Uch Crackerman, aka Stefan Uch, is an artisanal baker, a Michelin-starred chef and my friend. When we get together — never as often as we’d like — we talk less about business than we do books and Buddhism. Neither of us is particularly Zen, but hey, it’s about…
Earth Day Extra — Introducing Vegan Stories . . . and You
I’ve had it with social media (she said, via social media). Likes, follows, market share are all great, but they’re no measure of the real mucky business of living. And loving. And changing. Google analytics can’t assess how something unexpected can open you up, can spark your heart, or make you nod your head and…
Date Honey
This fruit puree has the thick consistency of apple butter. Spread it on toast, dot it on oatmeal or whole grain pancakes, and by all means, dip apples in it at Rosh Hashana for a new spin on an old tradition. Orange flower water is available at Middle Eastern markets.
