Among my culinary crushes, Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor stands tall. She stood tall in real life, too. She was as statuesque and extroverted as I am short and nervous. We met in the pages of her 1970 cookbook/memoir, Vibration Cooking or The Travel Notes of a Geechee Girl. I’d never heard of Geechee before, and like the…
From Politics to Pulaw – A Seat at the Table Pilaf
In his Martin Luther King Day blogpost, Ozy‘s Carlos Watson calls on us all to find ways forward, to #ResetAmerica. My thoughts — plus a pilaf recipe — are here. I’d love to hear yours. New year! New president! Same old worries from 2020, though. I’m worried about our democracy, our future, and the fact that…
Bohemian Mushrooms
Bohemian Mushrooms make a stylish side dish served over soft, fresh greens or you can mound on top of toast for a light lunch. This recipe, like “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a quirky classic, but possibly not what Queen had in mind. It’s a vegan riff on paprikash. Easy, yet opulent, this dish an homage to…
Pumpkin — More than a Latte Flavor | Curried Caribbean Pumpkin Dip
Pumpkin may take center stage as a latte flavor each fall, but it is so versatile and tasty in other culinary applications. This Curried Caribbean Pumpkin Dip is no exception. It’s loaded with flavorful and makes a delicious snack or a tasty lunch that celebrates pumpkin and spice – no latte required. You don’t have…
Maque Choux — the Big Easy
It’s Labor Day, so take it easy with maque choux. Easy yet elemental, maque choux features the Creole holy trinity of onion, pepper and celery, and three summer besties — tomato, basil and corn. It honors the big-hearted spirit of Louisiana, offers the pleasure and bright flavors of summer, nourishment when we need it, and…
Hobo Stew
Hobo Stew or Mulligan Stew is a simple and versatile dish often made with whatever canned beans and veggies are on hand. My meatless version of hobo stew makes use of red lentils and is filled out with leafy greens and a handful of fresh herbs. Singing while you make it is optional, but highly…
Calabacitas | Cinco de Mayo During Coronavirus
Calabacitas–roughly translated as “zucchini” is a hearty, vegetarian Mexican dish that is intensely satisfying. Serve it alone as a side or add rice and tortillas to make it a meal. We see — or want to see — glimmerings of hope, of life after Covid-19, of a return to normal life. But honey, I think…
Pappa Al Pomodoro: A New Life for Old Bread | Conscious Cookery Day 6
Pappa Al Pomodoro is a soup for everyone made with old bread and bursting with flavor. This soup is a great way to reduce waste and increase consciousness. Before Covid-19 changed our world, many Americans were avidly anti-bread, following Paleo, Keto and gluten-free diets. Sheltering in place has brought out everyone’s inner baker. It’s as…
Masala Lentils (Sabut Masoor)
Diwali, India’s Festival of Lights, starts Wednesday, but get a jump on the spice-scented celebration with Vegan Richa. Originally posted on 07/13/2015 for Huffington Post Indian Spice Meets American Speed in ‘Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen’ “I always wonder why people are not comfortable with Indian food,” frets Richa Hingle. “It’s so delicious.” It’s richly spiced,…
Warm Tofu and Mushroom Salad With Roasted Lemon Relish
Originally posted 07/20/2015 on for Huffington Post Meatless Monday: Steak Chefs Go Meatless for Culinary Clash Three dishes, two competing South Beach steak chefs, one hour, no meat — this was the challenge at last week’s Culinary Clash at Whole Foods in Coral Gables, Florida. At the top of the hour, the emcee revealed the secret…
