Oh how comforting tomato soup can be on a cold rainy night. Ok not rainy because I live in California and it hasn't rained much for a really long time. But it has been getting a big chilly at night. All I can think of is taking a break from the books and bundling up in my warmest clothes, putting on fuzzy slippers, wrapping myself in a soft blanket and sipping on warm soup. On another note, I am almost finished with the first semester of grad school! Woohoo! I am looking forward to cooking more often during my break!
Read MoreRaspberry-Pecorino Salad with Toasted Almonds
I usually don't like fruit in my salads. I'm a savory salad kinda gal. I don't like sweet dressings either. My favorite dressing is lemon juice and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. I know, so boring but I really enjoy the flavors from good EVOO and tangy lemon juice. I don't know what got into to me but I tried a version of this salad at Pizza Antica at Santana Row and immediately fell in love. The restaurant's version had strawberries and pecorino on a bed of arugula with a drizzle of balsamic dressing and a sprinkle of toasted almonds.
Read MoreSpicy Green Beans
If you live in the Bay area and haven't been to Burma Superstar, then you need to change that...STAT. This place is always crowded, granted it is a super small restaurant, but still. I often crave their Samusa Soup, which is a thick spiced broth with potatoes and peas filled fritters and falafels. My mouth is watering just writing about it. We always get the soup and their Tea Leaf Salad. Yes, you heard it right, tea leaves...in your salad. Don't cringe just yet...its not the regular English Breakfast tea leaves. In fact its fermented green tea leaves, which means the tea leaves are steeped in hot water and then blended with spices. It sounds strange but this happens to be their most popular dish. My husband, who doesn't like drinking tea or coffee, actually enjoys eating this salad. I always make him try weird food and I almost always fail to impress. But this tea leaf salad was a winner.
Read MoreChickpea Scallion Crepes
For as long as I can remember, I've loved chickpea crepes made by my mom. She makes them with a lot of Indian spices and occasionally add chopped spinach or fenugreek leaves. This was her "quick fix-in' for lunch or dinner and we'd happily indulge in this mouthwatering deliciousness.
Read MoreAvocado-Radish Toast
I love going to Zanatto's, a small and cozy local family market. They have a deli section and a really good salad bar as well. More importantly, they have an excellent produce section. Everything is fresh and I especially love the variety and their impeccable display (well, at least at 8 am it is). I always feel so inspired when I'm there. And today I was inspired by these beautiful baby radishes and my good friend, Devina's post on her blog. I love the marriage of the creamy avocado with the spicy radishes and the sweet and sour notes of balsamic on a crunchy toast. Ooh la la...it was super delicious! This would make a perfect light lunch or a gorgeous appetizer for a summer party.
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