Jicama Lime Slaw

I love the crunch of jicama. It is great for make-ahead salad, because it stays crisp in the dressing. The sweetness of the apples brings out the sweetness of the jicama, and contrasts nicely with the bite of the lime and vinegar. This jicama slaw is so refreshing I find myself popping into the fridge…

Creamy Feta Red Pepper Vodka Pasta

Did you know there’s such a thing as creamy feta? I didn’t. But I bought it accidentally once, and have been a fan ever since. I happened to have some creamy feta when I got in the mood for vodka pasta, and decided to see if I could use it instead of cream, which I…

Pork Bok Choy Boats

Everybody loves a lettuce wrap. But what’s even better? A bok choy boat! Lettuce is bland and tends to be just a flimsy vehicle for delivering the filling into your face. Baby bok choy has a nice flavor and crunch, which complements the filling nicely and serves as a sturdier scoop. It also presents nicely, so…

Elote

Elote, a.k.a. Mexican corn on the cob, is a magical treat that always induces warm fuzzy feelings for me. Perhaps because it’s the kind of food you usually get from a street cart or at a fair, and then eat while walking around. I like to make an Elote bar at BBQs, where people can…

Sweet & Spicy Broccoli

My mom taught me this awesome trick to make broccoli a gorgeous color and great crunchy texture. You basically throw it into boiling water, then immediately pull it out and run it under cold water. Then you can quickly stir-fry it over high heat to infuse whatever flavors you’d like – I like these spicy…

Atchara

Atchara is a Filipino side dish of pickled green papaya. The crunchy acidity of atchara makes it a great accompaniment to cut through the grease of fried or grilled meats. I remember going camping with one of my best childhood friends, and happily sitting by the fire eating a big bowl of rice, meat, and…

Greek Salad

I like a Greek Salad because it’s got great crunch and body, but also feels hearty, probably because of the feta. It’s easy to throw together, and keeps well as it’s another one of those salads with no lettuce to get soggy in the dressing. You can use whatever kinds of cucumbers and tomatoes you…

Avocado Pasta

Did you know that Compton used to be a giant avocado grove? I didn’t. My friend lives there, and she has one of the remaining avocado trees. It is the most epic avocado tree I have ever seen. Huge, with giant incredibly delicious avocados to match. Every year around avocado season, I try to make…

Creamy Broccoli Salad

I love this Creamy Broccoli Salad for a picnic or a day at the beach. It doesn’t have any lettuce to get soggy, and actually gets better with some time soaking in the sweet creamy dressing. It’s got so many layers of flavor and texture, and lots of good for you veggies! Guessipe 1 lb…

BBQ Pork Pita Pizza

I put this BBQ Pork Pita Pizza together using leftover bits of this and that rummaged from my fridge. It turned out so good that I have since endeavored to end up with Chinese BBQ pork and pita leftovers whenever possible so that I can whip up this tasty snack. It’s a little spicy and…

Chili Garlic Snap Peas

I always loved it when my mom made snap peas, because the snap peas are barely touched by heat so they stay nice and crunchy. I think lots of people grow up hating veggies because they are frequently over-cooked and under-seasoned. Chinese veggie dishes tend to be only slightly cooked so they maintain their flavor…

Coffee Braised Pork

When you slow-cook pork in a delicious braising liquid, two awesome things happen – the pork becomes so tender it literally falls apart, and the meat absorbs all the juiciness and flavor of the liquid. When that liquid is coffee… it’s magical. If you dry rub pork with coffee grounds then braise it,  you’re basically…