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Japanese Eggplant with Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing
For my recent hummus recipe, you may have purchased a jar of tahini, so this week I’m sharing another way to make use of the ground sesame paste. Combined with lemon juice and plenty of fresh herbs, tahini transforms into a dressing that pairs well with delicate and mildly sweet Japanese eggplant, which only becomes more flavorful after a brief roasting time. With no bitterness and a smaller size than standard eggplant, they can take the slightly bitter natural notes in tahini without turning the whole dish so. Citrus and herbs brighten up the dressing and make this an exceptional dish for lunch or dinner. When the Japanese variety is…
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Berry Tiramisu
If you’ve taken one of my Summer Italian Kitchen cooking classes over the past few years, you may recall watching me make this berry tiramisu, or perhaps even prepared it along with me. Summery and just sweet enough, it’s not only a no-bake dessert, but truly no heat, as the syrup from macerated berries replaces the espresso into which the ladyfingers are traditionally dipped. Layers of soaked ladyfingers, berries, and the mascarpone whipped cream I enjoy on so many desserts make for a light, airy, and incredibly flavorful treat. Through my summer Italian recipes, I love celebrating the beautiful simplicity of Italian cooking with its emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients.…
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Hummus
Lately I’ve been craving versatile dishes including this hummus that serves as an appetizer, side dish, or flavorful addition to your main meal. Lemony and bright, which is the way I love it, the recipe can be adapted if you prefer less citrus. Hummus also has the benefit of giving you plenty of plant-based protein from chickpeas and tahini, making it a great dish to add into your weekly rotation. Serve it with pita chips and vegetables or round out a nice board with grape leaves, olives, roasted peppers, and the like. The possibilities are rather endless, and I also suggest using it as a delicious sandwich spread. For the…
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Sunshine Becomes You
Designed to make you smile, the heartfelt words and original images I’ll be sharing over the next few weeks are intended to deliver moments of lightness. They feature plants to which I’ve tended and messages we all need to hear along the journey. Visit the page every few days to enjoy the new artwork I’ve added – and share the gallery with others to amplify the joy. Brighten someone’s day by purchasing a set of original art stickers here to share the heartfelt messages.
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Guacamole
Topped with grilled corn, pico de gallo, and optional cheese, this guacamole is a the perfect dip, though it certainly should make its way to your tacos, enchiladas, and even be used as a toast or sandwich spread. Ripe avocados star in the Mexican staple plus lime, onion, tomato, and seasonings. Layer on the toppings or simply make the base recipe, and either way, you’ll find it satisfying and delicious. Summer being just about here, I wanted to give you a recipe for something bright and fresh to carry you into a new season. Local corn and tomatoes are arriving at the markets and soon will be overflowing our gardens. …
cooking classes + wholesome recipes + mindful living
