Zac was born at the end of last year, so for the last eight months CH and I have been super busy being (can I say awesome?) parents. We do our best and as a result he seems to really like us, the rest of...
Even though it's starting to become spring, it's still cold in some parts! We were recently in NYC and since Jonathan's family has a house in Vermont, we took a group of friends there for the weekend. We cooked big meals together, played snow football...
When we were little we used to watch my oba-chan (grandmother) make this seasonal treat from Kagoshima prefecture in southern Japan. We were too little to enjoy it at first, but as we grew older the dish became more...
Spending two weeks in Brazil the middle of the Umami Mart build-out was a bit disorienting. But the abundance of tropical fruits on street stalls, in the grocery store and in fancy restaurants forced me forget about home and embrace the fact that I...
Nothing says summer like watermelon! Slice watermelon into approx 1 inch rings, then remove the rind from each slice with a small knife. Place one watermelon “round” onto each salad plate, then top with a layer of thinly sliced fresh mozzarella (about five pieces,...
As some of you may remember, I made umeboshi (pickled plum) last year, while Kayoko & Co. were doing the same on the west coast. I used yellow plums instead of Japanese plums, while the west coast group used real Japanese plums,...
I was so happy to get nectarines, plums and apricots in the CSA box this week. This is a quick and easy summer dessert- it also works great on the grill if you’re BBQing. I was so happy to get nectarines, plums...
CH and I have relocated to Rio for work (and personal pursuits) and finally, we now live in the tropics. But this is not the Amazon, not even close. The Amazon rain forest is thousands of miles away. In this particular neighborhood in Rio, literally...
Strawberry Caprese is a seasonal twist on the classic tomato basil appetizer. A perfect mix of sweet and savory! Strawberry Caprese 1 bunch chopped basil 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup bocconcini (mozzarella balls) 2 cups sliced strawberries Combine all. Dress...
This citrus salad is easy and pretty! Peel and slice 1 avocado and 1 orange into rounds. Layer on a plate, alternating. Sprinkle with cilantro and green onion (scallion). For a dressing, drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of...
I made this edible bouquet for a friends birthday using radishes, carrots, scallions and rosemary. I also added a kebab skewer of strawberries, jalapeños and tomatillos.
Photos by Erin Gleeson.
Every year a friend of mine hosts a "Receptacle Spectacle" party where a keg is provided and guests are encouraged to drink out of anything but a cup. One friend had the lovely idea of drinking beer from a...
A butsudan is a shrine memorializing dead relatives in homes of Japanese Buddhists. Although I am not Buddhist, this butsudan set up that I received from my Buddhist grandma is hands-down one of the best things someone has given...