Category Archives: Condiments

Chicken Thighs with Ginger Rhubarb Sauce

Baked Chicken Thighs with Ginger Rhubarb Sauce over Brown and Wild Rice

One of the initial plans when returning back to a full-time career was to immediately start saving for a washer and dryer for our apartment. There were few times in my early life I remember going with Mom to the laundromat. As a young child, laundry day was dreaded. It’s a boring place. The afternoons were worst, because the televisions only ran soap operas. Back then, there were only a few channels. The wash and spin sound was irritating. The combination of various dryers turning consistently was boisterously loud. As a young family working hard to better our lives, we eventually moved out of apartment living into a newly constructed house with our own laundry room. Even in college, I would come home on weekends to do laundry to avoid the school’s laundromat. Today, using a public laundromat at my age is beyond the farthest imagination of how I was going to live as an adult. Continue reading

Chicken and Roast Eggplant-Tomato Tacos with Turnip Salsa

Chicken, Roast Eggplant-Tomatoes Tacos with Turnip Salsa

It’s quite sad that vegetables are considered boring and bland. Truthfully, that’s how it’s presented. A former co-worker and I were at a buffet. It had fried and barbecue chicken, rice and peas, mac and cheese, and all the delicious ceremonial dishes. In the midst of the buffet was the notorious tasteless vegetable platter with grape tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and green bell pepper. Usually, there’s a gooey ranch dressing in the center of the platter. Honestly, I skip over the vegetable tray. The dry taste is not worth the “must-eat-your-vegetables” guilt. As my co-worker grabbed a few pieces, she said, “…Must take a few ‘feel good’ vegetables, but no one ever wants to eat them.” As predicted, the lightly nibbled vegetables were scraped into the garbage when she was done eating. Continue reading

Ginger Lentil Soup with Eggplant Puree

Ginger Lentil Soup with Eggplant Purée
 
Lessons in Moments of Silence
A couple of weeks ago, a beloved neighbor passed away unexpectedly. Of all the people I know, why did it have to be him? My neighbor is known for being bright and positive, and such a statement is not of his spirit. That being said, I realize it’s a terrible thought to utter into words. Grief over a loss has mostly been my experience of late, for his passing is the fourth memorial in less than six months. My perception of life has tilted toward the negative. Attempting to wake up happy, I’m moving with a heavy heart against a strong wind that doesn’t cease to take a break. Continue reading

Cornmeal-Crusted Flounder with Saute Swiss Chard, Tomato Salsa and Cilantro-Almond Sauce Tacos

Cornmeal-Crusted Flounder with Sauté Swiss Chard, Tomato Salsa and Cilantro-Almond Sauce Tacos

Cornmeal-Crusted Flounder with Sauté Swiss Chard, Tomato Salsa and Cilantro-Almond Sauce Tacos

Tacos are a comfort meal that is close to my heart. Both Mom and Grandma made them, but eating Grandma’s tacos is a rare occasion. She lives five to eight hours by plane in California. Growing up, my family would visit her every couple years. To a kid flying for that long, it seems like an eternity. Back then; the airlines gave kids airplane pins, playing cards and other games to pass the time. Once the plane landed, Grandma with my aunt and cousins, would wave to us from the windows of the waiting lobby as our plane approached the airport. Continue reading

The Filling Station, Chelsea Market, NYC

The Filling Station is located in the Chelsea Market, NYC.

The Filling Station is located in the Chelsea Market, NYC.

There was only enough time to be in and out of the Chelsea Market, New York City. A new shop, The Filling Station, caught my attention. Neatly displayed was a long row of metal canisters containing olive oil and vinegar. Another shelf was filled with glass jars of sea salt and sugar. Tasting each artisan product stalled my efforts of being a quick shopper. Continue reading