Grubarazzi

There has been a lot of talk on this site about avocados in the dead of winter. I see the irony of this situation: seasonal girl talking about foods out of season. But let me defend myself for just a moment. I like avocado (I told you I was simple). When I am in the produce section smelling, poking, and selecting the week’s ingredients, sometimes seasonal just does not matter. In this magnificent modern world of ours,  there is perfectly ripe, edible, and organic produce available to us out of season. I am not ashamed to grab a ripe avocado (or 4) to make grub in the middle of a snow storm, and you shouldn’t be either. Especially if you are about to make this chicken salad. Avocado replaces much of the mayonnaise in this recipe creating a luxuriously creamy and fresh chicken salad filled with more nutrients and even more flavor per inch. Using a store bought rotisserie chicken is another time saver. This recipe is all about ease and comfort. It doesn’t hurt tha...

Hovering thousands of feet above the mountains somewhere in between my home in Baltimore and my parents home in Austin. That is my current location. Somewhere in between. I've never been my best in between. I'd much rather be here or there, starting or ending. You know that feeling in the pit of your tummy moments before speaking in front of a large crowd or kissing someone for the first time? Something really great is about to happen it just hasn't happened yet.  Yes. I'd much rather be on the ground, feet planted firmly on the warm Austin pavement. I can't wait to eat my fair share of soft homemade tortillas, hike, run, explore, and cook with my father. I'm looking forward to being there instead of here, up in the clouds, thousands of feet above these beautiful cascading mountains.  While I hover in a happy state of vacation anticipation, let's talk quinoa.  I'm always surprised to learn not everyone has discovered this wonderful little protein packe...

I was a rebel kid. I was the kind of kid who hated all convention but had a divine love for the peculiar. For example, I hated football and absolutely loved John Waters. I suppose many kids of the 90's took the very same approach to life, but with age comes the need for variety wisdom. I slowly got bored of listening to Nirvana (my kid self would slap me for saying that) and opened up to the idea that I could still be rebellious and have a crush on the star quarterback. And I am SO happy this revelation came in time to enjoy the Super Bowl last night. Go Ravens! Go Flacco! Even though I found a love for football hidden deep within my mutinous psyche, I still like to avoid fanatical football fans. You know, the guys that climb light poles and set fires. You know… those guys. I could not brave the wild crowds yesterday, so I stayed home and threw together a mini feast starting with this creamy avocado Thai basil pasta which only takes minutes to make. I have been tweaking this rec...

Silence is the best medicine. It especially helps to alleviate recent events in my life. For instance, silence treats the death of a loved one, the death of an oven, a sprained ankle, the flu, and major car problems. When life throws lemons at you like an All-Star pitcher, sit back and catch them like a pro. Park yourself in a comfy place surrounded by cute animals, Uggs, dirty tissues, Nyquil, and  Bon Appétit until the lemon storm subsides.  Then get up, shake off the dust, possibly take a shower, and make a bowl of this soup. Chickpea soup with kale and prosciutto crumble was inspired by an article I read in the Bon Appétit magazine while bundled up during said flu pandemic. I changed a few ingredients but the spirit of the soup is the same. It is simple, filling, and slightly tart from the aged white wine vinegar. The acidity of the soup is perfectly balanced by salty crumbles of roasted kale and prosciutto. If you love kale chips then you will love the to...

The month of December was a blend of happiness, tragedy, grief, and celebration. Yes, these things belong together. Like peas nestled in a pod, they are closely bound. The beginning of December began with my grandmother passing away after moving to Texas from Florida, and just following her 80 th birthday.  She always said she would make it to 80.  Everyone flocked to her side, and although I missed saying goodbye to her by mere minutes, I was still able to see her one last time. She gave us the gift of healing together as a family, and we were as sad as we were relieved that she was no longer in pain.  We spent a week healing, eating, laughing, and remembering the woman who made us. We shared a meal at one of my favorite restaurants, Trattoria Lisina . A dear family friend spoiled us with a homemade BBQ extravaganza complete with smoked ribs and brisket. My Aunt took us on a field trip to the mother of Whole Foods in the heart of Austin which turned i...