Sunday Dinner Series: Eggplant & Spinach Parmesan

If you’ve ever made eggplant parmesan before, you know that it’s a time-consuming dish to prepare. It’s not a meal that you want to prepare, if you don’t have a lot of time on hand. In making this dish, you definitely need a system in place for each step in the process — even before you get the food in the oven. To speed up … Continue reading Sunday Dinner Series: Eggplant & Spinach Parmesan

Sunday Dinner Series: Ratatouille (rat-ə-TOO-ee)

For those of you, who are not familiar with ratatouille, it’s simply a stewed vegetable dish, using eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs. Though known to have originated in southern France, this dish is very popular in Greek and Mediterranean cuisines. I particularly like this dish because it’s easy to prepare, healthy, and delicious. You can prepare ratatouille as a side dish … Continue reading Sunday Dinner Series: Ratatouille (rat-ə-TOO-ee)

Say What?! A Vegetarian Drive-Thru

Before you start getting too excited, let me explain what the fuss is all about! Like you, I had visions of driving thru a fast-food lane, scanning the menu, and ordering a veggie burger, on a toasted bun. But, my dreams were shattered after learning that only the lucky residents of Rohnert Park, a city north of San Francisco will get to enjoy that culinary … Continue reading Say What?! A Vegetarian Drive-Thru

Is a Vegetarian Diet Right for You?

When I decided to adopt a vegetarian diet 30-plus years ago, I embraced it completely and never looked back — no more steaks, ribs, or burgers. But, this path to vegetarianism worked for me — you may not be ready to commit entirely to a meatless diet. But, that’s ok. You have to decide what works best for you. Adopting a vegetarian diet is a … Continue reading Is a Vegetarian Diet Right for You?

Sunday Dinner Series: Hearty Vegetable Soup

When the weather is cool and a chill is in the air, nothing warms the body and the stomach like a hearty, bowl of soup. Although, soup isn’t generally considered a menu choice, for Sunday dinner, the many varieties can make it a star-attraction on many family tables. I’ve found that a nice bowl of soup is very convenient, when you don’t want to spend … Continue reading Sunday Dinner Series: Hearty Vegetable Soup

Sunday Dinner Series: Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Sunday is the day that I like to show my culinary savviness. And, what better way to show those mad skills than in an Italian dish. Who doesn’t love a dish with spaghetti sauce! The prep and cooking time for the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells takes much longer than the meals I prepare during the week. But, the time is well worth the wait! … Continue reading Sunday Dinner Series: Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

What’s For Dinner?

I’m asked often, by friends and family, what do I eat? Those who have eaten my cooking are amazed at my creativity in adapting traditional meat recipes into vegetarian/flexitarian meals. Honestly, I’m surprised at times, at how well the meals turn out. I usually don’t use recipes for my weekly general cooking; too tired and not enough time. However, on Sundays I tend to make … Continue reading What’s For Dinner?

Healthy, Food Trends of 2012

The end of year is usually a time of reflection, and with the ending of 2012 just around the corner, I thought I’d take a moment to reflect on some of the healthy food trends of 2012. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it lists some of the trends that made it to our tables and fridge: Healthy in a hurry – easily … Continue reading Healthy, Food Trends of 2012

Secrets to Cooking Healthy, Soul Food for Thanksgiving

There are two things synonymous with traditional soul food: flavorful and unhealthy. While eating a soul food meal can leave you in a state of immense satisfaction; a daily diet of food high in sodium, sugar, and fat will put you at risk for developing a chronic illness such as: high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. The secret to cooking healthy, soul food is all … Continue reading Secrets to Cooking Healthy, Soul Food for Thanksgiving