I remember my very first time eating hummus. I was 13 years old and my mom had taken us to a Mediterranean restaurant called Aladdin’s. I remember loving to dip the soft, warm pita into the thick chickpea dip. 

Hummus has been a consistent snack in my life since then but up until recently, I always purchased it pre-made from the grocery store. As it grew in popularity, it became more expensive and I found myself wanting to make my own to save money and also experiment with flavors.

After a couple of tries at roasted red pepper and jalapeno-cilantro, I realized I needed to master a good “plain” recipe. I experimented a bit and the final result is great – smooth, slightly tangy and always satisfying.  Continue reading →

Thai red curry, coconut milk, fresh vegetables and delicious spices combine with chicken thighs and homemade chicken stock to make this rich and satisfying soup. There are a lot of ingredients in here and so it does take a good bit of prep time but it’s worth it. Plus, it makes a lot so you’ll have leftovers!

My first two times making this soup I used fewer vegetables and served it over buckwheat noodles. It was good but I prefer it without the noodles and with more veggies. You can try it either way! Continue reading →

I remember first falling in love with sweet and sour pork at a Chinese restaurant in London’s Chinatown. I loved the sticky, sweet and tangy sauce, the crispy pork, and the special treat of pineapple chunks. Comfort food at its finest. 

Fast forward 10 years and my love for the dish remains, although I’m less enchanted with with the overly sweet, vegetable-less versions from Chinese take-out spots. Instead, my husband has a version that his family has been making for years that’s simple yet impressive. We enjoy eating it throughout the year and even making it for guests. This recipe will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen, too. Continue reading →