Sweet Potato Bisque
Earlier this year I was looking in my cabinet, trying to decide what I would prepare for my meal. I was craving something warm and comforting to take the edge off the chill in the air but wanted a light meal. I decided to use my sweet potatoes and...
Miss Vivian’s Tea Cakes – Gluten-Free Version
The story of Miss Vivian’s Tea Cakes is not my own, but the beautiful memory my friend and fellow author Dera R. Williams shares in her blog Vanilla Memories. Dera discusses her childhood memories of her grandmother serving sweet tea and tea cakes on the porch in Arkansas. She...
Vegan Protein Snacks
I recently went through a 21-day cleanse where I ate all plant-based meals, no added sweeteners, and I drank only water. I researched ways to have enough protein, plus how to add natural sweetness into my meals. One morning I decided to add mashed dates into my oatmeal and...
Dairy Free Cream of Mushroom Soup
One of the memories I have of my grandmother revolves around cream of mushroom soup. I can remember many rainy days with that can of condensed soup, thinned out with water and heated on the stove top. Something about it takes me to that nostalgic place of comfort. Actually,...
Fettuccine with Chicken Enchilada Sauce
Growing up in San Francisco prior to gentrification, I had the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of cultures and the foods they offered. This was a definite blessing. I love food, period. There are times I crave a certain flavor, but do not want it in the original...
Jambalaya
This last October I took the most amazing course, “Shared Soul: A Culinary Journey with Michael Twitty.” Not only was the course fantastic, being able to listen to Michael Twitty share African history through food was enlightening. In order to prepare for the last class we made Jollof Rice...
Halibut with Cilantro Lime Sauce
While at my local market, I cruised by the seafood section looking for my usual salmon. They didn’t have what I wanted so I decided to try something new. I literally have never cooked halibut before, but decided to give it a try. I only ordered one halibut steak,...
Not My Aunt’s Peach Cobbler
Peach Cobbler with Buttermilk Biscuit Crust Growing up I literally had the best aunt in the world. My Maternal Aunt, Aunt Jackie as I always called her, was the most calm and sweet person. Her wide smile followed by, “Hi Baby,” when I’d walk in the room would just...
Gluten-Free Cornbread
I grew up eating boxed cornbread. I feel like my entire childhood and young adult life, family meals always came with a side of sweetened Jiffy Cornbread. I loved it, but that was one of those traditions I had to release. In the Spring of 2009, I found out...
Fig Salad with Bacon, No Dressing Needed
Last week, I walked out to our courtyard and saw a very ripe fig growing on it’s tree. I picked the fig, rinsed and enjoyed every bite. For several days, all I could think about was eating more figs. On my grocery run I decided to make a fig...