Squash Shoot Soup

For as long as I can remember, Mom was always growing something in her backyard. Her garden was her life. It was the beating of her heart. She grew up with dirt beneath her feet and between her fingers. The pulse and rhythm of nature were etched in those hands.

Chicken Tagine with Leeks, Black Olives, Raisins, Garlic, and Lemon Peel

You smear a little olive oil in the bottom, assemble all your flavorful ingredients in a bowl, add them to the Tagine with a little broth and voila, after a nice slow cook, you lift off the lid to be assailed by the most magical aroma. No fuss, no muss, you don’t even have to brown the meat.

Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Meatballs in my family make their own meal. They’re palm-sized and ever so tender nestled in tomato sauce with rarely a carb in sight. You could bake them in the oven—yea you could—but we like them simmered until they are just barely held together.

Whole Grain Waffles and Pancakes

I think most people, when they are offered pancakes or waffles for breakfast, feel that this is something to look forward to, that it brings joy to their morning, and it makes them feel special.

Banana Nut Muffins

I am proud to offer you this recipe. It is one of those recipes that nurtures your body. The ingredients are all health-sustaining, and yet the muffins are so delicious that even my sugar-loving husband loves them. 

Recipe for Joy and Strawberry Pie

We were a full house, and I felt so blessed. I felt blessed not only because they are all such loving, caring people but also because they all have seva hearts. They understand the concept of service which means they all know how to pitch in and help and to do it with joy.

Homemade Cracker Jacks

Cracker Jacks remind me that food is more than aroma, texture, and taste. It is more than the building blocks of our bodies, essential as all of those things may be. Food is also memories, sometimes strong memories, good or bad.

Clam Dip

I find it is a cook’s best friend to serve when you have a group of people cooking together. I have seen it transform a group of people who want to help, but are perhaps tired or overwhelmed by a party. It sparks their energy.

Chapatis

In the south [of India], soup dishes such as dal are mixed with rice to a texture that can be picked up. In the north, you use chapatis to pick up your food. You tear off a piece of chapati by leaning on it with the heel of your right hand and tearing with your fingers.