Nathaniel Lee 
Some call them chickpeas some call them garbanzo beans. Either way you reference them, they are a staple of European and near east cuisines. One of the most ubiquitous forms of chickpeas is hummus (also called hommus or houmous). What is Hummus? Hummus is a Levantine (near east) dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic, …
Sometimes you just want something clean, healthy, fast, easy, and refreshing. This green smoothie recipe is just that. Spinach makes it green and citrus and pineapple make it deliciously tropical. Add in some ice and you have a quick healthy pick-me-up perfect for a meal replacement or after-workout treat. What is a Green Smoothie? A …
What makes food “California style”? If you said avocado, you’re right! California produces about 90% of my nation’s avocados, about 35% of which come right out of San Diego county (my home!). With all that green tasty goodness right in my backyard, I want to celebrate the avocado in its most iconic dish with this …
Late summer to early fall is one of my favorite times of the year because it is the peak season for stone fruits. What are stone fruits, you might ask? They are fruits like peaches, nectarines, or plums – basically, most of the delicious fruit from trees with a big seed in the middle. Even …
Today I’m going to take a look at the well-known green sauce pesto. My basic basil spinach pesto recipe is a no-cook one, as I want to focus in on the freshness of the ingredients. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, a great pesto can uplift any pasta or pizza dish with …
When it comes to pasta sauce, Bolognese is the king of sauces. The rich, meaty, tomato-y goodness used to top pasta and fill lasagnas has become a keystone part of Italian food here in America. What is a Bolognese? You may know it as ragu alla Bolognese, you may know it as ragu, or you …
Grilled pineapple has to be one of my favorite desserts of all time. I classify it as a dessert rather than a snack because of the added sugar you coat the pineapple with. If you have ever been to Brazillian Barbeque you should know what I am talking about. Beautifully tangy, sweet, spicy, and juicy …
A couple of years ago, my best friend gifted me with a pasta maker for Christmas. I had made pasta from scratch before, but until I had my own pasta maker, I didn’t realize how much I actually loved making my own pasta! After testing all the staple flavors, like roast garlic, spinach, and basil …
Nothing beats a thick strawberry milkshake when you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up. What is a Strawberry Milkshake? A strawberry milkshake is a semi frozen drink made with vanilla ice cream, milk or cream, and strawberries. Ideally, you will want to use fresh strawberries for this, though you can also use frozen strawberries if needed. …
It’s hard not to love a homemade garlic Alfredo sauce – it’s a ubiquitous Italian classic. When it comes to having a range of go-to pasta sauce recipes, you absolutely must have a bolognese, pesto, and of course, Alfredo! For me, just the thought of fettuccine Alfredo conjures up feelings of nostalgia with TV dinners, …
When I think of a smooth tropical cocktail, I think of a Mai Tai. Unfortunately, I feel like I don’t take this classic drink seriously enough or give it enough credit. Too often, I associate the classic tropical Mai Tai with just a beach-side vacation or tiki-themed summer bbq. Instead, I should be thinking of …