I first experienced the tender stems of white asparagus on a bike-barge tour from Amsterdam to Brussels in April of 2011. Like the gorgeous expanses of flowering tulip fields, white asparagus heralds the beginning of Spring and is revered as the ultimate Spring delicacy in Germany and The Netherlands where the traditional specialty of White […]
Seafood
Grilled Whole Red Snapper and the Year of the Rooster
The Gregorian calendar New Year has passed, but for many around the world, the Lunar New Year, more commonly referred to as Chinese New Year, begins on January 28, 2017 and celebrates the Year of the Rooster in a two-week long celebration of reunion and family traditions. “In 2017 the Chinese Year of the Rooster […]
Firecracker Shrimp from Katie Chin’s Everyday Chinese Cookbook
Another delicious, informative, and fun day at Melissa’s Produce last week with the dynamic Katie Chin introducing her Everyday Chinese Cookbook and demonstrating how to make Firecracker Shrimp and Potstickers. Katie Chin’s Everyday Chinese Cookbook: 101 Delicious Recipes from My Mother’s Kitchen pays homage to Katie’s pioneering mother, Leeann Chin, who instilled Katie with a […]
Celebrating the Year of the Monkey #CNY
Being in China for the two weeks before Chinese New Year is exhilarating, but so is being in Orange County for Lunar New Year celebrations. This week South Coast Plaza celebrates Chinese New Year with a grand reception on Wednesday, February 3rd for the Year of the Monkey which extends from February 8, 2016 to […]
Foodie’s Guide to Fitness and Weight Loss – Meal Planning
Meal planning and prep is an integral part of a successful weight loss program. If your fridge and pantry are not stocked with healthy, nutritious, pre-prepped fruits, vegetables and proteins, you’re much more likely to give in to take-out or fast casual dining, and regretting it later. Being a food enthusiast, food lover or “foodie” […]
The Foodie’s Guide to Fitness and Weight Loss
1. Start Now. Of course it’s the new year and many people are motivated to make changes to improve their health. But if you’re reading this any other time of year – start now – even if you have 60 lbs. to lose, it can be done. For the first time in a very long […]
Salmon Chilly Chili by Chef Rick Moonen and What You Missed at #NBWFF
See “Top Chef Masters” chef demonstrations by chefs Rick Bayless, Hubert Keller, and Rick Moonen; talk with executive chefs from Orange County’s best restaurants and savor tastes of their cuisine; meet Shirley Chung, Brian Huskey, Brooke Williamson, and Louis Maldonado, finalists from Bravo’s “Top Chef“; participate in a Home Chef “Top Chef” challenge; sip and learn […]
King Salmon with Limoncello Fruit Salsa
Another Fast, Fresh & Easy dish to indulge your senses and nurture well-being. Fresh King Salmon is best prepared simply to highlight its flavorful pink flesh brimming with healthy omegas and complemented by a vibrantly colored fruit salsa of juicy strawberries, sweet yellow mango, and creamy avocado – a trio of California-grown produce that beautifully […]
Make Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Poke At Home #Mahalo
Steamy days in the islands call for cool food that provides instant sustenance without heating – and that’s how Hawaiian poke (pronounced POH-kay) was invented. Just like all species, humans seek foods that are available to them and provide necessary sustenance. Hawaiian culture has always revolved around the sea. Ancient Hawaiians drew their sustenance – physical […]
Chinese New Year 2015 – Year of the Goat/Sheep
Chinese New Year 2015 begins on Thursday, February 19th and preparations for the two-week celebration are in full swing in Hong Kong and Shanghai where I was with my husband last week. Spring Festival, aka the Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year as it’s most commonly referred to in the West (and now the […]