Pumpkin Panna Cotta – a No-Bake, Foolproof Dessert

By Joy Liao

Brisk, fall weather never fails to put me in the holiday spirit. I love the crisp air, colorful foliage, bundling up in heavy sweaters, and of course, Thanksgiving.

Every year, my mom and I host Thanksgiving dinner. A few weeks ago, my mom asked me to put together a menu for our annual feast. Cooking for 20+ people will not be easy, but I’m up for the challenge!

This year, I’ve decided to go with Pumpkin Panna Cotta for dessert instead of traditional pumpkin pie. It’s a delicious fail-proof choice that requires no baking.

Click to read more ...

Make an Avocado Salad from a Chic LA Restaurant

By Joy Liao

Several years ago, while living in Los Angeles, I began toying with the idea of working in the culinary field. However, without a culinary degree nor any professional kitchen experience, I hadn't quite figured out how to jump start my career.

Fortunately, having gotten to know the executive chef at one of my favorite restaurants, I casually asked if I could shadow in his kitchen. To my surprise, he agreed.

Click to read more ...

Almond Tabbouleh in Tomato Cups

By Allison Kociuruba

There’s nothing like tomato season in my kitchen. From caprese to BLTs and fresh pasta sauce, I am constantly searching for ways to serve tomatoes for dinner. This week I’m trying an easy, virtually no-cook recipe that can be served as a first course or a vegetarian supper.

Tomatoes, particularly the large heirlooms we find at the farmers’ market, are great for stuffing and you can find uses for the pulp after you hollow out the tomatoes, so there’s no waste! This tabbouleh, studded with roasted almonds and the vibrant flavors of fresh parsley and mint, comes together easily and makes the perfect filling for the tomatoes.

Click to read more ...

My Favorite Go-To Meal

By Joy Liao

Now that school is back in session, I’m reminded of one of my favorite go-to meals from my college days. While I, like most students, survived on microwave dinners, fast food burgers and instant ramen, I was always on the hunt for simple meals that required few ingredients and little prep time. My solution: Stir-fry Noodles.

Hearty and flavorful, this versatile, one-pan meal can satisfy the biggest of appetites. The recipe calls for few kitchen tools and no advanced cooking know-how, making it the perfect dish for the cooking newbie.

Click to read more ...

Fresh Nectarine Galettes

By Allison Kociuruba

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, we have quite a few houseguests. And by quite a few, I actually mean a LOT. It’s the blessing (and curse) of living in a popular travel destination.

Truthfully, I love it. We live far away from family and most friends so I relish in entertaining familiar faces and sharing the hidden gems of the Northern California coast.

Because we often eat out with guests, I don’t get to cook as much as I’d like, so I try to surprise everyone with baked treats when they wake up. I’ve done the yeast-risen cinnamon bun thing but setting the alarm to wake up over an hour before everyone else was not much fun, so my latest trick is these fresh fruit galettes.

Click to read more ...