Appetizing Thoughts: Kwanzaa Culinarians

Candle

Habari Gani? I just launched KwanzaaCulinarians.com with Bren Herrera of FlanboyantEats.com, Chrystal of DuoDishes.com, Courtney of Coco-Cooks.com, Lisa of Anali’s First Amendment and more food bloggers. The site features chefs, food activists, businesses and organizations of African descent collaborating together to share recipes and stories celebrating Kwanzaa. Read more

Butternut Squash and Kale with Red Quinoa with Ginger Vinaigrette

Butternut Squash and Kale with Red Quinoa with Ginger Vinaigrette

Butternut Squash and Kale with Red Quinoa with Ginger Vinaigrette

Is there a whole grain recipe in your holiday menu? Impress guests with this vegetarian and gluten-free salad of red quinoa tossed with dice butternut squash, lightly sauté dinosaur kale and ginger vinaigrette. Currently in season in the Northeast region of the United States, butternut squash taste similar and can be used interchangeably with pumpkin. Use one large butternut squash diced in vegetable soups, pureed in breads and roasted for salads. It’s mildly sweet flavor compliments red quinoa’s earthy and nutty taste. Adding a bit of savory flavor is thinly sliced sauté kale. The vinaigrette adds tiny bites of ginger throughout the salad. Include this beautiful and healthy salad in your traditional holiday meal. Read more

Sweet Potato, Caramelized Shallots, Smoked Mozzarella Pizza with Wilted Arugula

Sweet Potato, Caramelized Shallots, Smoked Mozzarella Pizza with Wilted Arugula

How was your Turkey Day? Did you cook? Were you a guest? Do you have plenty of leftovers? For the last few years, I’ve contributed nothing to my family’s Thanksgiving table. As a passionate cook, I actually look forward to not seeing my kitchen for few days. Cooking is a tedious labor of love, and I deserve a break. Read more

Bed-Vyne Wine’s Thanksgiving Tasting

Bed-Vyne Wine Shop Postcard

There’s a new wine store in my Brooklyn neighborhood. The shop, Bed-Vyne Wine, is located on the corner Tompkins and Putnam. In their small, specially designed space, their selection of wines is organized by taste: Earthy, Floral, Sweet, Port, Sparkling and so forth. It makes searching for wine quite easy for burgeoning oenophiles (myself included that category). Read more