My ethnic background is so mixed and confusing, that I tend to associate myself with Asian cultures since that’s what I grew up in.  But I know I’ve got some Scottish and English blood running through my veins, and I think I’m part Irish as well.  I’ve always felt a longing to visit Ireland, Guinness was the first beer I actually liked, and my iPod is full of Celtic tunes (a lot of which were played at our wedding).  One of my favorite ways to get in touch with my Irish roots, is the best beef stew on the planet. Read more

I had some ground beef to use up the other day, but wanted a light lunch that wouldn’t make us feel stuffed.  I decided to make lettuce cups, a treat my friend’s mother used to make for us when I’d come over.  My friend’s mom is Thai, Filipino, and Chinese, so I wasn’t sure what culture the lettuce cup recipe comes from.  I tried doing some research but found similar recipes for both Thai lettuce cups and Chinese lettuce cups.  I decided that, like most foods in Hawaii, it’s the result of a myriad of cultures living and eating together.  So I’m calling them Asian Lettuce Cups. Read more

See that funny guy up above?  He looks kind of like the start of a balloon animal to me.  He’s a butternut squash and I decided I wanted to try one last week because I don’t think I ever have before.  Don’t let the mild exterior fool you, inside he’s a bright orangey yellow and packed with fiber.  Plus he’s full of nutrients, especially vitamin A, we’re talking 300% your daily value in 1/2 cup of cubed squash.  What a nutrition powerhouse!  Here’s a quick photo tutorial on how to peel and seed the squash, with a recipe soon to follow. Read more

Hello, my name is Diana, and I am obsessed with cheese.  I’ve stood for a full 30 minutes in front of a cheese case, not speaking or touching anything, simply staring at the abundance and variety of amazing cheeses.  I’ve taken a plate full of cheese samples to a corner all by myself so I can savor the nuances of each bite completely without distraction.  My current favorite is a lovely orange cheese called Mimolette, which I got hooked on when my friends Todd and Diane brought it on our trip to Mexico.  But I have to tell you, Mimolette has a dirty little secret. Read more

Spring is here!  Okay maybe not really, but we’ve been getting some unseasonably nice weather in Washington, while so many of my friends in other states are getting the crazy weather we usually have.  So I thought I’d share a drink that’s sure to make anyone in any location feel like spring is on the way.  Fresh cucumber juice is so simple to make, and it’s a beautiful fancy drink that’s perfect for parties.  Plus it’s alcohol free!

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