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

I haven’t decided yet if it should be crockpot or crock pot.  I’ve seen both spellings in different online dictionaries, but my spellchecker doesn’t like crockpot, so I think I’ll go with crock pot, what do you think?  Anyway, this crock pot stew recipe is so simple to make and pretty tasty.  It’s a Greek stew that uses the chopped butternut squash from Wednesday’s tutorial.  My favorite part of the recipe was left out of the photo above, and it’s the feta sprinkled over the top at the end.  Whoops! Read more

Although this isn’t an authentic Mexican recipe, this chilaquiles recipe makes me feel like I’m back in Ixtapa eating in a beach side restaurant and staring at the ocean.  It’s a very simple chicken casserole that’s ready in about 40 minutes.  But if you make several at once and freeze them, they’re ready after just 30 minutes in the oven with no prep time! Read more

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Okay, I know it’s a couple days early, but I wanted to share some romantic Valentines Day dinner recipes for you in time to get your ingredients ready.  Guys, if you’re looking for easy romantic recipes for your loved one, this is the place!  She’ll be amazed at your prowess in the kitchen.  Oh yeah, and it’s CHEAP!  But she won’t think you’re skimping out if you make her a meal like this.

3 keys to wowing your gal with a romantic dinner: Read more