Baby girl has been a true blessing.  Not only has she been a delight but she's been sleeping for eight hour stretches during the night. This has given me the energy I need to keep up with the older boys and my urban homestead. My organic gardens have been producing a vibrant array of heirloom tomato and tomatillos. Zucchini, cucumbers, beans, and eggplants are also producing – giving me the inspiration for many flavorful dishes. ... continue reading...

One of my favorite summer time drinks is a Mexican horchata.  An icy cold rice drink with a splash of vanilla and cinnamon. This is my drink of choice at Mexican taquerias, Latino festivals, and when visiting Mexican shopping districts in L.A. It's interesting that horchata is originally from Valencia in Spain.  Throughout Spain they still drink horchata, however, it's made from tigernuts – chufa. Having drank both versions, my favorite is from Mexico.  Like most Mexican agua frescas ... continue reading...

Has this been one hot summer or what?  Although it's been pretty sticky around here, the extreme temperatures have been kind to my hot summer vegetables. My eggplants, zuchinni, pepper, and tomato plants are thriving and the best part is being able to use them in quick summer meals. We've been able to eat a lot of summer vegetables in cold soups, tarts, salads, tortilla, and sandwiches. Easy meals that highlight the flavors in the vegetables. Yes, it's that time of year again where ... continue reading...