Spicy Kani Salad

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Japanese food is an enigma. A delicate balance between the over cooked and the uncooked, between the overly seasoned and the unseasoned... A balance of extremes. Japanese cuisine reflects its culture. A graceful symmetry between the old and the new. A level scale holding on to the past and pressing … [Read more...]

Fried Calamari Salad with Caperberries and Lemon Aioli

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Looking back on my life, I recognize the most effective heart-felt lessons have been extremely painful to learn. Often we hope and pray for smooth sailing;--for health, wealth, and loving relationships. We claim to be teachable in the good times, but it's the harrowing moments that force us to … [Read more...]

Light And Creamy Asparagus Soup

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Asparagus has such a unique flavor and appearance. These spiky green shoots are gladly welcomed in spring, when we're anxious for farm fresh produce. Did you know it's part of the lily family? ...And that they can grow up to a foot in a single day if cared for properly? Just a little asparagus … [Read more...]

Beef and Lentil Stew

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Although this stew isn't Irish, it most definitely needs to grace the pages of ASP before winter's official end. … [Read more...]

New Mexican Chile Verde

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♥ Happy Valentine's Day Friends! ♥ Sorry, no pink food from me today. I tried to get that in earlier in the week, so you'd have time to bake-ahead. Today I want to discuss one of my favorite regional cuisines. … [Read more...]

Nearly Famous Chicken Tortilla Soup

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  Scars and Soup~ I have a small scar between my eyes. It's a pock-mark really. Only the most attentive surveyor would notice it, but I notice. Every day. … [Read more...]

Chinese Hot Pots

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Every Asian country has its own version of noodle soup. Actually, EVERY country I can think of has a signature noodle soup! China alone, has hundreds of variations based on regional culture and resources. In China soups are thought to hold healing properties and noodles are a system of longevity. A … [Read more...]

Gnocchi and Wilted Spinach Salad

A Second Helping of Salad~ Ok, ok, OK, ok, okay, OKAY! So this isn't the lightest salad to start off the New Year. I admit it! BUT it IS the salad that will have everyone asking for seconds and thirds. A double helping of greens, people, doesn't that count for something? My kids will eat just … [Read more...]

Pepita Crusted Chicken Salad with Sweet Adobo Vinaigrette

Moderation, and Pepita Crusted Chicken Salad with Sweet Adobo Vinaigrette. Maybe you've noticed a trend here on ASP...dessert, healthy dish, dessert, healthy dish, dessert, healthy dish. Well, to offer full disclosure the REAL cycle is:  dessert, SCALE, workout, healthy low-carb meal, … [Read more...]

Mulligatawny Soup

Hold the Cream~ Friends you can rely on are an essential part of having "the good life." If they happen to be able to cook...bonus! Our friends that came to stay with us have gone home, but not without leaving their mark. During their visit I was introduced to Mulligatawny Soup. A south Indian … [Read more...]