Sandy in California

about me

I am a native Northern Californian of English parents, live with a Lebanese man and love to travel (the photo is my son and I on camels in Tunisia this summer). All of these things influence my cooking.

We grew up eating meat and potatoes until one lent when we all gave up meat. My poor mother had to revamp all of her recipes.

I love going to the farmers market and try to eat as fresh and local as possible, although I must admit that I do most of my shopping at Trader Joe's. We are lucky to also have a HUGE Whole Foods near our house though, although I can't afford to do all of my shopping there.

My favorite things are traveling with my kids, yoga, hiking with my friends, cooking.

Favorite Foods:

I eat mostly vegetarian, although I do occassionally eat fish. My boyfriend is vegetarian. My almost grown children are not though, so, there is also meat in our house.

I always have good food in my house and have a reputation for always being able to throw together a meal at a moments notice. I enjoy cooking, but generally do the majority of it on the weekend and then mix and match and add additional things throughout the week.

One of my favorite cookbooks is "Cooking Like a Goddess" by Cait Johnson, mostly because it has some great recipes, but also because it's fun (try the corn and kale cakes! I'll post the recipe).

My children and friends love my chicken soup (it's all about the broth) and I have to make it for my daughter each time she comes home from college.

My boyfriend grew up in Beirut and he has inspired me to try my hand at Lebanese food. We really enjoy have a mezze meal of Tabouhli, Foule, Falafels, Hummus, Olives, Feta, Pita, and other assorted items.

http://