Winter is a good time for reflection, contemplation, and looking within. It is the time to focus on nurturing and recharging ourselves for the next burst of growth and outward activity in spring. In traditional cultures, when people lived in close harmony with nature, they ate different foods. What they ate depended on the season,…

If you know any rhubarb recipes that call for less than a cup of sugar, you are a statistical anomaly. It’s understandable, given the culinary perfection made possible by the combination of rhubarb and strawberries—with or without pie crust. The tart, juicy stalk of the rhubarb plant creates such an indisputably glorious flavor in concert…

Doubtlessly, you know that summer begins on June 21. It’s the summer solstice and the longest day of the year, after all. But the beginning of summer hasn’t always been so cut and dry. Rather, according to the old European folk calendar, it begins a full six weeks earlier on May 1. The days are…

Vibrantly fresh, this strawberry sorbet is sweetened with honey and infused with the most delicate touch of fresh mint.  If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can also pour the base into popsicle molds and make strawberry-mint popsicles instead. Serves 8 (Makes 1 quart) 3/4 cup honey 1/4 cup water 1 bunch fresh…

Perfect for spring, this simple dessert features fresh strawberries nestled inside a billowy, almond-scented filling all tucked into a crisp, slightly sweet tart shell. It’s essential to assemble this tart right before you serve it, as the juice from the berries will soak right through the tart shell if you let it stand. You can…

For many, the artichoke is confounding. While considered a delicacy in Mediterranean and Californian cuisine, for the uninitiated, figuring out how to unearth its prized heart can be a mystery. The artichoke is the bud of a thistle. The leaves cover a hairy center, or choke, perched over the meaty heart, which is the artichoke’s…

Scallions, or spring onions, are relatives of the onion, leek, shallot, and chives. Sharp and pungent when raw, and soft and sweet cooked, the allium is often used as a garnish and to add crunch and color to stir-fries, stews, and soups. With these recipes, though, I make scallions the star of the show. Scallion…

A solar term is a period of about two weeks and is based on the sun’s position in the zodiac. Solar terms form the traditional Chinese calendar system. The calendar follows the ancient Chinese belief that living in accordance with nature will enable one to live a harmonious life. This article series explores each of…

I pulled into the Walmart parking lot and drove around the side of the building, far from the doors, where it was relatively quiet. Nancy was waiting beside an older but well-preserved Cadillac when I pulled up. She came to my window. “Just four, right?” she asked. “Yes please!” Nancy handed me a Walmart bag…

Think of pasta carbonara as the Italian version of chicken soup. It’s humble and comforting and requires the simplest of ingredients. Carbonara consists of pasta and cured pork (guanciale) or bacon, whisked in a slick sauce of eggs and a shower of grated pecorino cheese. The method is quick. It relies on the heat from…