My Italian mama made dinner time a special event. She was always in the kitchen stirring the sauce, putting my brother and me to work rolling meatballs, and stuffing manicotti shells for company. She instilled in us that meals were an opportunity to extend hospitality. My parents loved to invite friends from church, neighbors, and my friends from [...] Keep Reading
culture
Instant Pot Filipino Garlic Fried Rice: A creative way to celebrate friendship
A few of my favorite things are good food and celebrating my people. A few months ago, my friend's husband enlisted me to help plan a 40th birthday party for her. Bev's desire was to gather together with a small group of girlfriends and cook up a fabulous dinner together. Then she wanted to invite the husbands to join us around the table to enjoy [...] Keep Reading
International Widows Day: Why reaching out a hand can make all the difference
A few years ago, I attended a writer's conference and met a pastor from another state. We chatted for about 15 minutes, and I briefly shared my story of being widowed in 2014. I could see he was filled with great compassion. He asked me how he could support my work sharing about grief and imparting courage to widows. We exchanged contact [...] Keep Reading
The Hard Work of Building Bridges
The original version of this essay was published on May 16, 2016 in Self Talk the Gospel. I’m fascinated by bridges. I live in California so you can imagine the first bridge that comes to mind is the Golden Gate Bridge. Regal. Majestic. Glorious. Poppy red-by-day and glowing-with-lights by night. Iconic to the San Francisco skyline. The [...] Keep Reading
Haitian stuffed chayote squash: It ain't easy being cheesy
Ingredients: -5 chayote squash -1/2 teaspoon salt plus 1/4 teaspoon salt -1 small onion -1 small green pepper -1/2 cup flour -1 cup milk -1/4 cup butter plus 2 tablespoons cut into small chunks -3 sprigs parsley -1 stalk green onion -2 drops Tabasco sauce -1 bouillon cube -1/4 cup parmesan cheese Directions: 1. Cut 5 chayote in half. Remove center [...] Keep Reading
Haitian stuffed chayote squash: It ain’t easy being cheesy
One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to hang out in the kitchen with the native cooks. On my recent trip to Haiti, I did just that and learned a new recipe for Militon Faci. Madame Adeline, a new cook on staff at the guest house where we stay, attended culinary school in Port Au Prince. I've long had a love affair with Haitian food. [...] Keep Reading
