Help! I’ve turned into my mother! As much as I love my mum, I’ve lived in fear that our bloodlines run so deep I was bound to inherit some of her “quirky” (yes, that’s a diplomatic term) traits sooner or later. While I’ve managed to dodge Ma's...
Here in Seattle, we don't expect summer--the most elusive of all seasons--to make a gracious appearance until after July 4th. One week post-Independence Day, I am happy to report that the past few days have been gloriously sunny! The temps have rolled into the 70’s and...
We’ve all heard it before: It’s the thought that counts. Yeah right. I, for one, prefer not to give gifts just for the sake of giving. I actually do want to the person at the receiving end to like my gift. And during the holidays, this desire...
Golden-hued Madras curry powder Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a generic curry powder. In fact, the term curry powder didn’t exist until the 18th century when local cooks in Madras (now called Chennai in India's southern Tamil Nadu state) packaged a...
People either recoil in terror or express intrigue when I tell them about one of my favorite comfort foods—Spam mac and cheese. Yes, you read right: Spam--aka luncheon meat--that processed and prepackaged meat product (I daren’t call it real meat!) in a can. Growing up...
Luffa squash lying elegantly on my dining table Our taste buds are the most effective memory keepers of all. Let me explain. A few weeks ago, I was talking to my favorite Hmong farmer, Moua, about the assortment of Asian vegetables he grows and sells. He drew...
About four years ago, I met Shelly Krishnamurthy. An amazing woman, Shelly has Parkinson's disease but she is a fearless community activist, raising funds for Chaya, a non-profit organization serving South Asian women in times of crisis and need, and paying school visits to teach...
We've all had sweet and sour pork at some point or another. If you, like me, have been put off this dish forever by greasy battered pork doused in toxic pink glow-in-the-dark sauce served at a Chinese-American restaurant and/or the supermarket deli counter, take heart,...
