Heartwarming Cornbread. Dedicated to Oscar Winner Mo"Nique

I am so excited about Mo’Nique winning the Oscar for the film “Precious” last night, that I have dedicated my post to her today. Her performance was brilliantly raw and emotional. I love Mo’Nique for her razor-sharp wit, authentic sense of self, intelligence, and ability to stand tall and declare to Barbara Walters that yes, her man DOES love her hairy legs (sincerest apologies if this is a bit much). You gotta love a man that doesn’t expect his lady to run and wax herself every couple weeks. I am of the waxing tribe myself, but I appreciate a lady that can do her thang, and do it well! Be free girl! Fly and be free! Just in case you thinking, “why would anyone be so cliched as to come up with a corn bread recipe and dedicate it to an African American actress?” Honestly, I already planned for the recipe to go in, and more importantly, cornbread is as traditionally American as you can get. It’s not black, it’s not white, actually it’s yellow, and it’s darned good eatin.’ Clap your hands!! Technically, this is not the healthiest recipe around, so I make it a point to use all [...]

Quick Cuban Black Beans

My family has been very busy. As I said two weeks ago, a friend was visiting from London, who left this Saturday. Then another set of friends blew through this weekend from London, and left this morning. Just for reference, we don’t refuse Americans at the door. My husband was born and raised in London, and I lived there for twelve years, so we have a lot of English visitors. Ordinarily, Toby, Jake, and I are just a trio, but the brutal winter in England has made us a little popular here in L.A. We are excited about the imminent arrival of England’s coolest lady, my Mother in Law Norma (also known as Grandma to Jake). She is very spiffy, funny as hell, and has a huge heart. If I had to give you a visual, she is the English version of Diane Keaton. She sent this postcard to Jake announcing her arrival next week with a quirky little note on the back. She’s the best. On top of all the visiting Brits, our son Jake caught a particularly bad case of the flu. The poor lad was out for the count. Lots of hugs, kisses, hearty food, and homeopathic remedies later, health has been [...]

Garlicy Greens

  Growing up, my grandmother would beat my greens into submission. Sitting in a big pot on the stove, they would simmer all afternoon in bacon fat, spiced to the max. By the time they were ready to eat, I was looking at a heart attack on a plate. This lovingly described “mess of greens” looked unlike anything that had grown in a field. How could something so beautiful end up, well, brown? I don’t mean to be so simplistic, but as child I was a tad confused. At the age of seventeen, I was turned on to the world of healthy cooking by my friend Malina, who is a macrobiotic chef. Over the years, I had been cooking and munching my way through life, and my weight was out of control. Although I am not macrobiotic, Malina’s ideas were down to earth, and inspired me to live a healthier lifestyle. For the first time in my life, I enjoyed the honest and delicate flavor of vegetables. Sitting down at the dinner table became a thoughtful way to nourish my body and soul. Over the years, I have brought my favorite soul food recipes up to date with a healthy [...]

Cauliflower Bhaji with Spiced Basmati Rice

This week, a dear friend has come to L.A. to escape the cold, dark winter of London and visit with us for two weeks. Apart from seeing his lovely face again and laughing (and snorting) out loud unashamedly at his conversation, it brought back to me how much I miss the great indian food of London. Indian food is to London is what Mexican food is to Los Angeles: The can do no wrong trusted staple of each city. It’s great as fast food, can be eaten elegantly at a restaurant, or late at night after a big night out(those nights are long gone now with a ‘lil one). There is another reason I thought it necessary to post this recipe: I mentioned Cauliflower Bhaji in my “About Me ” page. It seemed unfair to tease you with something delicious, then leave you hanging. I found my favorite indian cookbook sitting in a box full of dusty books in a charity shop (an english thrift shop) off the Chiswick High Rd in London. The book is called, “Indian Vegetarian Cookbook” by Tarla Dal. I have a few indian cookbooks on my shelf, but her recipes really work and are sensational. I would [...]

Naked Apple Pie

Dear readers, I must make a humble confession: This is not your Mama’s apple pie. As delicious as her pie may be, eating it consistently will make your rear end as big as as the state of California. Certainly, there are cultures that prize a grande derriere, but if you’re still with me, I’m figuring you are wholeheartedly off the idea of owning a “Rump Shaker.” The party track, “Wiggle it, just a little bit” is cute until it becomes depressingly clear that one owns more than a little to wiggle. How I love to watch TV cook Nigella Lawson working it in the kitchen. Artfully drizzling hot chocolate into her mouth while making “Dark, Rich, Brownies, with a Deep, Hot, Interior,” and gently groaning, ”oooohhhh.” It would take an entire fire department to put out that kind of heat. Dessert should be enjoyable, and Nigella’s books are sitting on my shelf for days when I’m feeling a ‘lil saucy. Think of my Naked Apple Pie offering as your practical and comfy T-Shirt Bra to Nigella’s naughty Deep Plunge Convertible. Thankfully, there is room in our lives for both to enjoy. My apple pie is not baked, but herein lies the magic. When I say magic, I mean the magic of [...]