Miso Porridge with Charred Bok Choy

Miso Porridge with Charred Bok Choy

This is the time of year in California when it finally starts to get chilly. I've pulled out my sweaters and tall boots and I've been making more comfort foods like soups and stews. One of my very favorite warm-you-up comfort foods is Risotto, an Italian style porridge made with Arborio rice and stock.  It's actually very easy to make, and once you know the technique, you can experiment with your ingredients.  I sometimes make this Japanese version using a ginger-miso broth(found at Trader Joes) and shitake mushrooms. I thought I'd share this recipe today along with a simple technique for making charred bok choy, which I just add straight to the bowl. Stay warm and have fun tonight, Happy Halloween!

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Fall Spice

Fall Spice

It was a rainy night of trick-or-treating here in Petaluma.  After the kids were stripped of their damp furry costumes and put to bed, and before I fell asleep on the couch, we enjoyed a few helpings of this slow cooked spicy Stew. I added a little cinnamon and nutmeg to the broth which sweetened the pork and layered onto the peppery kick. Delicious with a few mini Heath Bars for dessert, you know, if you happen to have some on hand.

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Me in my Autumn Sweater

Me in my Autumn Sweater

It's my favorite time of the year, when summer starts fading in and out, and you can smell the distinct arrival of Autumn with the first rain and the crunch of fallen leaves.  We experience an Indian Summer here in the Bay Area which is always a little confusing. Despite a lingering tomato crop and layered, but flip-flopped wardrobe, Autumn is here.  We made a menu of healthy comfort food and I'll be sharing a recipe each day this week after I make it.  Here's what to expect...

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