I’m not a grandma, and this isn’t a Chinese food blog (although I do have some great easy Asian recipes). I’m a mom of four, a native Californian, a Midwesterner by marriage, a home cook, a former investment banker, and definitely not a marketing genius.
I am just a believer in old-school food and philosophy, inspired by my real Chinese grandmas. Being a chinese grandma is about hard work and resourcefulness, caring for friends as family, carrying traditions while adapting to the ever-changing flow of life.
Chinese grandmas are full of practical wisdom. It’s those nuggets – food and otherwise – that I try to share here, in an effort to make daily life a little easier.
Feeding people is casual in my dream kitchen. I make simple food with real ingredients. I entice you to eat your vegetables. I always have a sweet treat on hand.
The first question Chinese people ask when someone comes to the house is “Have you eaten?” Preparing and eating food is a cultural excuse to linger together.
The Californian in me geeks out over fresh fruits and vegetables, farmers markets and artisan food makers. I believe the first step to feeling well is eating well.
I think food should be fresh, comforting, nourishing. I like my meals light and plentiful, so that I can eat generously and still have room for dessert.
I write a lot about food because to me it’s the root of daily life – the foundation of personal health, the center of family life, a communion with others, a connection with nature. Meals are the breaks in our busy days to connect and reflect, and good food is nourishment to body and spirit. Food is about sharing.
My heart is in home cooking – uncomplicated, healthful, satisfying food you can live on. I feature recipes that are easy and reliable, and I write recipes and take pictures to guide you if you need extra help. (I keep a recipe index, my own virtual recipe box, from which you can print off a quick recipe or read through a detailed post with pictures.)
I write about other things too. About the humbling, challenging, gratifying experience of having four kids. About being married to the perfect husband and our evolution from young single New Yorkers to near-midlife suburban adults. About losing my brave, stoic dad too quickly and my energetic, funny dad-in-law painfully slowly.
A decade in New York City got me hooked on stimulation. I’m always seeking new sources of inspiration and knowledge, and I like to share my discoveries here.
I value your time. I post when I have something to share that may make your day easier, better, tastier, healthier – usually once a week.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you’ll make a habit of it.
I love hearing from you, so please comment below if you like, or contact me directly.
