Scallop Wonton Soup with Garlic Chive Blossoms

Scallop Wonton Soup with Garlic Chive Blossoms

When I was a kid, my mom and I had a ritual. If we ever found ourselves alone for dinner, we’d pop over to our neighborhood Chinese joint. The order was always the same: A plate of Shanghai noodles to split and two orders of wonton soup. It wasn’t a common occurrence because I come from a family of 5. But even if my mom and I only split those noodles 4 or 5 times, those moments had a big impact on me. So much so that to this day, I get a warm and fuzzy feeling every time I see wonton soup on a menu. And that feeling was what I had in mind when I whipped up today’s Scallop Wonton Soup.

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Chorizo Chilaquiles with Spicy Chipotle Sauce

Chorizo Chilaquiles with Spicy Chipotle Sauce

It’s been a rough week. I don’t care who you are, the first week of September is generally a bummer. The return to routine after months of BBQ, bonfires and pool parties is a touch, um, unpalatable. How can the daily office grind and mountains of homework compete with non-existant bedtimes and second helpings of s’mores? How?! And while it is true that I’ve sidestepped this shared week of suffering by slipping off to Nova Scotia, I am well-acquainted with the September blues. That’s why I offer you these Chorizo Chilaquiles because I imagine you need them. The weekend you thought would never get here is here and you definitely need brunch.

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Loco Moco with Ume Rice & Shiitake Gravy

Loco Moco with Ume Rice and Shiitake Gravy

For as long as I can remember I’ve romanticized Hawaii. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to go but, as of yet, I have never been. Initially, it was the beaches that drew me in. The color palette kills me. The pinks, the greens, the violets, and blues. Just imagining a Hawaiian sunset is enough to make me weak in the knees. But as I grew older and came to the sharp realization that my life would never be Blue Crush, I became fascinated with the cuisine. It makes perfect sense really. I’m not blonde, I can’t surf but I can sure as hell eat.

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Street Corn Stuffed Portobellos

Street Corn Stuffed Portobellos

There was a time in my life when I didn’t know mayo on corn was magic. A time when I didn’t know to add cheese or cilantro or chili to that mayo. A time when I didn’t know about elotes also known as Mexican Street Corn. But these days I know this portable, messy wonder of a snack like I know my Grandmother’s tea biscuits. I’ve had it a few blocks from my house, a few miles from my house, and a few countries away. But although I recognize the simple genius of this street snack and delight in playing with its flavor profile – today’s Street Corn Stuffed Portobellos are a prime example – I never would’ve thought to make it.

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