Beyond the Spoon

  Just when you thought you had it all figured out with your baby – after months of unpredictability, random awakenings and unplanned feedings –just when you felt that the baby rhythm had now entered into some kind of serene

Beyond the Spoon

  Just when you thought you had it all figured out with your baby – after months of unpredictability, random awakenings and unplanned feedings –just when you felt that the baby rhythm had now entered into some kind of serene

Feeling Kaki for Thanksgiving

  Kaki, or persimmons, are in full season right now. The orange glossy skin is such a cheerful sight in the markets – it is one of the fruits that are still purely seasonal. You can only find it around

Feeling Kaki for Thanksgiving

  Kaki, or persimmons, are in full season right now. The orange glossy skin is such a cheerful sight in the markets – it is one of the fruits that are still purely seasonal. You can only find it around

When The Sky Turns Gold

    These days, the chill in the morning is crisp as I bring Cy out for his morning walks in our new neighborhood. The air is misty and the ground on the nearby forest is covered with freshly fallen

When The Sky Turns Gold

    These days, the chill in the morning is crisp as I bring Cy out for his morning walks in our new neighborhood. The air is misty and the ground on the nearby forest is covered with freshly fallen

Big Thoughts with Small Things and Two Apple Recipes

  As I come to know our new surroundings, our new adopted city and our new home, I quietly revel in the calm bliss of being back in the States. All of the things I missed about the U.S. are

Big Thoughts with Small Things and Two Apple Recipes

  As I come to know our new surroundings, our new adopted city and our new home, I quietly revel in the calm bliss of being back in the States. All of the things I missed about the U.S. are

First Halloween with Pumpkin Flax Pancakes

First Halloween: Pumpkin Flax Pancakes Our first Halloween in the United States. Being away from the States, I had forgotten what a big cultural phenomenon this was. The celebratory feeling – you can’t go through the day without bumping into

First Halloween with Pumpkin Flax Pancakes

First Halloween: Pumpkin Flax Pancakes Our first Halloween in the United States. Being away from the States, I had forgotten what a big cultural phenomenon this was. The celebratory feeling – you can’t go through the day without bumping into

Back at Home

Cy Paris was born on October 21, 2013 in Paris. He was born a healthy 9 lbs., and is a thriving happy baby. Now our home is filled with the laughter and clatter of two boys – a pure joy to

Back at Home

Cy Paris was born on October 21, 2013 in Paris. He was born a healthy 9 lbs., and is a thriving happy baby. Now our home is filled with the laughter and clatter of two boys – a pure joy to

Norwegian Heart Waffles

Retreating to the countryside is the best thing about summer. The long days, cooking outside, and unlimited space for Magnus to run, scream and hop. Unlike the overwhelming swelter of the city, the rolling hills of Brittany offer windswept afternoons

Norwegian Heart Waffles

Retreating to the countryside is the best thing about summer. The long days, cooking outside, and unlimited space for Magnus to run, scream and hop. Unlike the overwhelming swelter of the city, the rolling hills of Brittany offer windswept afternoons

Simple Nectarine Tarts

  With the beautiful stone fruits of summer, there are so many  verysimple things you can do to enjoy and enhance their flavors. Nectarines are my favorite, and I usually eat them raw, cold, and cut into small pieces and

Simple Nectarine Tarts

  With the beautiful stone fruits of summer, there are so many  verysimple things you can do to enjoy and enhance their flavors. Nectarines are my favorite, and I usually eat them raw, cold, and cut into small pieces and

Salmon Skewers with Sesame-Ginger Marinade

    If we lived in the countryside, or in a suburban town with outdoor space, I would be grilling every single day – or every meal, rather. I love to grill. When we lived in Africa, and there were

Salmon Skewers with Sesame-Ginger Marinade

    If we lived in the countryside, or in a suburban town with outdoor space, I would be grilling every single day – or every meal, rather. I love to grill. When we lived in Africa, and there were

Mango Lassi with Flax Seeds

  Finally, it is summer. The days here are now long, the sun lingering above the balmy air well beyond 9 p.m. The city is emptying out and the local grocers and boulangers are getting ready to close shop for the

Mango Lassi with Flax Seeds

  Finally, it is summer. The days here are now long, the sun lingering above the balmy air well beyond 9 p.m. The city is emptying out and the local grocers and boulangers are getting ready to close shop for the

Almond Horns and the Last Week of School

        As we approach the end of the school year, it is difficult not to get overwhelmed with so many emotions – happiness that the all went well for our children, relief that they managed to overcome

Almond Horns and the Last Week of School

        As we approach the end of the school year, it is difficult not to get overwhelmed with so many emotions – happiness that the all went well for our children, relief that they managed to overcome

Ginger Egg-Drop Soup

    Just when we thought flu season was over, our entire brood has been fit with sore throats, coughs and fevers. And we are all craving something warm and comforting. So a simple soup, light but full of flavor

Ginger Egg-Drop Soup

    Just when we thought flu season was over, our entire brood has been fit with sore throats, coughs and fevers. And we are all craving something warm and comforting. So a simple soup, light but full of flavor

Gluten-Free Banana Oat Mini Breads

    For the first time in a very long time, we had a very beautiful weekend. And since sunny weekends have been rare, we tried to do it all – go to the park, do a picnic, shop at

Gluten-Free Banana Oat Mini Breads

    For the first time in a very long time, we had a very beautiful weekend. And since sunny weekends have been rare, we tried to do it all – go to the park, do a picnic, shop at

Tagliatelle with Smoked Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes

    Tagliatelle with Smoked Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes   It feels like I used to have a lot more time to dedicate to cooking. In fact, I know I did. But these days, it is all about figuring out

Tagliatelle with Smoked Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes

    Tagliatelle with Smoked Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes   It feels like I used to have a lot more time to dedicate to cooking. In fact, I know I did. But these days, it is all about figuring out

Katsu-Don: Rice with Pork Cooked in Gravy

      Katsu-Don   Donburi is a Japanese dish which is probably the most familiar comfort food that is made most commonly in families. More than sushi, sashimi or tempura, families in Japan eat these types of simple comfort

Katsu-Don: Rice with Pork Cooked in Gravy

      Katsu-Don   Donburi is a Japanese dish which is probably the most familiar comfort food that is made most commonly in families. More than sushi, sashimi or tempura, families in Japan eat these types of simple comfort

Almond Carrot Cookies with Freshly Grated Carrots

    Almond Carrot Cookies with Freshly Grated Carrots   I swear – these cookies are the best of the best. Every time I make them for our friends or for the children at school, people always ask for more

Almond Carrot Cookies with Freshly Grated Carrots

    Almond Carrot Cookies with Freshly Grated Carrots   I swear – these cookies are the best of the best. Every time I make them for our friends or for the children at school, people always ask for more

Onigiri Rice-Balls

Sharing Onigiri Rice-Balls   Last week, there was another ‘Sharing Lunch’ day at school, and while I should have been nervous about cooking for a large group after such a long cooking hiatus, luckily Magnus put me at ease. He

Onigiri Rice-Balls

Sharing Onigiri Rice-Balls   Last week, there was another ‘Sharing Lunch’ day at school, and while I should have been nervous about cooking for a large group after such a long cooking hiatus, luckily Magnus put me at ease. He

Back to Basics – Radish with Miso-Mayo Dip

Back to Basics It has been quite some time since I have been able to cook or even go near food. For someone who loves food, this is an extremely difficult predicament. Months of months of being unable to shop

Back to Basics – Radish with Miso-Mayo Dip

Back to Basics It has been quite some time since I have been able to cook or even go near food. For someone who loves food, this is an extremely difficult predicament. Months of months of being unable to shop

Noodle Soup with Lima Beans, Chicken and Carrots

Just when I thought winter was at last coming to a close, these past few days have brought on a new level of chill intimidating us out out playgrounds and outdoor activities. Rain, sleet, grey covered skies – have us

Noodle Soup with Lima Beans, Chicken and Carrots

Just when I thought winter was at last coming to a close, these past few days have brought on a new level of chill intimidating us out out playgrounds and outdoor activities. Rain, sleet, grey covered skies – have us

Healthy Snacks: Brownies with Flax and Chick Pea Flour

I think this is Magnus’  favorite snack. I usually bake 2-4 batches since they disappear so quickly. I cut it in very small chunks and serve it with a knife and fork with a big glass of milk, and he

Healthy Snacks: Brownies with Flax and Chick Pea Flour

I think this is Magnus’  favorite snack. I usually bake 2-4 batches since they disappear so quickly. I cut it in very small chunks and serve it with a knife and fork with a big glass of milk, and he

Everyday Meals: Mushroom, Chia and Bean Sprout Gravy with Rice

      When I was growing up in Japan, I remember the endless ways in which we used to enjoy rice dishes – steamed rice with sauteed dishes on the side, furikake seasoning for rice with dried salmon, seaweed

Everyday Meals: Mushroom, Chia and Bean Sprout Gravy with Rice

      When I was growing up in Japan, I remember the endless ways in which we used to enjoy rice dishes – steamed rice with sauteed dishes on the side, furikake seasoning for rice with dried salmon, seaweed

Gluten-Free Chewy Breakfast Bread with Dates, Chestnuts and Almonds

I have been doing more and more gluten-free baking, not only because it is a great alternative to wheat, but also because it opens up so many possibilities to experiment with different kinds of grains to produce a variety of

Gluten-Free Chewy Breakfast Bread with Dates, Chestnuts and Almonds

I have been doing more and more gluten-free baking, not only because it is a great alternative to wheat, but also because it opens up so many possibilities to experiment with different kinds of grains to produce a variety of

Butternut Squash Soup with Pear, Pine Nuts and Graham Cracker Crumble

Finally, this weekend, there was a bit of sunlight. After weeks of grey weather, there was sunshine and the bitter cold faded into a milder, more bearable temperature. I knew the day would be spent outside in the park running

Butternut Squash Soup with Pear, Pine Nuts and Graham Cracker Crumble

Finally, this weekend, there was a bit of sunlight. After weeks of grey weather, there was sunshine and the bitter cold faded into a milder, more bearable temperature. I knew the day would be spent outside in the park running

Almond King Cake – A Healthy Treat for Kids to Celebrate the Month of January

  In France, January is the month of the Galette de rois – the cake for kings. It is to celebrate the ‘Epiphany’ in the Catholic religion, when the three kings came to visit baby Jesus. After New Year’s, all

Almond King Cake – A Healthy Treat for Kids to Celebrate the Month of January

  In France, January is the month of the Galette de rois – the cake for kings. It is to celebrate the ‘Epiphany’ in the Catholic religion, when the three kings came to visit baby Jesus. After New Year’s, all

Brainfood/Fingerfood – Salmon ‘Hot Dogs’

My son loves hot dogs of all kinds – pork, chicken, veal, organic, local, imported, fresh, as well as not-so-fresh and not-so-organic kinds you find in country fairs and festivals… he can eat hot dogs all day long, every day,

Brainfood/Fingerfood – Salmon ‘Hot Dogs’

My son loves hot dogs of all kinds – pork, chicken, veal, organic, local, imported, fresh, as well as not-so-fresh and not-so-organic kinds you find in country fairs and festivals… he can eat hot dogs all day long, every day,

Eating in Paris – Pasta and More with Your Hungry Child

It usually goes like this – Saturday mid-day, after a busy morning of running errands, shopping at the farmer’s market and roaming about in a park with Magnus, we realize that it is almost lunchtime, and we have to make

Eating in Paris – Pasta and More with Your Hungry Child

It usually goes like this – Saturday mid-day, after a busy morning of running errands, shopping at the farmer’s market and roaming about in a park with Magnus, we realize that it is almost lunchtime, and we have to make

Fig Tart with Cardamon

  A simple gluten-free fig tart cooked with cardamon and slow-roasted for that burnt-sugar flavor. I know it is off-season, and I would not have done it if it were not for the serious craving I had for figs. And

Fig Tart with Cardamon

  A simple gluten-free fig tart cooked with cardamon and slow-roasted for that burnt-sugar flavor. I know it is off-season, and I would not have done it if it were not for the serious craving I had for figs. And

Butternut Squash with Tofu and Tahini

  Back on track with butternut squash. Hard to get back into the normal swing of things after the long holidays. The days here have been gray, rainy with no spec of sunlight. January is always the hardest month for

Butternut Squash with Tofu and Tahini

  Back on track with butternut squash. Hard to get back into the normal swing of things after the long holidays. The days here have been gray, rainy with no spec of sunlight. January is always the hardest month for

A Birthday Raspberry and Chocolate Charlotte

    I love how the winter months are studded with celebrations. In our house, it seems like we are celebrating from October to February. Anniversaries, events, birthdays, holidays, New Year’s… It makes the cold winters aglow with warmth and

A Birthday Raspberry and Chocolate Charlotte

    I love how the winter months are studded with celebrations. In our house, it seems like we are celebrating from October to February. Anniversaries, events, birthdays, holidays, New Year’s… It makes the cold winters aglow with warmth and

Happy New Year from the Swiss Alps

It is a few hours past midnight and the valley of Saanenland is quiet once again. Outside, the thick snow covers the low wooden cabins illuminated by white Christmas lights along the hills.  They are all built the same way,

Happy New Year from the Swiss Alps

It is a few hours past midnight and the valley of Saanenland is quiet once again. Outside, the thick snow covers the low wooden cabins illuminated by white Christmas lights along the hills.  They are all built the same way,