The Power of the Home Kitchen

Thoughts on home cooking + a (dead easy) recipe

In the early days of the pandemic, when so many of us were suddenly confined to our homes, we all found ourselves looking for ways to fill the gaps in our routines. Even those of us who had long relied on takeout were drawn back into our kitchens. As someone who has been housebound with ME/CFS for the past decade, I felt a surprising sense of camaraderie in this shared experience. It was an unanticipated but powerful connection—one that brought people together through the simple act of cooking.

On social media, I watched as friends and strangers alike dusted off their cookbooks, mastered the art of sourdough bread, and gathered with their closest circles for homemade dinners. Cookbook sales soared, and I couldn’t help but hope that this newfound love for home cooking would stick around, and we’d never again abandon our kitchens.

Cooking hadn’t always been a constant for me either. Before my life was upended by ME/CFS, I had been an artisan cheese-obsessed specialty food shop owner, living a busy and vibrant life. When my integrative doctor suggested a stringent three-month elimination diet, I found myself facing an identity crisis. I thought, "I’ve got this," confident in my culinary skills. But I was wrong. The learning curve was steeper than I’d anticipated, but with every coconut milk swap and citrus squeeze, the tide began to turn. I came to realize that many of the foods I had once relied on were contributing to my illness. Slowly, I identified ingredients that no longer served my body. And yes, one of the things I had to say goodbye to was cheese.

Now, I get to prioritize what matters most. Whether it’s simply managing my food sensitivities or exploring what a Paleo or Whole30 diet can do for me. In my home kitchen, I have the control

Home cooking has become one of the most meaningful acts in my daily routine, and an opportunity to give my body the best chance at optimal health. The home kitchen is where the most nutrient-dense foods happen. The power of the home kitchen is undeniable.

In my new cookbook, In Good Health: Uncomplicated, Allergen-Aware Recipes for a Nourished Life, I’ve created a collection of nutrient-dense recipes that celebrate seasonal produce and appeal to my SoCal sensibilities. My mission is to inspire you to reach for your own optimal health and well-being through this celebration of modern, vibrant food that will excite your senses, rejuvenate your palate, and liberate you from outdated habits.

In a world filled with uncertainty, the kitchen has become my sanctuary, and I invite you to make it yours too.

For an expanded version of this piece and the “after-party” hop on over to THE TONIC where I’m guest blogging this week!

RECIPE

Creamy Cauliflower Soup
If you’re unsure about cauliflower, this silky soup is unexpectedly subtle and might just win you over. It’s the perfect thing to balance out any winter indulgences. Cozy up with a warm bowl of this seasonal soup, and pair it with roast chicken or a mild, flaky white fish for a complete, satisfying meal.

Serves 4
Ingredients:
2 small shallots, roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
4 large celery stalks, chopped
1 large head of cauliflower, finely chopped
2 cups (480 g) filtered water
1 1/2 teaspoons Himalayan pink salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 (13.5-oz/400-ml) can full-fat, additive-free coconut milk
Celery leaves, for garnish
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Method:
Combine all ingredients, except coconut milk, celery leaves, and oil, in a large saucepan over high heat. Cover, and when it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, until vegetables are very tender. Turn off the heat, then stir in coconut milk.

Carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. (Alternatively, use an immersion blender, but it won’t be as smooth.) Season to taste with salt.

Ladle the soup into bowls, then garnish with celery leaves and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.

Sourcing Note: Trader Joe’s Organic Coconut Milk is my favorite.

Pre-order your copy of In Good Health: Uncomplicated, Allergen-Aware Recipes for a Nourished Life! Amazon.com Barnes & Noble Shop Local US Amazon.ca Amazon UK — other International stockists are available too, check your location!

Why You’ll Love This Book:

• It's an invaluable resource featuring over 75 recipes, perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to fuel their body with nutrient-dense food.

• Each recipe is free of nightshades (eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes), soy, grains, gluten, legumes, pork, shellfish, dairy, refined sugar, cashews and peanuts. (I’d like to think you won’t notice their absence!)

• The ingredients lists are short + the preparation times are reasonable.

• There’s a photo of every recipe — which isn’t solely for the purpose of drooling and dreaming — it provides context for how each dish is made and presented.

• There are oodles of new + exciting ways to get your veg on!

• Oh, and CAKE — so much cake! These everyday cakes are almond flour and maple syrup-based, and are mixed up with a single bowl + whisk.

• For the first year, I’ll be donating all author proceeds to ME/CFS + long COVID research through the Open Medicine Foundation.
  

Why Pre-Order?

• The online price will fluctuate, but when you pre-order the book on Amazon you’re guaranteed the lowest price.

• You won’t be charged until the book ships.

• Pre-ordering ensures your book will ship when it releases on September 30th.

• Pre-sale book purchases help generate buzz before the release, and helps ensure the publisher prints enough copies to meet demand.

• When you pre-order you will get three FREE recipes that are not in the book.

Amazon.com Barnes & Noble Shop Local US Amazon.ca Amazon UK — other International stockists are available too, check your location!

To get the bonus recipes…

1. First, order your copy of In Good Health from any retailer.

2. Send your receipt to InGoodHealthCookbook@yahoo.com

3. I’ll email you the recipes!
   

Instagram

Have a great day!