Dana Slatkin

September Giveaway

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Even though Fall arrives later this month, here in SoCal, September features some of the hottest weather of the year. Fresh herbs and salads continue to take top billing, which is why you’ll want this handy Ratchet Salad Spinner by Progressive. Compact and dishwasher safe, getting the grit out of greens couldn’t be easier. To win this Farmgirl staple, sign up for weekly recipes, cooking tips and foodie fun in the subscribe box in the left sidebar, or (if you are already a subscriber), send in a comment here. The winner will be notified by e-mail on October 1. Congratulations to the winner of the August Giveaway, Lucienne Soleymani of Santa Monica, California! Let us know how you are enjoying your “Eco-Ceramic” coated … [Read more...]

Brie and Tomato Sandwich with Chutney and Other Lunchbox Ideas

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Here in Los Angeles, summer has a way of lingering well into Fall. The steamy weather often lasts until Halloween, making getting our heads back in the game even more of a challenge. If you have kids starting school or are returning from vacation, reality is likely setting in: our schedules are already stuffed, and the lazy days of summer are gone. So I am all for making life easy wherever possible. In my house, that means planning meals ahead. Even if it involves some Martha Stewart-style obsessing. I may not be able to figure out how to use my Blackberry calendar, but I know what I want to feed my family. So on Sunday mornings, before heading out to my farmers market, I’ll jot down all the recipes I plan to make for the week. Then … [Read more...]

Fall Cooking Class: RESET Your Life with Macrobiotic Cooking from M Cafe

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Fall back into clean living. Catch the 90210 Farmgirl’s next cooking class with M Café!    Join Dana as she teams up with macrobiotic expert Chef Lee Gross of M Café and certified holistic nutritionist Elissa Goodman for a delicious and inspiring morning.   Thursday, September 13 10:00 am - 12 noon   Menu    Detox Tonic (carrot, beet, green apple, ginger) Raw Almond Nori Rolls   Curried Lentil Soup Roasted Mushroom, Quinoa & Green Apple Salad Korean-Style Wild Salmon + Kelp Noodle Stir-fry Chocolate-Date Coconut Truffles    $125 per person  To rsvp, please e-mail Dana here and send a check to Beverly Hills Farmers Market, Inc. Confirmations will be sent once checks are received.      2-hour … [Read more...]

Spice Rubbed Barbequed Tofu

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During summer, if you’re not firing up your grill, you’re missing the party. It’s all happening where the heat is…the inviting smoke, the sweet and spicy aromas, the camaraderie around the barbeque. But if you don’t do meat — or are trying to minimize your animal consumption — there’s no reason to feel left out. A simple hunk of tofu is a protein-packed (approximately 20 grams per 8 ounces) meatless alternative for any cookout. My summer addiction to Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives inspired a classic down-home take on tofu. Choose the firm kind of tofu and make it organic (we don’t trust you, GMO’s). Slice the tofu into “steaks,” then raid your spice drawer and mix … [Read more...]

August Giveaway

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Hard to believe summer’s final stretch is here! Here in 90210, we’re already dreaming about potato latkes, apple pancakes and hearty vegetable curries. It’s a perfect time to make sure your pans are in top shape for Fall cooking. This “Eco-Ceramic” coated stainless frying pan from Italian manufacturer Mepra is a Farmgirl favorite. PTFE-free and produced without any pollution, Mepra’s sleek pans are amazingly non-stick, suitable for all heat sources, and dishwasher safe. To win this wonder pan, sign up for weekly recipes, cooking tips and Farmgirl fun via our “Subscribe” link on the left-hand side of pages, or (if you are already a subscriber), send in a comment here. The winner will be notified … [Read more...]

Summer Vegetable Ceviche

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There’s nothing like a summer breakup to make you feel all young again. Last week, a friend and I parted ways, and though I saw it coming for months, I wasn’t prepared for the teenager-like symptoms that hit me soon after: the moping, the zits, the loss of appetite. For the past few days, I just haven’t been myself. So I got busy cooking. Luckily, I had a brand new cookbook on my counter, Nobu’s Vegetarian Cookbook. It was the perfect distraction, and I sat down and perused it cover to cover. It’s a spectacular book, crammed with the celebrated chef Matsuhisa’s imaginative vegetable musings and glorious photos. Just as I was starting to get hungry again, I came across a recipe for vegetable ceviche. … [Read more...]

Vegan Almond Pancakes

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During the school year, a typical morning in my house looks like someone pressed the fast forward button. Five people scuttle around the kitchen in haphazard directions, stopping only for a few seconds to guzzle breakfast, then dispersing into the day. But during summer, the morning unfolds leisurely, with a more substantial meal to send everyone off on their way. This week, I was in the mood for a tall stack of fluffy, golden pancakes, but I had forgotten to restock eggs, flour, and buttermilk (hey, the kids aren’t the only ones on vacation). In my summer state of mind, I tend to shrug off just about everything with a “whatever,” so I carried on anyway. I used almond flour in place of regular flour, omitted the eggs … [Read more...]

Summer Vegetable Fried Brown Rice with Egg

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When I was around 15 years old, my parents decided to separate. Their marriage had gone from stable to hostile, and I longed for peace in the house. But with one foot still in childhood and the other on shaky ground, I had a hard time figuring out which way was forward. Amidst all the confusion, I can remember taking long walks with my mother, often in total silence, around the nearby park. As we both tried to fathom our futures, our walks became a comforting ritual. Sometimes we would end up at our favorite restaurant, treating ourselves to warm apple pie á la mode for dinner. On other occasions, we would only travel a block or two before turning back, lacking a plan or inspiration. But we could count on those walks. Putting one … [Read more...]