Leah Rodrigues
My passion is food. I have studied culinary arts for the past 10 years, and have remained dedicated to food studies while I pursued a degree at UCLA. I earned a Bachelors of Arts in Spanish and Portuguese and Anthropology. My self study has given me background in culinary regions, international cuisine, trends in the food industry, chefs and cookbooks, and best of all−how to eat well. I attended the Professional Culinary Program at Westlake Culinary Institute where I learned proper food preparation techniques, and got an insiders’ view on the gourmet food world. I was awarded a Fulbright scholarship and have spent the last 9 months living in Spain, researching the Mediterranean diet and European culinary traditions. This has given me the opportunity to freelance for In Madrid, an English monthly publication. Also, I have spent time traveling to different European countries, documenting the different tastes and food culture of each place. I hope that my passion for food and cooking will inspire you to get into the kitchen and create. Read more on my blog at http://www.appetitedelight.blogspot.com/
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Posts by Leah Rodrigues
April 12, 2016
Kale and lentil salad packs a powerful punch of protein. Since this salad uses a variety of sturdy greens like kale and cabbage, you can prepare this healthy meal (even with the dressing) ahead...
April 12, 2016
I am always on the look out for quick and easy meals that keep dinner interesting. I have my favorite stand-bys like spaghetti and turkey burgers but I like to throw in something different into...
April 11, 2016
Beautiful bright green stalks of asparagus line the stands at farmers markets. They range from thick and study to pencil thin, each one specially cultivated for a particular purpose. ...
April 9, 2016
Toast holds a special place in my heart. While it does not require any real skill, it is one of those nostalgic meals that hold special memories. Whether it was part of a large breakfast...
April 9, 2016
The weekend is for baking. This is a time when you can take this slow and really enjoy the baking process. One of my favorite treats to prepare is a lemon blueberry loaf cake because it...
April 7, 2016
In the last decade, beer has received a face lift and is more popular than ever. Craft breweries have completely revitalized the industry and beer snobs are eagerly waiting the next limited...
April 6, 2016
Ramp season is in full bloom which means that this allium is making its way onto restaurant menus. If you are reading this article and don't know what the heck I am even writing about, then...
April 5, 2016
Crustless asparagus and ramp quiche is an elegant spring dish that can be served at almost any event. Ramps are one of spring's delicacies because they have such a short season. These...
April 4, 2016
Whole roasted pesto salmon is hands down my favorite spring recipe. This easy meal requires very little preparation and can be on the table in just 30 minutes. This salmon recipe is as...
February 25, 2016
Stir fries are a quick and easy meal that can include just about anything except the kitchen sink. The basic technique requires an array of vegetables, a protein and a sensational stir fry...
February 25, 2016
Turmeric is making a name for itself in 2016 outside of curry mixes. This bright orange spice is part of the rhizome family (like ginger and galangal) and can be used fresh or dried....
February 23, 2016
Green chile tortilla pie is a simple dish that can be enjoyed for any meal of the day. This recipe is a cross between a quiche and a frittata, the flour tortilla acts as the crust so...
February 22, 2016
Seafood can be intimidating to many beginners; perhaps it is is because of the steeper price tag or the short cooking times. Whatever the case, this can be mastered just like any other food...
February 18, 2016
Miso glazed salmon is a meal that can be made within minutes. This is the perfect recipe for busy days, late work nights and anything in between. I love to serve this salmon on a bed of...
February 17, 2016
Fried chicken is synonymous with comfort. Whether you are chowing down on traditional Southern buttermilk fried chicken and waffles or discovering Korean fried chicken wings for the first time...
February 16, 2016
Those who observe Lent typically give up something for a period of six weeks. It could be an activity such as social media or video games or favorite food such as chocolate or meat....
February 15, 2016
During Lent, fish fries pop up in church parking lots, local schools and favorite restaurants. These community events turn out some pretty spectacular versions of fish and chips. ...
February 12, 2016
Valentine's Day is just days away so if you are still looking for a charming dessert recipe to impress that special someone, I have five for you. Chocolate has long been revered as an...
February 11, 2016
Few desserts are as romantic as chocolate fondue. There is something about silky sweet chocolate draped around a fresh strawberry, moist piece of pound cake or combined with a salty pretzel is...
February 9, 2016
Valentine's Day is an opportunity for you to show that special someone in your life how much they mean to you. These heart warming treats are the perfect gift for your sweetheart. Whether...
February 8, 2016
These five salmon recipes are easy Friday meal options during Lent. Salmon is a robust fish so it pairs well with a myriad of different flavors - anything from miso to fresh dill to capers....
February 6, 2016
If you are looking for a way to bring your Super Bowl party to a whole new level - I introduce you to the snack stadium. This epic arrangement of sandwiches, chips, dip, and vegetables not only...
February 6, 2016
If there is a must-have food for Super Bowl Sunday, it is chicken wings. Whether you like them classically dressed in buffalo sauce, flaming hot, or covered in sweet smoky barbecue sauce - the...
February 3, 2016
Crudite platters have been making a comeback in a big way. Restaurants are serving up platters of raw farmer's market vegetables with well flavored sauces that are far from the...
January 29, 2016
If you are having vegetarian friends coming to your Super Bowl party then these buffalo chickpea wraps are a must-have alternative. Chickpeas are tossed with buffalo sauce and toasted in a...
