YaDa Chef Private and Personal Chefs

A delicious and healthy lunchtime wrap.  INGREDIENTS 4 burrito-size (9- to 10-inch) flour tortillas 15 grape tomatoes, quartered lengthwise (from 1  pint) *yellow grape tomatoes are the best* 2 Tbs. fresh lime juice; more as needed 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley Kosher salt 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup raw pepitas (optional) 1 tsp. seeded and minced chipotle plus 1 tsp. adobo sauce (from a can of chipotles en adobo) 3/4 tsp. ground cumin 1 19-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese 1-1/2 oz. baby spinach (about 1-1/2 cups) 1/4 to 1/2 cup sour cream (optional) PREPARATION In a small bowl toss the tomatoes with 1 Tbs. of the lime juice, about 1-1/2 Tbs. of the parsley, and a generous pinch of salt. Set aside. If using the pepitas, heat 1 Tbs. of the olive oil and the pepitas in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until they are puffed and some are golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted sp

It seems that St. Patrick’s Day is the only real celebration most people think of when it comes to the month of March.  Being of one half Italian heritage, another important day in March is The Feast of St. Joseph.  St. Joseph is known as the the patron saint of the worker and the poor throughout  Italy, and the fava bean, or broad bean, has the story of being the savior of a nation, that of Sicily.  Yes, Sicily is part of Italy, but that debate will not be waged in this article. As the story goes, there had been a horrible drought in Sicily.  All of the crops died. The fields looked like deserts in a sea of dust. After much praying to St. Joseph, there was one crop that survived and indeed thrived.  It was the fava bean, which is why it is now commonly called “the lucky bean.”  An added bonus is the nutritional value.  They are very low on the Glycemic Index, and in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Favas are also a good source of fiber, protein, phosphorus, copper and mangane