Cheese & Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Cheese & Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe

Cheesy, black-bean quesadillas come together in minutes. Great for lunch or dinner.

Savour the perfect balance of gooey cheese and protein-rich black beans in this quick and easy Cheese & Black Bean Quesadilla recipe.

Inspired by classic Mexican flavors, this dish brings together pantry staples in a delicious, wholesome way that supports low-waste cooking and simple meal prep.

Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, and perfect for anyone seeking flavorful, plant-forward comfort food with roots in traditional cuisine.

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Kappamaki かっぱ巻き Cucumber Sushi Roll
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Kappamaki かっぱ巻き Cucumber Sushi Roll

When I lived in Japan, I didn’t eat much meat. I still don’t and I’m not confident making sushi with raw fish … yet.

My go-to roll has always been kappamaki かっぱ巻き, cucumber roll, which is widely available in Japan.

It’s a type of hosomaki 細巻き, which are skinny rolls made with a single ingredient (usually a fish or vegetable).

I feel like they make sushi really accessible.

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Chia Lemonade with Honey
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Chia Lemonade with Honey

Refreshingly tart and subtly sweet, this Chia Lemonade blends zesty citrus with nutrient-packed chia seeds to create a revitalizing summer drink. Rooted in traditional Mexican “agua de limón con chía,” this easy homemade recipe honours both wellness and sustainability. Chia seeds, prized by Aztec and Mayan cultures for their hydrating and energy-giving properties, add texture and fibre while reducing the need for added sugars. Whether you're planning a picnic, looking for a post-gardening hydration boost, or simply craving something wholesome and flavourful, this drink delivers. With just a few ingredients—lemons, water, a drizzle of honey, and chia—this lemonade is naturally low-waste and aligns with seasonal traditions. Try it chilled over ice or infused with herbs like mint or basil. Simple, refreshing, and rooted in time-tested wisdom.

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How to make the perfect sushi rice
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

How to make the perfect sushi rice

Sushi rice—known as shari or しゃり sumeshi 酢飯—is the subtly seasoned foundation of countless Japanese dishes, from maki rolls to nigiri.

Mastering the method for preparing perfect sushi rice at home means unlocking the true flavour and texture of Japanese cuisine.

In this recipe, we walk through the essentials: properly rinsing, cooking, and seasoning short-grain rice to achieve the perfect balance of stickiness, tang, and shine.

This technique has roots in a centuries-old fermentation tradition, and today it’s key to sushi made with intention and care.

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Toasted Oatmeal
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Toasted Oatmeal

Toasted oatmeal brings a satisfying twist to your morning routine with its warm, nutty aroma and rich flavour.

Toasting the oats before cooking deepens their natural taste, making every spoonful a comforting start to your day.

This simple recipe is perfect for those who want a wholesome breakfast that feels cozy and special without extra fuss.

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VIDEO: Italian wedding soup (married soup)
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

VIDEO: Italian wedding soup (married soup)

Italian Wedding Soup is a beloved classic known for its comforting blend of savoury meatballs, tender greens, and delicate pasta swimming in a flavourful broth.

Despite the name, it’s not served at weddings but is rather a “marriage” of ingredients that balance beautifully together.

This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days when you want something both nourishing and satisfying.

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Cheesy, garlicky egg bites
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Cheesy, garlicky egg bites

These one-bite, egg bites are quicky, easy, flexible, freeze well, reheat well … almost too good to be true.

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Bright, fresh avocado salad
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Bright, fresh avocado salad

Sometimes simple is the best, and that’s certainly true of this easy, nutritious dish. If you want it as a meal, I’d add some hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, and a bit of feta to get some protein in there.

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One egg omelette with red peppers
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

One egg omelette with red peppers

Sometimes all you need is something quick, just for yourself and it’s so hard to find recipes that aren’t for 4-plus people. Try this quick, omelette for any time you need a quick-something.

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Chilean pan amasado
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Chilean pan amasado

Enjoy rustic Chilean bread with this South American bun recipe. Chile is known for their delicious bread and this is a great place to start!

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Gomashio popcorn
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Gomashio popcorn

Discover a savoury twist on snack time with this Gomashio Popcorn recipe. Perfectly seasoned with toasted sesame seeds and sea salt, it's a simple and healthy snack inspired by Japanese flavours. Learn how to make it at home!

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Onigiri おにぎり
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Onigiri おにぎり

Learn how to make Onigiri, Japan's beloved rice balls, with this simple recipe. Discover traditional fillings and techniques to create the perfect homemade snack. Great for meal prep and easy lunches!

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Gomashio cucumbers
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Gomashio cucumbers

Discover a delightful recipe for gomashio cucumbers on Recipes and Roots. This Asian-inspired cucumber dish features a flavourful blend of sesame and spices, perfect as a side or light snack. Easy to make and full of fresh, vibrant flavours!

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Gomashio (Japanese sesame salt)
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Gomashio (Japanese sesame salt)

Discover the simple and flavourful world of Gomashio, a Japanese sesame salt blend. Perfect for seasoning rice, veggies, and more, this healthy and easy-to-make recipe brings a taste of Japan to your kitchen. Learn how to make Gomashio at home with our step-by-step guide!

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Chilean Palta
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Chilean Palta

Discover the rich flavours of palta, traditional Chilean avocado. Explore our easy recipe, perfect for healthy meals and snacks. Learn how to prepare this creamy, versatile dish with step-by-step instructions and tips for serving.

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White bean & pesto salad
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

White bean & pesto salad

I love, love, love pesto. It’s one of my favourite flavour profiles/condiments. If you love it as much as I do and want a quick, healthy meal. This is a must.

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Oolong Tea
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Oolong Tea

Discover the rich history and health benefits of Oolong tea. Learn how to brew the perfect cup and explore its unique flavors, blending the best of green and black tea traditions. Find out more at Recipes & Roots.

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