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Not that I’m complaining, but my summer’s been brimming with travel. From coast to coast for work and play, there’s been a lot to see and experience. One of the highlights? A long weekend in Minneapolis. I spent the few days reuniting with best friends, vibing at Eras, and eating at some of my favorite restaurants in the city. Before we put on our dancing boots, my Taylor Swift crew and I set up camp at Sanjusan, Minneapolis’ amazing Japanese-Italian eatery. The spot seamlessly blends an omakase experience with some of the best pizza in the city. And while we indulged in all of that and more, it was the green salad with sesame dressing that we couldn’t stop talking about.

Of course—inspired and pleasantly full—I left the meal dreaming of the moment I could recreate the salad at home. It was tangy and refreshing, sweet and savory, all with just the tiniest kick of heat in every crisp bite. The second we finished devouring the sharing bowl of salad, I knew: this green salad with sesame dressing was one I had to recreate.

But to be clear: salads are not usually one of my go-to meals. If I’m going to eat vegetables, I’d rather they complement other dishes than simply eat a large bowl of them on their own. However, when done right, a salad can satisfy every craving. Fresh greens, an addictive dressing, and toppings that take your salad from boring to an incredible bowl of flavor—when I dream of salad, this is what comes to mind. So trust me, you’ll be making this green salad with sesame dressing all season long.

Ingredients for Green Salad With Sesame Dressing

Parmesan. Freshly grated, savory, and salty. Parmesan is the perfect topping for making this salad feel extra special. Be sure to use the good stuff.

Pistachios. Use roasted and salted if you can. Otherwise, take raw pistachios and toast until fragrant and crunchy in texture. These add a nice bite and a bit of textural contrast to the salad. If you don’t have pistachios, feel free to use what you have on hand like sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or pumpkin seeds.

Furikake. If you’ve never used furikake, prepare to be addicted. It’s a Japanese seasoning made of toasted sesame seeds, nori, and salt. (Depending on the blend you use, it may also include bonito flakes, chili flakes, miso powder, etc.) This savory topping brings everything in this salad together. If you can’t find it, try crushing up seaweed sheets into flakes with toasted sesame seeds, salt, and a bit of sugar.

Tahini. The base of our salad dressing. Nutty and savory, tahini ties in perfectly with the sesame seeds.

Sherry or champagne vinegar. For an acidic bite, sherry vinegar rounds out the salad dressing and lifts all the flavors up with brightness. Use apple cider, champagne, or rice vinegar if you need to substitute.

Ginger. Freshly grated, ginger adds a subtle warmth and spice to the dressing.

Greens. Use the freshest and most crisp baby greens you can find. 

Tips for Serving

When it comes to making salads, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to take everything to the next level.

Start with crisp greens. Confession: I don’t own a salad spinner. That means that sometimes, I wash my greens only to end up with soft, wilted leaves. But I recently learned the towel trick for drying and storing greens and I’m hooked. Wash your greens and dry them by patting gently with a towel. On another large towel, lay them out in a single layer, then roll the towel up with the leaves inside. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to use for dry and cold crisp leaves.

Salt generously and use a bigger bowl than you think you need. It’s just a fact: salads often taste better in restaurants than when made at home. The secret? They toss everything in an extra-large bowl to ensure every leaf is evenly covered with dressing. And don’t you dare skimp the salt. Vegetables taste more like themselves when you salt them, including lettuce greens. A final note: Add dressing to the bowl first and all around the edges to create an even coating.

Think about balance. From flavors to textures, the best salads are the result of ingredients that complement one another. Include something crunchy, soft, chewy, salty, sweet, and savory. You can use this formula with a wide variety of ingredients and flavors, but prioritizing balance means every bite of salad is the best bite of salad.

How to Make It a Meal

While I’ve certainly spent a few nights this summer standing over my kitchen island eating this salad straight out of a giant mixing bowl, it’s also the perfect addition to any dinner table.

• To bulk it up and make this green salad with sesame dressing a complete meal, add avocado, cucumbers, chicken, or fish.
• Serve it alongside burgers or steak to balance out the richer flavors.
• Add crunchy croutons or crispy onions for added texture.

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Hot take: If you asked me how to curb your sugar cravings, I’d respond with three simple words: Just eat it. The cookie, the ice cream—whatever sweet foods your cravings call for. I know, not exactly the advice you’d expect from a health coach, but by keeping an intuitive eating approach in mind and equipped with all the healthy hacks from the Glucose Goddess herself, sugar isn’t so scary anymore. (Hint: The trick lies in how you eat it.)

To be fair, I’d ask you a couple of questions before instructing you to throw self-control out the window and eat to your heart’s desire. What you ate for breakfast, (sorry, vanilla lattes don’t count), how you slept last night, and your current menstrual phase all impact blood sugar more than you’d expect—until you finish this article, that is, *wink*. But the biggest impact on sugar cravings? Your blood sugar. Keep reading for both long- and short-term tips for how to curb sugar cravings for good.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

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Why do we crave sugar?

Our body is communicating with us all the time. When we learn to listen to its cues, we can give our body exactly what it needs to keep thriving. One (not-so-subtle) example of how our body communicates with us: sugar cravings.

Let’s set the scene. You just arrived home from a long day. Suddenly, your taste buds take over and a little voice in your head whispers, wouldn’t a sweet snack be PERFECT right now? This is your body’s way of communicating that your blood sugar is about to crash—and you need something sweet to bring it back into balance. Whenever our blood sugar levels spike, a crash ensues. The after-effects of this crash are the main reason sugar cravings occur.

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Remember: Life’s Too Short to Not Eat Sweets

Hear me out. Eating high-sugar foods is totally fine on occasion. While there are many benefits to a sugar-free diet and lifestyle, being too fixated on “clean eating” can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food down the road.

Don’t get me wrong: limiting added sugar in our diet is important to our long-term health and wellness. But a holistically healthy lifestyle means looking at things big picture, and sugary foods eaten in moderation can be a part of a healthy diet. Especially when we’ve implemented sustainable habits like prioritizing sleep, movement, and mental health.

My personal strategy for how to curb sugar cravings is to eat a little sugar every once in a while like it’s no big deal—because the way you think about food affects the nutrition you take in.

Now that some of the shame and fear around eating sugar is hopefully dispelled, let’s talk about strategies for how to quit your so-called sugar addiction and incorporate these sweet snacks into your healthy-living diet.

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How to Curb Sugar Cravings in the Long-Term

Pay Attention to Your Menstrual Cycle

There’s a reason women crave chocolate and ice cream during our time of the month. Scientists speculate that female sex hormones cause an instability in blood sugar (which leads to higher glucose spikes, crashes, and sugar cravings) and that sex hormones cause an increase in appetite.

In the luteal phase specifically, the female body requires more calories to function. While everybody (and every body) is different, the average increase in calorie requirement is around 300 calories per day during this phase of the menstrual cycle. Increasing calorie intake slightly can help stabilize blood sugar and keep sugar cravings at bay. This is also a great opportunity to add cycle syncing into the mix. During certain phases of your cycle, when these cravings for sweeter foods and carbohydrates arises, respond accordingly! Opting for berries, dark chocolate, whole grains, and functional spices like cinnamon can help you avoid excess sugar consumption and keep your sugar intake in check. Making smart sugar swaps, rather than going cold turkey, is a solid solution.

Prioritize Sleep Hygiene

Sleep quality has a huge impact on sugar cravings. When we are sleep deprived, our body’s ability to metabolize blood glucose is impaired. If you wake up after eight hours of perfect sleep and have a piece of fruit on an empty stomach, it might not cause a blood sugar crash. But another day, after only six hours of sleep, the same piece of fruit can lead to a huge crash in blood sugar.

A poor night’s sleep also affects our hunger hormones. Leptin and ghrelin, our hunger hormones, play key roles in dictating appetite, and a lack of sleep has been shown to impact these hormones and increase hunger cues. What’s more, poor sleep makes us crave higher-calorie foods. So if you’re wondering how to curb sugar cravings, prioritize getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

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Have a piece of fruit

My personal strategy to fight sugar cravings on the spot is usually to eat something sweet. (I know, revolutionary.) I find that giving my body what it needs is a gentle and intuitive approach to healthy living.

Whenever I’m having sugar cravings, I look to fruit first. Usually, mango, watermelon, or nectarines do the trick for me. Not only are you getting a boost of antioxidants (without having too much sugar), but fruit is full of fiber and will balance your blood sugar better than a piece of candy or cake. Not to mention the many vitamins and minerals in fresh fruit that are so important for long-term health and wellness.

Drink An Adrenal Cocktail 

An adrenal cocktail is a hormone-supporting beverage. It often contains citrus to satisfy your sweet tooth and is full of electrolytes and minerals for added hydration.

But when it comes to adrenal cocktails, proceed with caution. Because fruit juice is stripped of fiber, it’s not the best option for stabilizing blood sugar. However, if you pair the functional beverage with a handful of almonds or a scoop of high-fat coconut cream, you can keep your blood sugar stable and cravings at bay.

Eat Dates with Nut Butter

Dried fruit has a higher amount of sugar than fresh fruit. This means that dried picks are more likely to spike blood sugar and drive sugar cravings. But pairing dates with high-protein nut butter that’s full of healthy fats can give us the stable blood sugar boost our body needs. A quick snack of dates and nut butter can satisfy your sugar cravings while also giving you an extra bit of fiber, iron, potassium, and loads of other vitamins and minerals.

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The Best Way to Indulge in Sugar Cravings

Take an Apple Cider Vinegar shot

Yep, it’s true. Drinking apple cider vinegar, or topping your salad with dressing before eating something sweet, helps reduce the blood sugar spike, crash, and sugar cravings. I call this a WIN. Just be sure to dilute ACV in water prior to drinking.

Think About Food Order

How you eat your food matters. The best way to eat any meal is by eating the highest fiber foods first, then protein, fat, and starches last. But please don’t rip apart your sandwich and eat it piece by piece. These rules are supposed to enhance your life, not make it more complicated. Prioritizing a plate of high-fiber vegetables, like a salad, before every meal is a simple way to implement this healthy hack.

Enjoy Mindful Movement

Moving your body, whether it’s doing jumping jacks, squats, or taking a walk around the block, lowers the spike in blood sugar after eating sweets. This is an incredibly powerful trick on the days when sugar cravings are at an all-time high.

It doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t have to take long. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, do some chores around the house, or pump up the music and dance to your favorite song.

Pair Your sugar With Protein, Fiber, and Fat

Think back to the dates and nut butter snack above—you can apply this formula anytime you’re craving something sweet. Look for foods to eat alongside sweet treats that are high in fiber, fat, and protein. These macronutrients slow down our digestion, which slows down the release of sugar into our bloodstream, and therefore lessens sugar cravings. Easy snacks to have on hand are prosciutto, cheese, or my personal favorite, a boiled egg. 

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider.

Take a quick scroll on social, and inflammation is all the buzz. Across wellness podcasts, news outlets, and the pharmaceutical industry, we’ve been conditioned to believe that inflammation is harmful. Spoiler alert: that’s not actually the case. When it comes to inflammation, we‘re looking to strike a balance—not too little, not too much. Unfortunately, the standard American diet is quite pro-inflammatory (hello, ultra-processed foods and heaps of added sugar). So, let’s reel it back a bit. In the spirit of putting our health first, we’re sharing anti-inflammatory recipes to better serve your body, your family, and the planet at large.

Featured image by Suruchi Avasthi.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is a vital piece of our immune system. In fact, inflammation is what signals the heal and repair process in the body. It’s essential. It’s a defender against foreign invaders (think: viruses and bacteria). From a broken bone to eczema, inflammation plays a part. In essence, inflammation is your body’s first line of defense against toxins, infections, etc. When your cells are in distress, they release chemicals to alert the immune system. In turn, the immune system sends its first responders: inflammatory cells. 

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Inflammation: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

When your immune system unleashes an army of white blood cells, they engulf and protect the affected area. This causes visible redness and swelling. With infections like the flu, the immune system elicits a similar response to eliminate harmful pathogens. This is a good thing! In some cases, though, your body’s immune system triggers inflammation when there are no invaders to fight off (think: arthritis). In these autoimmune diseases, your body’s defense system goes into overdrive. This, as you can guess, is when inflammation does more harm than good.

Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation

While most of us associate inflammation with a cut or a broken bone, inflammation can also signal more significant health issues. But as mentioned, not all inflammation is harmful! Just as there are two types of cholesterol, there are two types of inflammation—acute and chronic. Understanding the differences can help you determine if you have too much inflammation in your body.

Acute Inflammation

This kind of inflammation helps us heal. If you sprain your wrist or cut your finger, the area becomes swollen. It may be hot to the touch, bleed, or get red. All of these symptoms are your body’s response to injury—and they signal that the healing process has begun. Acute inflammation is temporary and will dissipate as the injury heals.

Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is more serious. If left untreated, it can start a chain of symptoms that can adversely affect your health. Many factors contribute to chronic inflammation: your genetic predisposition, diet, sleep patterns, and other habits (i.e. smoking). For example, an unknown food allergy can cause inflammation in your intestine.

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How do I know if I have too much inflammation in my body?

Great question. With an understanding of acute vs. chronic inflammation, the following are typical signs you have an overflow of chronic inflammation in your body:

1. You’re tired all the time—as in exhausted, unmotivated, and lethargic.
2. You have constant aches and pains.
3. You’re experiencing digestive issues after most meals.
4. Your lymph nodes swell easily.
5. Your nose is constantly stuffy.
6. Your skin breaks out.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, and these symptoms can indicate other issues in the body. Speak with your healthcare provider if you believe you have chronic inflammation.

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How to Decrease Inflammation in the Body

Along with minimizing stress, mindfully moving your body, and getting quality sleep, one of the best ways to decrease inflammation is—no surprise—via nutrition. Specifically by eating anti-inflammatory foods. These foods nourish the body on a cellular level, helping fight against unwanted inflammation. From potent herbs and spices to fatty fish and other Mediterranean foods, fighting inflammation is two-fold: delicious and functional.

Foods to Avoid on an Anti-inflammatory Diet

Before we dive into anti-inflammatory recipes and foods to add to your plate, let’s talk about a few pro-inflammatory offenders. While this varies from person to person, there are common culprits. For example, fast food, high-sodium frozen meals, omega-6 vegetable oils (canola oil), alcohol, and conventionally-raised meats. These are all associated with higher levels of inflammatory markers. Additionally, sugar-sweetened beverages and refined carbs can also promote inflammation. A few specific examples: packaged white bread, potato chips, mozzarella sticks, soda, energy drinks, and hot dogs.

While creating food fear is not the goal, it’s important to know what foods can help or hinder your cellular and organ health.

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Foods to Eat on an Anti-inflammatory Diet

Eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can be a game-changer. The easiest way to begin? Add color! Aim for 3-4 colors per meal. For example, citrus salmon with brown rice and sautéed spinach. Or, pastured eggs scrambled in ghee with bell pepper, sweet potato, and arugula. Below are some of the best anti-inflammatory food choices.

Avocados

Avocados have omega-3 fatty acids, along with potassium, magnesium, fiber, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. In one study, participants who consumed avocado with a hamburger, as opposed to just a hamburger, had lower levels of a few inflammatory markers.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are high in vitamin C and antioxidants that have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. They also provide the antioxidant quercetin, which may reduce oxidative damage.

Berries

From strawberries to raspberries, berries are an incredible source of antioxidants. They contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, compounds that may have effects on reducing the risk of diseases.

Bone Broth

Bone broth is a very nourishing food for healing intestinal permeability. In other words, it helps the gut lining. Bone broth contains collagen, which supports the gut lining and reduces inflammation.

Ginger

Not only does ginger naturally increase serotonin and dopamine levels, but it also improves the body’s anti-inflammatory response. As a result, ginger can reduce muscle pain after intense physical activity. Furthermore, ginger is high in gingerol, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

Mushrooms

Mushrooms have been reported to contain antioxidant properties. These antioxidant properties enable them to neutralize free radicals. In fact, research shows that shiitake mushrooms may boost your immune system.

Olive Oil

Extra-virgin olive oil, specifically, is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, brain cancer, and other detrimental health conditions. Unlike more refined olive oils, extra-virgin olive oil offers great anti-inflammatory benefits.

Seeds

Chia and flaxseeds are both high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are proven inflammation fighters. Best of all, they’re super easy to incorporate. You can add a couple of tablespoons of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds to your cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, baked goods, or smoothies.

Turmeric

Arguably one of the most anti-inflammatory ingredients, turmeric is a nutritional powerhouse. Used fresh (like in this winter wellness tonic) or powdered, turmeric has major benefits for your body and brain. In fact, studies show that turmeric’s main active component—curcumin—has the potential to treat various health conditions like arthritis and high cholesterol levels.

Wild-Caught Salmon

Salmon, sardines, mackerel, etc., are fatty fish with omega-3s, which research shows have potent anti-inflammatory properties. EPA and DHA, both present in these fish, reduce inflammation that can lead to chronic illness and disease.

20 Anti-Inflammatory Recipes

Not only do these recipes taste delicious, but they pack a nutritional punch. Most importantly, they’re loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients. Whether you’re fighting a seasonal cold, working through chronic inflammation, or simply want to be proactive, these anti-inflammatory recipes contain compounds known to ease inflammation.

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Big Green Immunity-Boosting Soup

Don’t let the color fool you. This comforting bowl of veggies tastes hearty and decadent (no dairy added!). From broccoli to ginger, there’s no shortage of immune-supporting ingredients.

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Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Berry Muffins

The color! The texture! The nutrients! These muffins aren’t your standard bakery muffin. They’re brimming with anti-inflammatory goodness—raspberries, blueberries, walnuts, coconut oil, chia seeds, and apple cider vinegar. You won’t find any butter or granulated sugar, and you can easily make them gluten-free.

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Hot Honey Glazed Salmon

You’d never know this super flavorful salmon bowl is filled with good-for-you anti-inflammatory ingredients. It tastes delightfully comforting but totally passes as a nourishing weeknight dinner. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids—known to reduce inflammation—honey is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial agent, and coconut contains medium-chain fatty acids (helping decrease pro-inflammatory cells).

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Turmeric Chicken Soup

This soup is proof that food is medicine. Although it uses easy-to-find ingredients, this soup is complex in flavor, function, and nutrients. To whip this together in under 20 minutes, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Throw everything into one pot (including the noodles), and add whatever toppings your heart desires.

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Homemade Bone Broth

Have you ever made homemade bone broth? It’s not as intimidating as you think—promise. Choosing the right bones for your broth is an important factor in making a batch that’s truly nutrient-rich and loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds. There’s a lot to be said on the matter, so peep this article for an in-depth guide to choosing your bones. Once you make your broth, store it in the freezer for when your immune system needs extra love.

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Raspberry Cocoa Energy Bites

Yes, chocolate is anti-inflammatory! Studies show that cocoa has medicinal properties. It contains a wide range of phytochemicals, including polyphenols (which are anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants). Raspberries also contain bioactive polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties. Best of all, these taste rich and chocolatey without any refined sugar.

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Healthy Green Smoothie

In a world full of shiny new food trends, the humble green smoothie has taken a backseat to bright açaí bowls and fresh celery juice. But this green smoothie deserves her moment. The secret ingredient? Fiber-rich cauliflower. And no, you won’t taste it! Not only does cauliflower add fiber and texture, but it also adds more antioxidants. Hello, nutrient-rich breakfast.

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Avocado Toast With Kale Pesto

If you simply can’t resist avocado toast on a brunch menu, then you’re going to love this avocado toast with kale pesto. This recipe is bursting with antioxidant-rich greens, fresh herbs, and crunchy veggies. Not to mention it’s a great blood-sugar balancing way to start your day. And when it comes to keeping inflammation at bay, it’s incredibly important to maintain stable blood sugar.

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Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

When you’re feeling under the weather, comforting puréed soup is where it’s at. The blender’s already done the legwork for you, giving your digestive system the rest it needs. This soup calls for coconut milk for satisfying richness and tons of warming spices for lowering inflammation. Come winter, you’ll always want a batch of this in your freezer.

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Kale Citrus Salad

Winter citrus just hits different. And good news, citrus foods—oranges, grapefruit, lemon, and limes—are rich in vitamin C. Meaning, they’re good sources of inflammation-fighting antioxidants. Make your own sunshine this winter with this sweet and spicy salad. You’ll want to add this to your weekly lunch rotation.

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Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Nourish your body and soul with these pumpkin overnight oats. While we often think of pumpkin pie when we think of pumpkin, it’s a versatile ingredient for soups, smoothies, baked goods, and overnight oats. Plus, pumpkin is packed with nutrients like beta-carotene, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of magnesium, another mineral known to reduce inflammation.

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Vegetarian Chickpea Stew

An easy, one-pot recipe for vegetarian stew! It’s the perfect plant-based main that comes together in 30 minutes. With turmeric, ginger, garlic, olive oil—and plenty of nutritious veggies—it’s an anti-inflammatory powerhouse. This stew is the gift that keeps on giving.

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Spicy Tofu Banh Mi Bowl

Non-GMO soy foods, including tofu, are rich in plant compounds known as isoflavones. And isoflavones are known for their anti-inflammatory activity, which may explain why soy-rich foods have been associated with health benefits in epidemiological studies. While people with inflammation should generally avoid dairy, tofu and tempeh have been found to reduce pain in joints, according to a study from Oklahoma State University. This tofu bowl is the weeknight meal you’ve been searching for.

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Tropical Pineapple Ginger Smoothie

Looking for a healthy breakfast the whole family will enjoy? Look no further. This tropical smoothie recipe is bursting with crowd-pleasing pineapple, strawberries, and bananas. Plus, there’s avocado for fiber and healthy fats, along with ginger for a happy zing (and antioxidants).

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Spring Rice Salad

When it comes to gluten-free pantry staples, rice is an ingredient most of us keep stocked. Of all rice varieties, research shows that black rice has the highest antioxidant activity of all varieties, making it a nutritious base for vegetarian and omnivore meals alike. This spring rice salad is rich in healthy fats, complex carbs, and protein. It’s well-rounded and balances blood sugar, too.

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Coconut Chicken Curry with Sweet Potato And Lemongrass

This curry is on dinnertime repeat. It’s packed with nourishing herbs, spices, and veggies, and bursting with my favorite fall flavors. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly if you’re new to making curry—aside from the protein, it all comes together in just one pot. Made with coconut milk, ginger, curry paste, and chicken, it’s wonderful for reducing inflammation in the body.

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Roasted Mushrooms

Mushrooms have high amounts of the ergothioneine and glutathione—both are antioxidants! Many medicinal mushrooms are even higher in antioxidants, but culinary mushrooms pack a good punch, too. Rest assured, these roasted mushrooms with thyme and smoked salt will convert mushroom skeptics. They’re hearty, salty, and dare we say it—meaty.

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Samosa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Truthfully, nothing is better than a deep-fried and dunked-in chutney samosa. But, that doesn’t mean these stuffed bell peppers aren’t just as delicious as their own separate entity. While this recipe takes inspiration from one of our favorite fried foods, they’re definitely a little lighter and an easy weeknight dinner. Plus, the samosas are loaded in vitamin C-rich bell peppers—an added boost of anti-inflammatory nutrients.

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Roast Chicken With Tomatoes And Lemon

Did you know that pasture-raised chickens, pigs, lambs, and cows have higher levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids—and lower levels of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids—than corn-fed animals? If you want to learn more, we break down different types of egg labels, and which type you the best bang for your nutrition buck, here. If you’ve never roasted a whole chicken, now’s the time! This easy-to-master recipe is packed with anti-inflammatory herbs, lemon, and tomatoes, too.

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Kitchari

Meet your new go-to cozy meal. Meaning “mixture,” kitchari is a classic Ayurvedic dish that has anti-inflammatory properties. Practitioners claim that a kitchari cleanse can improve digestion, removes congestion from the body, restores energy and vitality, and more. At any rate, it’s warming, comforting, and brimming with nutrient-dense ingredients.

Ajiri Aki knows how to have a good time. Whether she’s sourcing antiques for her brand, Madame de la Maison, or turning on her out-of-office for an extended stay in Provence, she’s equally devoted to finding pleasure in all of it—the food she eats, the places she travels, the conversations she has with friends and family. Ajiri defines the essential ingredients of joy as “curiosity, creativity, connection, and celebration.” All can be discovered in even the most mundane moments, if your eyes are attuned to see them.

I feel lucky to call Ajiri a friend, and I’m just as thrilled that she’s sharing her POV with the world through her new book, Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life. When Ajiri came to Austin a few weeks ago, I invited a few ladies for a backyard apéro to celebrate her stunning new book. Scroll on for the simple but stunning snacks we served, plus my interview with Ajiri on what makes a truly joyful gathering.

How did your new book, Joie, come to be? Give us the backstory.

In January of 2020, I was celebrating my 40th birthday in New York City with old friends, and I realized how much I had changed since moving to Paris. What was important to me had slowly morphed into a different version of myself that was only noticeable to me when I left my adopted home country. It had been a few years since I had traveled back to New York, so I hadn’t really thought about it before that milestone birthday celebration.

Three months later, France went into a full lockdown and we could barely leave our homes. Gatherings were abolished, and we lived under a nationwide curfew. In the beginning, I felt very depressed and was faced with so many emotions about the state of the world and life. I wrote a blog post titled A Case for The Good China, that shared how my mother always waited for a special occasion to use her beloved wedding china. After she died, I realized that she never got to use it. It struck a chord with many readers who were similarly confined to their homes.

Why do we wait to use the good china? Why do we wait to do things that bring us joy? Why do we feel guilty or restrict ourselves from experiencing joy daily?

The saying “tomorrow is not promised,” felt so immediate.  I realized that my life in Paris pre-confinement was full of little moments of joie—and I had learned it from living amongst French people. The response from that post inspired me to explore this shift, and I started a deep dive into what joie de vivre really meant and how we can all access it more often.

These beautiful blooms were designed by Stems Floral & Event Styling.

What informs your approach to food and gatherings? 

I live by Dr. Maya Angelou’s quote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 

This is what I always keep in mind when I plan a menu, because I have a tendency to overdo things with grand showy ideas or too many recipes. This quote steers me away from this mistake by keeping me focused on what matters—bringing people together. Of course, I never want people to leave my house hungry or dissatisfied, but with that in the front of my mind, I choose food that is simple, slow-cooked, or sourced.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 

What does “the good life” mean to you—and how has it changed since you’ve lived in Paris?

To me “the good life” is one where experiences, people, places, and relationships can be tapped into in ways that bring me joy. It’s not about money, affluence, what job you have, or your family heritage.

“The good life” is about joie de vivre, finding joy in life every single day no matter where you live… and not only on vacation! It’s a life where I recognize that joy is one of my top values and my North Star.

Before moving to Paris, I thought having a good life meant working for a good company or doing work that brought me a lot of money. And because someone taught me that “time is money,” I worked non-stop so that I could could  afford the “it” handbag, designer clothes and travel to all the best resorts or far away places. I thought these things would make me happy, and in searching for happiness in the wrong places, I couldn’t learn the art of finding true joy. 

Walk us through a typical day for you in Paris.

I love waking up before the rest of my family to have a little peace and quiet time with my tea and thoughts. I use this morning time to either flip through books for inspiration, read, write, practice calligraphy while listening to music, meditate, or stretch. This is one of my favorite times of the day because no one is awake to text or talk to me, and I never check my email this early.

After that, I spend the mornings shuffling around in my robe for as long as possible while helping the kids get ready and out the door. Then I either get dressed and take them to school, or Thomas does and I sit in my robe a bit longer to read and ease into my day. If I drop them off at school, I usually have a café with some of the parents before heading back home.

No two work days are the same. I might head to the marché for groceries and the flower shop to get props for photographing my antiques or a styled table setting. I might respond to emails, photograph a few things, then head out to meet a lunch date or eat at home. In the afternoon, I’ll find a café to sit with my computer. I love the variety—it’s what I need for inspiration and creation.

What are a few products you love for the table?

1. Linens are an easy way to elevate any table, and naturally, I have a closet full of Madame de la Maison linens in so many colors ready to mix and match.
2. I love having antique salt cellars that can be used for salt, but also for any condiment or sauce. Soy sauce and hot sauce, salt and pepper, ketchup and mustard, honey and nuts, dessert topping, etc… I could go on with combos and ideas.
3. Knife rests are an undervalued item for the table that I use for buffets and seated dinners. They help keep your utensils directly off the linens in between bites.

What’s your must-have cooking tool?

My grater and zester are usually tossed into my bag when we travel to stay at an Airbnb. I can use them to zest fruit, cheese, vegetables, potatoes, ginger and garlic into sauces or dressing, etc. Every rental doesn’t have a zester, but I find that I use it weekly and get frustrated when I don’t have it. 

Favorite cookbooks?

I typically don’t use cookbooks during the week, but I enjoy busting them out every now and then to experiment on a weekend when I have more time. These are my favorites:

All the Ottolenghi cookbooks because I know anything I cook will be packed with flavor. 

Momofuku’s first cookbook because I love making the Fried Chicken and the Bo Saam and it was one of the first cookbooks where I really tried and enjoyed challenging myself with the recipes. 

Smitten Kitchen cookbooks because all the recipes feel very approachable and delicious.

Tell us a few things we’ll always find in your refrigerator.

More condiments that any person should own! I always have various types of miso paste, Gochujang, Ssamjam, crispy chili oil, sambal oelek, bulldog sauce, harissa, wasabi, confit de onions, confit de figues, cornichons, capers, and anchovies.

What’s one tip for someone who wants to host a gathering on a budget?

Make it a potluck, but call it something else if that word takes you back to 1980s gatherings with too many casseroles. Assign your friends to different courses, take the one that works best for you, then set a beautiful table. It’s absolutely possible to gather with your people without feeling the stress on your finances.

Dream dinner guests?

Michelle Obama, Oprah, Zadie Smith, and Priya Parker. 

What are your signature dishes for gatherings?

I love to keep things simple, slow-cooked, or I just outsource. At my apartment, I will probably serve you a Bo saam, Ox-tail stew, Osso Bucco, roasted Provencal lamb, or an entire salmon with various side salads.

Or I will go with a big apéro-dinâtoire spread, which is basically tons of charcuterie, cheese and nuts, then I add something heartier so you feel full. It’s apéro and dinner all together.

Fill in the blank:

It’s not a dinner party without…

Someone changing up the playlist toward the end for impromptu karaoke or dancing. 

Every cook should know how to…

Outsource when he or she needs a break!