AIMEE INOUYE

ROASTED BEET SALAD: 
2 red beets, cubed
2 golden beets, cubed
1 leek, cut lengthwise, then into slices
2 parsnips, cubed
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Dried Rosemary, Basil, Oregano, Salt & Pepper to taste
*Smaller cubes are better

Preheat the convection oven to 400˚F
Cut, cube and slice all your veggies and place it into a large mixing bowl. Then drizzle the veggies with olive oil, season with dried herbs, salt and pepper; toss together until lightly coated. Spread the veggies into a single layer in a foil-lined roasting pan.
Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender and golden on the edges. Let cool, then place into a serving dish and it’s ready to be served warm! (It’s also great as a cold salad!)...................................................................................................................................

I like cooking ethnic foods and foods that remind me of home. I was exposed to a lot of different foods and ingredients since my parents attended culinary school and dabbled in the food industry. I enjoy cooking simple things like seasonal vegetables with fish or chicken. When I could still eat gluten, I loved making a roasted vegetable orzo salad with pesto and fresh mozzarella with balsamic vinegar and fresh basil. Another of my favorite was a homemade recipe --whole wheat pizza with roasted eggplant and goat cheese seasoned with curry. I have a lot of favorite dishes and I love cooking for everyone, my parents, my brother, my extended family and friends. I’m more than happy to cook for any of my loved ones.
Love is when you care for someone or something more than yourself. Love is when you want to see them happy and achieve everything that they desire, when you are willing to do what you can to help them. It is respect for them and their beliefs and accepting them for the people they are, and not for the people that you think they should be, accepting their flaws. My grandfather made sure that my grandma was always happy, no matter what was required of him. Whether he worked late nights to provide for her and the family, or doing something that he knew she would appreciate; He cooked dinner for the family without her having to ask. This was my first example of love.