About

once upon a time

My earliest memories are centered around food: the distinct smell of my grandma’s house that took on the sautéed garlic and basil she added to her famous marinara; waking up to the sizzling sound of red-skinned potatoes frying on Sunday morning as my dad prepared our hearty Irish breakfast; serving ice cream sundaes on hot summer days at my Aunt’s restaurant (and, of course, treating myself to helpings afterward). There is no doubt in my mind that food is one of life’s greatest pleasures. It is something to be shared, something to be celebrated.

Patricia OKeefe Girbal RD About

today

I’m a home cook, lover of good food and wine, and a dietitian by trade. Although I’m originally from the Jersey Shore (which is nothing like what you see on TV, thanks MTV), I’m now living in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area.

inspiration

My love of food has been, and continues to be, influenced by my loved ones. My grandma was born during the Great Depression on the outskirts of New York City. One of the lessons she learned, and passed on to me, was how to cook on a limited budget without compromising a bit of taste. Her wonderful dishes really came from love. I think of Nanny often while cooking.

food philosophy

My love of food is also inspired by nature. I try to keep most of my recipes fresh and simple. I like to use real foods from ingredients that are minimally processed. Having a great affection for nature, I try to use seasonal and locally grown foods. While many of my dishes are plant-based, I am a big believer in balance, which is why I must indulge (guilt-free) from time to time. Some recipes are my creations and some are adaptations from friends, family and my favorite cookbooks.

blog mission

To celebrate food and share my path to healthier, more delicious days.

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http://azeliaskitchen.net azelia

Hi Trish…like your photos…your blog is bookmarked!
http://sandraseasycooking.blogspot.com/ Sandra

Really nice blog you have here…while reading it came to me that we have almost same memory(food wise) why we are who we are, if that make sense. I think that I love to cook because my grandma’, and also because of my mom who was a chef and know nutritionist…So combining those two different kind of cooking types, I am kind of in the middle.
I am really nice to stumble across your blog!

Sandra
http://sandraseasycooking.blogspot.com/ Sandra

I meant to say, I am really happy to stumble across you blog )), just correcting myself:P
http://phdstrides.wordpress.com Elise

I’m so glad I got to meet you for just a few seconds as well We will definitely have to get together sometime in the near future to indulge in some great food, wine or a cooking adventure

I love your ability to write such vivid and sensory-filled posts that draw the reader in. So far, I’ve been loving what I’ve been reading!!
Trish

Thanks for visiting, Azelia
Trish

No worries. I knew what you meant. Thanks for visiting. Come back soon
Trish

Thanks, Elise. I really appreciate your comments. Let’s get together soon!
http://www.thehealthyapron.com TheHealthyApron

I am so glad you stopped by my sight because I look forward to trying out some of your recipes! I love how similar our food philosophies are!
http://balancejoyanddelicias.wordpress.com coco

We share same philosophy in cooking: simple and fresh And balance is the key in life!
http://dishbytrish.com Trish

Thanks for stopping by, Erin. I look forward to being connected!
http://www.nutritionnutontherun.com Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]

Your blog is beautiful — adding you to my blog roll right away
http://dishbytrish.com Trish

Thanks so much, Hilary! I really appreciate it.
http://muchtomydelight.blogspot.com jenn

Thanks for commenting on my blog and so glad it lead me to yours! Now following!
http://beefpiranha.wordpress.com/ Shaun

Very cool site. Just stumbled upon it. And we share Jersey Shore roots! Cool. I’ll be following.
Adam

I just made one of your recipes (Coconut-Cashew Red Quinoa) and it was outstanding. Simple and hearty, but so tasty and healthy! Thank you!
http://dishbytrish.com Trish

Thanks so much for the feedback, Adam! I appreciate it and I’m glad you liked it.
http://sinfullyspicy.com Tanvi

Hi Trish,
You have a beautiful blog.Loved all the neat pictures and awesome recipes.Enjoyed reading ypur food memories.Glad to follow you.
http://oatcoutureblog.wordpress.com Hayley @ Oat Couture

Hi Trish, just found your blog and wanted to say hi! You have a lovely blog and am really looking forward to reading more!
http://www.culinarytopics.com Culinary Topics

Congrats on being featured on Bloggers!
You have wonderful blog here.
Great job!
Anyway, if you like Indonesian Cuisine, please do not hesitate to visit my cooking blog at http://www.culinarytopics.com
Ashleigh Falkin

Just found your blog and really enjoy it! I love your food philosophy and couldn’t agree with you more!