Fresh Fig Season Is Almost Over…

Fresh Fig season is almost over, and I’m sad. I love raw fresh figs. You can simply twist off the stem and pop them in your mouth. They are sweet in taste: a subtle combination of berries and/or peaches. The flesh and the skin of the fruit are soft and chewy; and the small seeds provide plenty of crunchiness.

But there are so many other ways to enjoy raw fresh figs: dipped in chocolate or other creamy sauces, stuffed with cheese or nuts, drizzled with honey, etc. And I’m going to eat as much fresh figs as I can, in as many ways as I can, while I can. Because not only are figs delicious, they are packed with nutrients. Figs are a fruit source of calcium; they are also a good source of dietary fiber, potassium and manganese – some of the minerals our bodies need for healthy functioning.

With all of their health benefits and their tastiness, I was shocked to discover that many people have never tried fresh figs – including my husband. In fact, my husband hadn’t had any type of figs prior to this summer – dried or fresh; well, let me qualify that by saying, other than in Fig Newtons. After hearing that, I had to run out and grab some fresh figs, just so he can try them. Needless to say, after trying fresh figs, he’s hooked!

If you haven’t yet tried fresh figs, you really should. Run out and get them before the season is over!

Continue Reading Fresh Fig Season Is Almost Over . . .

Nokdu Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes with Dipping Sauce)

Nokdu Bindaetteok (Korean Mung Bean Pancakes) is my maternal grandmother’s specialty. Nokdu Bindaetteok, which directly translates to Mung Bean Pancake, is usually made with sliced pork, kimchi, sukju namul (mung bean sprouts), and sometimes gosari namul (bracken fern shoots). But I’m omitting the pork for this Nokdu Bindaetteok/Mung Bean Pancake recipe, making this dish vegan. And for the base of the batter? Simply, soaked mung beans and rice. Flour-free. Gluten-free. Dairy-free. Just delicious goodness.

Keep in mind; when you dine at a restaurant, mung bean pancakes are not necessarily gluten-free unless specifically stated. Restaurants can add different types of flour to the batter – not a good thing. Additionally, dipping sauces can contain gluten. So always ask. Don’t assume.

Happy Eating!

Continue Reading Nokdu Bindaetteok . . .