An Interview with Ken Tanabe, the Founder of LovingDay.org

When I married someone who was not Japanese American, it was never a topic of conversation with either of our families. That’s why I was so struck when I learned about Loving Day and the landmark Loving v. Virginia case. It wasn’t that long ago when being married could have landed us in jail, as it did for many couples. I recently had the opportunity to interview Ken Tanabe, the founder of Loving Day, on the nuances of ethnicity, how to celebrate Loving Day, and gatherings around the globe!

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An Interview with Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl

Earlier this spring, I met with Rabbi Angela Warwick Buchdahl in New York. I had heard of her years ago when I stumbled upon a video of her on Facebook, lighting Hanukkah candles at the White House with the Obamas. When I saw the video I was immediately brought to tears. Here was a woman who looked like me, and she was considered a leader. Rabbi Buchdahl is truly a force, and I’m so honored to share her story with you.

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Nourish Co. All Day Zine

Food is one of the most important aspects of any culture, and recipes, especially can connect generations of people. They connect the past with the present and allow us to add to the traditions we were born into, while also making them our own. Food has been one of the most prominent ways in which I’ve blended my Japanese and Jewish cultures, so I’m very excited to share my first Nourish Co. All Day zine with you.

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Navigating our Hxstories: Celebrating Japanese American Makers & Storytellers

Last month, I was lucky enough to be part of a panel and marketplace called “Navigating Our Hxistories: An Evening of Multi-Disiplinary Storytelling” in San Francisco’s Presidio. We wanted to create a space for people just like us, where for one of the first times, we could celebrate together and start to establish a sense of pride for who we are and how far we’ve come, thanks to the tireless work of all who came before us…

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Savory Potato Kugel with Preserved Lemon for Passover

I’m a savory person through and through. That’s why I was so excited to find recipes for savory potato kugel a few years back as I scrambled to think of something to bring to one of the first Passover Seders I was invited to. This potato kugel is bright in flavor (and presentation) with the addition of preserved lemons mixed in, and topped with fresh herbs and lemon zest. My favorite part is that it makes a great breakfast during the week of Passover.

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Low Waste Travel (Mottainai)

Earth Day is right around the corner! These days, I try to practice the essence of being kind to the Earth every day. I grew up with a long-standing, low-waste mentality; The Japanese concept of mottainai, which roughly translates to “what a waste!” While I do my best to practice mottainai at home, it is admittedly harder to do so while traveling. Through trial and error, I’ve created a guide with mottainai tips and tricks, as well as a few products that help reduce waste while traveling…

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Hawai'i-Inspired Hamantaschen

Purim, the most raucous holiday of the Jewish year is coming up on March 20-21. On Purim, we commemorate being saved with drinking, dressing up in costume, storytelling. Every year my tradition is to create a new take on a batch of Hamantaschen cookies, which are triangular, jam-filled cookies. This year, I’ve created Hawaii-inspired macadamia shortbread cookies filled with guava jam, an ode to my Dad’s upbringing in Hawaii. Enjoy!

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My Favorite Ritual and Home Objects

When I was growing up, my Mom would always remind me that “objects have feelings, too, so we must treat them with great care.” As I’ve gotten older and built my own home, I am finally beginning to understand what she meant. Even the smallest, inanimate objects in our home contain special energy and that’s why a family heirloom passed down through the generations can be such a powerful and treasured object. That’s why I am beyond excited to share with you a collection of my favorite objects!

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The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies with Matcha Salt

Years ago, I found my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and to this day, these are still the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever tasted. Since then, I’ve made a giant version of these cookies every year for Bryan’s birthday and for countless other life events for friends. As if these cookies couldn’t get any better, I’ve sprinkled matcha salt on them. Enjoy!

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Interview with Zahava Founder Jessica Hendricks Yee

For the very first Nourish Co. interview of the year, I am honored to share Jessica’s story with you. In it, she talks about the “beauty and challenge of celebrating our ancient heritages, while simultaneously embracing our modern, multicultural identities.” She shares what marrying into a Chinese family has taught her, her mother-in-law’s famous fish dumpling soup for Chinese New Year, her thoughts on interfaith and interracial marriage, and so much more…

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Shabbat Morning Everything Bagel Strata

When we host Shabbat dinner, we always have leftover challah. Since I don’t like sweets in the morning, I created this everything bagel savory challah strata with lox for Shabbat mornings instead. Besides being able to assemble this the night before, the best thing about this recipe is that you can customize it to any amount of challah you have left!

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