The Doctor's Spicebox - Thrive Kitchen Cooking Classes

08/22/2026

World Sources of Food
John Garth, 1959

08/21/2026

I used Zola Gregory ‘s fabulous recipe for Sweet Corn Crepes in TASTE to make these Sweet Corn Lemon and Sugar Blintzes— reminiscent of the classic French crêpes au citron et au sucre, but make it .
Best of fresh summer corn for the crêpes, filled with a squeeze of lemon, sprinkling of crunchy granulated sugar, low-fat cottage cheese, and finished with lemon zest.
For the crêpes:
https://tastecooking.com/recipes/sweet-corn-crepes-with-blueberry-compote/

08/09/2026

I felt so FREE “walking” with my knee scooter today— first “walk” in nature in 2 months!
So grateful to Grace Hwang Lynch for picking up the scooter for me in San Jose and delivering it to me in San Francisco, and to the stranger who gave it away for free on Craigslist!
I’ve gotten much better at using this scooter, but also hoping I don’t need it for much longer.
The past two months have taught me how challenging it can be to have mobility issues.

08/06/2026

No time to eat out and honestly this is better than restaurant food 😉

08/06/2026

This was the third class I’ve taught mainly seated because of my foot injury. Not easy!
Hoping I’ll be literally back on my feet for the next one.

08/05/2026

How to Cook When You Can’t Stand

I’ve had a hurt foot for 4 months now, and it’s been challenging in so many ways. I decided to turn lemons into lemonade and share some tips which I hope will help others in the same boat. I actually created this video two months ago, when I thought I’d only be out of commission for a month. It’s literally been one step forward, two steps back!...

I’ve had a hurt foot for 4 months now, and it’s been challenging in so many ways. I decided to turn lemons into lemonade and share some tips which I hope will help others in the same boat. I actual…

07/30/2026

Stanford Research Study – Participants Needed! 📢

Join a Stanford University research study evaluating the effects of culturally tailored meals on blood glucose control in Asian Indian and Filipino adults with Type 2 Diabetes.

Eligible participants will wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for one month, pick up and consume culturally tailored meals, complete food tracking and surveys, and receive a $75 gift card upon study completion.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to complete the pre-screening form or contact [email protected] for more information.

07/30/2026

🍅My Father’s Taiwanese Tomato Salad

Ingredients
2-3 medium, very ripe beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes
a thumb of ginger (about 2 inches)
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp soy sauce

Method
1     Core and slice tomatoes into wedges and place into a bowl.
2    Peel and grate ginger (using a Japanese ginger grater is ideal but you can also use a rasp grater, like a Microplane), and add it and its juices to a small bowl with the sugar and soy sauce.  Adjust for gingeryness and sweetness.  Stir until sugar is dissolved.
3 Pour sauce over the tomatoes, and allow to sit for 15-30 minutes before serving.  Arrange on a plate to serve, and optionally garnish with thinly sliced scallions.

Read the story behind this recipe on my blog, SpiceboxTravels.com

07/30/2026

My Father’s Taiwanese Tomato Salad

Are you looking for a new tomato salad recipe? Longtime readers of SpiceboxTravels may recognize this recipe from when I first published it seven years ago. It's a very simple recipe that relies (and showcases) the best summer tomatoes. And it's from a surprising source-- my father, who doesn't cook at all. The first time I made this salad, seven years ago, I was hope taking care of my mother, who had broken her hip....

Are you looking for a new tomato salad recipe? Longtime readers of SpiceboxTravels may recognize this recipe from when I first published it seven years ago. It’s a very simple recipe that rel…

07/28/2026

There is so much noise out there about "longevity hacks." But here is some solid advice I wholeheartedly agree with and try to follow myself. The nutrition recommendations, to increase fermented food and get some protein at each meal are pretty easy to implement. If you're not sure how to integrate these into your routine, I recommend:
1) Eating fermented foods: Try adding Greek yogurt to your breakfast (with fruit and nuts, blended into your smoothie, or to make your overnight oats)-- which will also take care of your breakfast protein. Or add kimchi when you are eating Asian food, sauerkraut to your sandwich, or pickled red onions to your tacos.
2) Protein at each meal: There's protein powder of course, but I prefer to get my protein from whole foods when possible. I've already recommended Greek yogurt at breakfast, but you can also use add a dollop to your meals, such as with Indian food, or add some lemon juice and garlic/garlic powder and add it to your grain bowls or alongside Mediterranean dishes. Cottage cheese is also trending, and can be used in much the same way. And you can also increase your protein intake by adding beans or lentils to your salads or really anything you're eating, as a side.

What are your favorite fermented foods and ways to get protein at every meal?

How you care for yourself at this life stage matters a lot for your later years.