Articles by Don Nicholas

Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is a perfect balance of hearty and light, with rich broth, delicate greens, and homemade meatballs. A timeless favorite, it brings warmth to any table with every  

Tropical Asian Fruit Sorbet

Tropical fruit sorbet is the perfect way to end a meal—light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. Inspired by vibrant street markets in Asia, this dessert transforms ripe mangos, lychees, dragon  
Garden-Fresh Chicken Chow Mein

Garden-Fresh Chicken Chow Mein

As a kid, I saw vegetables as an afterthought—until my dad introduced chicken chow mein. With fresh garden produce and a rich, savory sauce, this dish turned veggies into the  
Garden-Fresh Vegetable Fried Rice

Garden-Fresh Vegetable Fried Rice

Growing up, my dad—a chef and gardener—taught me that the best meals start with fresh ingredients. His fried rice, made with vegetables from our Sacramento garden, was simple yet unforgettable.  
Steamed Dumplings

Steamed Dumplings

Growing up as the son of a chef, I often found myself in restaurant kitchens, mesmerized by the craft of cooking. One night at Mr. Lee’s Chinese restaurant, I was  
Vegetable Spring Rolls

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a celebration of fresh, vibrant produce wrapped in delicate rice paper. With roots in East and Southeast Asia, they have evolved into a versatile dish enjoyed worldwide.  
Miso Soup

Miso Soup

Miso soup is more than a dish—it’s a cornerstone of Japanese tradition. Dating back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333), it nourished samurai before battle and grounded Buddhist monks in simplicity.  
Garden-Fresh California Rolls

Garden-Fresh California Rolls

California rolls are a sushi staple, offering a fresh and accessible twist on traditional rolls. Originating in Los Angeles in the 1960s, they swapped raw fish for avocado and placed  
Flan Mexicano

Flan Mexicano

In the early 1980s, a Houston restaurant opening introduced me to a life-changing dessert—Mexican flan. Its smooth texture and caramelized sweetness left a lasting impression. Determined to recreate the magic,  
Mexican Lasagna

Mexican Lasagna

At a rehearsal dinner in Austin, I expected classic lasagna but was surprised with a Tex-Mex masterpiece. Layers of spiced beef, black beans, and cheese created a dish that blended