FrancesRenHuang

If you haven’t heard, we’re in DIY mode this year. We’re being healthy (ish); we’re trying new things. And we’re looking to our very own FrancesRenHuang for inspiration. An acupuncturist, yoga teacher, and restaurant reviewer, FrancesRenHuang brings us flavor-packed, healthful recipes from Asia by way of Buenos Aires. With a quick glance through her FOOD52 profile page, it’s obvious: this is food that makes you feel good -- and look good. (This is food from a yoga teacher, people.) The photos are vivid with color, the dishes sing with spice. They make us calm; they make us relaxed. 

And, most of all, they make us want to cook, to run into our kitchens and put all of our new year’s aspirations to good use. Want to DIY this year? Look no further than FrancesRenHuang’s Ghee, Creamy Greek Yogurt, and Garlic Naan with Whole Wheat. Want to eat healthier -- while still indulging in dessert? Try out her Wheat Bran Chocolate Chip Cookies, her Sesame Lace Cookies, her Almond Brittle Garnished with Sea Salt. For those exotic, flavor-packed weeknight dinners -- no, we don’t mean take-out -- the Gong Bao Ji Ding (pictured above), Thai Basil Stir-Fry, and Thai-Style Grilled Short Ribs with Spicy Dipping Sauce make us want to forget all about that mediocre Thai restaurant nearby. This year, we’re following FrancesRenHuang, green tea in hand.

Read our profile Q&A with FrancesRenHuang below, and check out her beautiful blog here.

• What's the strangest food you've ever eaten?
  Snake Blood
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• What do you cook when home alone?
  Thai: Stir-Fried Pork with Basil, accompanying with balsamic rice, fish sauce and a fried egg
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• Your most treasured kitchen possession:
  Iron skillet
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• The ideal number of guests for a dinner party is:
  8