Riya Anne Polcastro
Location
La Paz, BCS, Mexico
School
University Of Oregon
Expertise
Celiac-friendly Foods, Street Food Staples, Fridge Cleanout Meals
- In 2017, Riya released a book about her experiences with undiagnosed celiac and how she used food to heal her gut.
- As a writer for TriplePundit, she has covered the relationship between the food system and the environment extensively.
- She thoroughly enjoys the challenge of cooking while traveling as well as replicating the meals she has eaten abroad after returning home.
Experience
Riya has been writing since she could hold a pencil — longer than that if the stories she dictated to her great-grandmother count. She has also been a big foodie for just about as long. While an autoimmune disease limits her gastronomic choices, she has learned to make the most out of the foods that are available to her. Because of this, she often makes restaurant-quality meals at home. It doesn't hurt that she has also worked in numerous restaurants, steakhouses, bistros, and bars where she learned a variety of techniques and new uses for ingredients. She loves to play around with new foods, take deep dives into the history and culture of her favorite dishes, and be among the first to try recently released gluten-free versions of old favorites.
Education
Riya has a bachelor's degree in sociology and history from the University of Oregon.
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Stories By Riya Anne Polcastro
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Shark Tank fans learned about a sweet ice cream sandwich alternative during season 11. What is paleo-friendly dessert company Coconut Girl up to now?
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Improperly sauteed mushrooms can certainly come out of the pan dripping, soggy, and even greasy. Which is why it's important to give them room to breathe.
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If you find yourself craving a steaming bowl of chili but have no tomatoes on hand, try reaching for a classic pantry staple to add some zest to your meal.
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In a video by Alex Gren on TikTok, the creator demonstrates how only two steps are needed to make an authentic crème brûlée latte at home. So what are they?
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Tapioca pearls are what make boba tea popular around the world. But boba pearls aren't just for tea anymore -- add them to pancakes for a surprising flavor pop.
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Not all white chocolate chips are created equal; we have the tip that will make sure your next batch of white chocolate chip cookies are the best ever.
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Not only is this unique pear bold and bright, but it's also deliciously juicy and perfectly sweet. Add it to any type of salad for an eye-catching presentation.
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The next time you grill chicken skewers, choose your cut of meat wisely. Opting for darker meats of the bird will create a juicier and more flavor-packed meal.
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If you are looking for a quick way to add some fruit fun to your boxed cake mix, you may want to try something other than adding jam to the batter.
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Those who are lactose intolerant or celiac, rejoice! There are only two ingredients needed for a simple chocolate brownie and it doesn't involve flour or dairy.
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It's time to kick your potato salad up a level. Here's how adding caramelized onions to the recipe will elevate this creamy and classic side dish.
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Whole foods are an integral part of clean eating. Identifying them will allow you to incorporate whole foods into your diet. But first, we need to define them.
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Perfect tuna steaks should be soft on the inside and crisply browned on the outside. To achieve this, we examine if they should sit out before cooking.
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Most often used in tacos or stir fry, skirt steak makes a tasty meal on its own. That's if you cook it right. For the best results, crank up the heat.
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Want symmetrical flowers decorating your cakes? A simple trick will help you create beautiful buttercream flowers to adorn your next baked delight.
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Chocolate liqueur is rich and delicious all on it's own, whether it's part of a cocktail or a recipe, and adding espresso powder can up the decadence.
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There are so many different regional varieties of frankfurters and wieners in the United States. Here's what makes a New York style-hot dog such a classic.
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Whip out that bottle of cognac next time you're making a creamy homemade soup. Not only will it balance out the flavor, but it will also cut the creaminess.
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All you need is a roll of parchment paper to make baking your at-home flatbread a piece of cake. Here's how this handy hack works.
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If your chicken and dumplings is lacking a certain something, try reaching for the turmeric that's been lurking in your pantry for far too long.
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However you like your tuna salad, there's an easy way to take it to another level. Top it with a handful of nuts for nutritional benefits and an extra crunch.
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Crispy, fluffy, golden tostones are easy to make at home. To end up with that perfect crunch, it's important to first get your green plantains good and wet.
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Create professional-looking hand-dipped chocolates at home by learning the right techniques. It might take a little longer, but trust us, it's worth it.
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There are countless tricks to achieving fluffy mashed potatoes. But next time you serve mash, give this one a try. Pop those taters into an ice bath.
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Have you ever wondered what sets steakhouse mashed potatoes apart from spuds you mash at home? The reason is simple enough, and easy to replicate.
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Not to be confused with cowboy butter, this light orange-colored dipping sauce is super smooth and creamy without being buttery. It's also sweet and zesty.
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If you've ever purchased some tuna steaks and wondered if you could cook them in your trusty air fryer, there are a few things you should know.