Cheesecake + Cook in Israel Cookbook Announcement

As a freelance writer and photographer, I’m always juggling various projects and assignments of differing scopes. I’m very excited to announce one with which I have a great personal connection at this point, one that took up a lot of my time and creative energy in the past year, and one that I am very, very proud of. Cook in Israel: Home Cooking Inspiration with Orly Ziv is a...
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Strawberry Crisp

As opposed to the American Northeast, where summer is prime berry season, in Israel strawberries are abundant in winter. I love it. Right now the shuks are overflowing with fresh, ripe, vibrant strawberries to be purchased by the kilo. Which I do. So, while it was difficult to choose this month’s Secret Recipe Club recipe from my assigned blog, Cupcake Muffin, as soon as I saw this...
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Salted Caramels and a Christmas Blog Hop

This will be the first Christmas that I’m not spending at home, the only winter that I haven’t been in New York. The sandstorm we just had in the desert doesn’t quite take the place of snowflakes, and the warm weather is at odds with traditional Christmas carols. But, I’ll be in Bethlehem, which is pretty neat. And I have plenty of salted caramels to fill my...
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Cranberry Sauce Upside Down Cake and a Thanksgiving Leftovers Blog Hop

Guys, it’s been a long week. The stress of the most recent Israel-Gaza conflict, which went on for eight loud days and sleepless days, was starting to get to me. The uncertainty – and intractability – of the situation was exhausting. But as of Wednesday night, just in time for Thanksgiving, they reached a ceasefire. For that I am beyond thankful. And while I probably won’t have any...
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Homemade Peanut Butter Cups and a Halloween Blog Hop

It’s hard to believe that it’s already the end of October. Living in a country that doesn’t celebrate Halloween, it’s easy to forget that it’s approaching without the sensory overload of decorations, costumes, scary music and candy. The leaves here aren’t changing color and it’s still a balmy 83F outside. But ever the consummate expat, I refuse to let go...
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Sugar Free Sugar Cookies and a Cookie Blog Hop

I know it sounds crazy even to say – sugar free sugar cookies? It’s a total oxymoron. But when planning a baby shower for a woman with gestational diabetes the usual sweet buffet just won’t do. Beth cut most normal carbs and processed sugars out of her diet, and took regular blood sugar tests so knew that she reacted well to spelt flour and agave nectar. My mission: To make...
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How to Make a Watermelon Baby Carriage

While this post is uncharacteristic of me and this blog, baby fever has taken over my life. My Facebook feed is overrun with babies these days, and in real life it’s time for my first close friend to have a child. My very best friend in Israel Beth is due any day (hour?! minute?!) now and so a few weeks ago I had the fun of planning my first baby shower. I needed baby shower food ideas, and...
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Strawberry Rhubarb Pie for World on a Plate

As soon as Pola announced that the theme for this month’s World on a Plate event I knew I would be making Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie, perhaps the most quintessential American summer pie. You already know how I feel about strawberry and rhubarb from my cocktail, and if you have my e-cookbook then you’ve seen my strawberry-rhubarb turnovers. Nothing, though, is more classic – or more...
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Guest Post: Strawberry Tart and an Easter Blog Hop

Oh do I have an exciting post for you. While I am in Istanbul (cue song: Istanbul not Constantinople) I have a very special guest: Kim from Cravings of a Lunatic! You may recall that I did a guest post for her back in December. If you read food blogs then chances are you know Kim, but if not head on over and check out her blog. I promise you will leave with a smile on your face. Not only does Kim...
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Strawberry Shortcake and a Strawberry Blog Hop

Is it strawberry season where you live? Here in Israel it’s my favorite time of year. Strawberries, artichokes, fresh almonds, and gorgeous fresh garlic are all in season and in abundance. I love it!!! It’s actually nearing the end of strawberry season, which is when they are cheapest and at they’re best. What better use for glorious fresh strawberries than strawberry...
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