I’ve struggled with my oven in Israel. It’s electric, it’s in Celsius, but more than anything it’s uneven. A cake comes out perfectly cooked on the outside, and completely raw in the middle. I can produce good banana bread, and I’ve even managed to pump out a decent cake, but for the most part my oven is unreliable. So I’ve been trying to expand my dessert repertoire beyond baked goods. Continue reading “Poached Pears, An Elegant Treat”
As I write this, it is Easter Sunday in Budapest and the church bells are ringing. I’ve been away from Israel for 10 days so I don’t honestly know whether fresh almonds are even still at the market. Two weeks ago, they were there. Not in Be’er Sheva, of course, but in Jerusalem (and I hear Tel Aviv). They were in such abundance it was easy to forget that their season typically lasts a few short weeks (the Almond Board claims they are available April through June). Somehow, fresh almonds seem appropriate for Easter. Rebirth and all that. Continue reading “At the Market: Fresh Almonds”
Samosas were probably the first Indian food I fell in love with. How could you not? Perfectly fried triangles of curried potato and peas in a crispy shell are the ideal snack, almost any time. In college I studied abroad in India and fell even deeper for Indian flavors, although what we in America think of as Indian food is a little different. I’ve been making samosas ever since I’ve had my own kitchen, over 10 years, and they are always crowd pleasers. Continue reading “Samosas with Loquat-Onion Chutney”
It’s been nearly 10 days since I posted anything, the longest gap since I started this blog in September. Between visitors, Purim, rockets, a Med school event, food poisoning, or maybe it was a stomach virus, a culinary tour in Tel Aviv, and articles due I just didn’t have the energy. I didn’t even cook. For a few days I could barely eat. Continue reading “Lunch Special Brown Sauce”
My kumquat supply was dwindling, but I still had more than I could eat. Some, I’m sad to say, even began to go bad. I knew I had to take drastic action to preserve the kumquats so I could continue to enjoy them at my lazy place. That’s where candying comes in. Once you’ve come up with all the possible ways to enjoy your kumquats fresh, its time to candy. Continue reading “Candied Kumquats, Two Ways”
Everyone needs a battery of quick, healthy weeknight recipes. This chickpea and cauliflower will be entering mine. Between the fiber-heavy chickpeas and vitamin C-packed cauliflower (plus lots of other good nutrients) this vegetarian meal is easy, filling, and darn good for you. Continue reading “Chickpea and Cauliflower Curry”
I know it’s hip to love quinoa, but I can’t help it. I love quinoa. I would eat it even if it was considered junk food. That toasty, nutty flavor – not to mention the texture – adds character to any dish, and is worth integrating into any diet, no matter what. Luckily, it’s been lauded as a “superfood.” Basically, that means it’s really good for you. Continue reading “The Tastiest Superfood”
I love sweet potatoes, and I love the idea of sweet potato soup but too often it ends up being bland or overly sweet. Sometimes its a little too much like baby food, or there’s too much cream to thicken it up. I was sick all last week and so of course I wanted soup. But I also didn’t want to make something that was overly involved or complicated; I was sick after all and it was a nasty virus. So I decided to make sweet potato soup, but with attitude. Continue reading “Sweet Potato Soup with Attitude”
This recipe was born out of the desire to cook with what I had on hand. It required a bit of creativity, and I honestly didn’t expect all that much. A healthful supper, but not something memorable. But then the flavors came together. The natural affinity of black beans and sweet potatoes became apparent, and the aromatic seasoning brought the dish from plain Jane to something special. It turned out damn good. Continue reading “A Hearty Hash for Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner”
When you need a quick weeknight meal with a little spice (literally) consider a coconut curry in place of your old stir fry or pasta standby. Ideal for a weeknight supper, curries can be made using whatever vegetables and protein you have on hand. Although your pantry might not be stocked with coconut milk and curry paste (mine are, no surprise there) they’re easy enough to purchase and are worth having on hand (I think it’s easier to find coconut milk in Be’er Sheva than in NY!). Continue reading “Free Form Coconut Curry”
