There are many beliefs and opinions on food that I share with Jessica, but there is one thing about which we disagree: bitter food. Jessica loves bitter food; I, on the other hand, struggle to stomach it. Growing up it was the one taste sensation that was very hard for me to … swallow. And even though today I understand that bitter food aids digestion by nature of its molecular structure, which is similar to the juices in our stomach, I remain skeptical. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal Review “For Healthy Eating, Bitter is Better” written by Barb Stuckey gave me enough of a nudge, however, to consider balancing my sweet nothings with a little bitterness every now and again. Come and cook with us! Continue reading “Bitter is Better”
Month: May 2012
All the Way from Italy
This is a special week for me as my husband Dan and I are headed off to Northern Italy for a belated honeymoon. Yay. We picked Northern Italy for two reasons: first, Dan, who is a winemaker, makes a wine in the style of that region. The label is called Massican and it’s delicious, so I was game for a honeymoon in the region. But the second reason has to do with my friend and blogging partner Kathrin. She introduced me to Northern Italy when she invited me to attend her wedding in her home town in Sudtirol. I am forever grateful to her for bringing this part of Italy into my life and heart, so for this week’s post I’ve asked her to share her two or three favorite recipes from the region. She’s cooked them all for me and I can attest first hand they are delicious. Come and cook with us (in Italy)!
Asparagus with Bozner Sauce
Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Hot Love Raspberry Dessert
Mango Hedgehogs Anyone?
Eating my first mango is a moment I will never forget. I was fifteen and we were on a vacation in the Indian Ocean, and the waiter put a bowl of fruit in front of me. It looked like melon, but the smell was so exotic I thought, ‘there’s something different here’. My first bite was surprising and delightful, and the memory is so powerful that seeing, smelling or tasting a fresh mango always brings it back; what a glorious way to think about this fantastic fruit. My children’s first mango experience was not nearly as rich – mangoes were a staple in their baby food, as I had developed a strong attachment them by then – but my boys benefit greatly from their year round availability. Lucky boys. Nevertheless, this is the time of year when super sweet mangoes are available at reasonable prices. So join me in my walk down memory lane and grab a few mangoes for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Come and cook with us. Continue reading “Mango Hedgehogs Anyone?”
Take a Chance on Chives
Few things remind me of spring as much as fresh chives do. Whether sprinkled on salads, soups or even bread, chives are the perfect bright green accompaniment to any dish. And because they grow in just about any environment, you can grow them yourself, easily. Chives need little attention, are proliferate, and are a great starter plant for your children to tend. Try it at your house. Come and cook with us! Continue reading “Take a Chance on Chives”
Why We Do It!
A week and a half ago my mother, Anita, arrived in Tiburon for her annual visit. I look forward to these trips not only because she is my mother, but also because she is the best cook I know, she thinks riding a bike to your destination is always better than driving, and at 71 she can still out climb me (as she did this past weekend in Yosemite). What’s more, she is the quintessential native Italian woman, as she does not suffer fools when it comes to food. While sitting in a local diner in the Yosemite area she turned to me and said, “With the way food is made here in the US, no wonder you put so much emphasis on cooking your own meals.” Luckily she didn’t say it in English, but if I were to be completely honest I’d say she’s right. While we have multiple different convenient ways to feed ourselves, we can very rarely find well-prepared, wholesome, healthy store-bought or restaurant food. So, read on to hear our top reasons why you should make home cooking a priority (besides that you’ll make Anita happy). Come and cook with us! Continue reading “Why We Do It!”
Come and Cook with Us 