Make Way for Preserved Lemons in Your Life

IMG_0986If you are like me and have a sweet spot for Middle Eastern foods, then you have probably tried a few recipes that feature preserved lemon. Or at least you have seen them on the ingredient list and maybe wondered what they are. Don’t be discouraged and give preserved lemons a try. They are easy to make, add an amazing flavor intensity to any dish and absolutely belong into your range of condiments. Come and cook with us! Continue reading “Make Way for Preserved Lemons in Your Life”

My Cabbage is Alive: How to Make Sauerkraut

IMG_7709There are certain foods that come and go, others have been around for a long time and are here to stay. Or at least, they should be. Be honest, how often have we heard that including fermented foods like yogurt, miso, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut are nutritious and have healing powers benefiting our overall health? Well, it’s time to step up the game by learning how to make simple sauerkraut. While some readers might be well versed in the art of fermentation – such as my parents – we invite others to dip their tow into fermented foods by following this simple recipe of sauerkraut. Come and cook with us! Continue reading “My Cabbage is Alive: How to Make Sauerkraut”

Going Ga-Ga over Pickled Ginger

_DSC0494There are certain foods that one discovers later in life. For me, ginger is one of them. Growing up with a heavily Austrian/Italian cuisine, I found out about ginger’s zingy flavor, medicinal properties and anti-inflammatory capabilities when I was exposed to it through Asian foods. Back in Italy, we didn’t really use it. In fact, we didn’t even have ginger-snaps, as our equivalent holiday cookies – Lebkuchen – doesn’t feature that spice at all. The multitude of favorable healthy benefits of this spice is only matched by it’s many uses. Ginger’s tangy flavor, spiciness, freshness and mellow sweetness complements many a dish, both sweet and savory: think stir-fries and ice creams. My son loves ginger and would eat it every day: cooked, steamed, and, if he could have it his way, candied. This week, come and pickle some fresh ginger with us! Continue reading “Going Ga-Ga over Pickled Ginger”

The Queen of Bitter: Dandelions

IMG_0561Few people personify the concept of living with the seasons more than my mother. In touch with the world around them, my parents harvest the fruits and vegetables that their many plants and trees provide throughout the year. Whether early radishes, winter salads, watercress or dandelions, we always knew when spring had sprung from what was served at the table. Back by popular demand, please give a round of applause to dandelions, the queen of bitter. Come and cook with us! Continue reading “The Queen of Bitter: Dandelions”

Happy Raspberry Valentine’s!

_DSC0483In case you haven’t noticed, it is Valentine’s week. My kids have been frantically writing cards for all their classmates coming up with the cutest appreciation ideas: you make me laugh, you always help out and you know good jokes. They have been advised, not to bring any chocolates or sweets into school. That did not prevent one boy in class to bring in bacon one year. Individually wrapped slices of “Bacon Appreciation” for each kid in the class. Isn’t that absolutely genial? Of course, he immediately became my sons’ hero. In case indulging your loved one with bacon isn’t what you had in mind, show your love with this aptly named raspberry dessert instead. Come and make some Hot Love with us! Huh, this sounds promising! Continue reading “Happy Raspberry Valentine’s!”