Tag: Summer

Check for Chickpea(flour)

IMG_7398The fall might be seem like lightyears away, but we have already started to look at delicious, tasty and inviting cookbooks that we hope to sell at our book fair later this year. As you know, I’m always on the lookout for lesser known authors who put extra thoughts into creating recipes for the home chef that are doable on a weeknight while still being nutritious, delicious and satisfying. One such book I really like is Chickpea Flour Does It All by Lindsey S. Love who is also the creator of Dolly and Oatmeal.

Garbanzo – or chickpea flour – is made from finely ground, dried chickpeas. It has all the characteristics I am looking for in a flour: it’s gluten-free, grain-free, low-glycemic, and exceptionally high in protein. While relatively new in Western Cuisine, it has been used for centuries in Mediterranean, Indian and Southeast Asian cooking. I’ve written about making Farinata with chickpea flour before. The reason I prefer it to other more main-stream gluten free flour options is that it has a taste that reminds me of whole wheat flour, which I love. Many of the flour alternatives are just starchy fillers without much flavor. What do you think of it?
This cookbook contains a collection of recipes that focus entirely on this versatile and nutritious ingredient. I’ve tried the Sweet Crepes, the Mango Poppy Seed Cornmeal Muffins and want to share with you a Dutch Baby that was inspired by a recipe in the book. You can whip it up in a jiffy and it bakes while the kids are still waking up. What a perfect way to start these gorgeous summer days. Come and cook with us!

A Fennel Marathon

IMG_3348Did you know that fennel is the Greek name for marathon? Not because eating fennel gives you stamina and endurance. Rather, the Greek beat the Persians in 490 B.C., in a fennel field that is exactly 26 miles and 385 yards from Athens. They sent a runner to bring the good news into town and ever since then, the length of a marathon race has remained the same as the distance between the fennel field and town. Luckily, you don’t have to go that far out of your way to get some fennel. Come and cook with us! Continue reading “A Fennel Marathon”

Down to London for Some Pimm’s

IMG_1358If you are up for a novelty drink this summer, let me introduce you to Pimm’s, the “other” national drink of England which I’ve been enjoying during my recent stay in London. It brings back lovely memories of my life here, sitting along the Thames, sipping Pimm’s and being carelessly young and happy! Put aside any soccer rivalry and reach across the pond for a bottle of Pimm’s. You won’t regret it. Come and cook with us! Continue reading “Down to London for Some Pimm’s”

Cooking or Exercising? Ideally Both!

IMG_5056The conundrum on how we best spend our time continues. A recent meta data analysis determined that exercise is less important than diet if our goal is to lose weight. And as we at Come and Cook with Us aren’t really focused on eating to slim the waist, we want to point out that while regular exercise is really really good for our muscles, joints, heart, lungs, and mental wellbeing, we aren’t told often enough that making time for a home-cooked meal is just as important, if not more. We know it’s hard to fit it all in, but a little can go a long way so this summer we invite you all to try a few new habits. Come and cook with us!

Maybe there isn’t anyone getting rich by telling us this simple truth. Or maybe we are told, but with little impact given the competing multi-million dollar marketing budgets focused on getting us into the gym, dressed in our best athletic outfits and enticing us to follow each and every move with digital wearables like fitbit. Our public service announcement is pretty simple: Let’s try to find a healthy lifestyle that incorporates both exercise and nutritious food. Here are a few suggestions on how to implement it:

  • Keep it simple.
  • Start with one meal, like breakfast, if you feel overwhelmed.
  • Make it a family effort giving kids a role in choosing, shopping for and preparing the meal.
  • Always add a salad.
  • Switch out the ice cream for water melon, peaches, apricots, cherries and more fresh fruits that are in season right now.
  • Reach for the water and skip the soda.
  • Remember what your ideal plate looks like: 1/2 plate fresh produce, 1/4 whole grain and 1/4 protein.
  • Visit the farmers market and talk to the farmers.
  • Make it social by asking your friends for their go-to-recipes. You’ll have a wide repertoire of new ideas when fall comes around.

Regular exercise is indeed an excellent way to boost your mood and get in great shape. And so is cooking. This summer, spend a little less time letting other people tell you what will make you happy, healthy and wise, and instead listen to what your own body is telling you. Here’s to a good summer! Below are links to some of our favorite summer dishes that are easy to make and delicious to eat. Come and cook with us!

Greek Salad
Bircher Muesli and Refrigerated Oatmeal
Oven Baguette
Mediterranean Poached Chicken Salad
Lone Pine Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Fennel, Avocado and Orange Salad
Salad Dressings

Cheering for Cherries

_DSC0546I can hardly believe that we’re already in June. That means the school year is coming to an end, June gloom is dictating the temperatures in SF and, of course, it’s cherry season! The farmer’s market stands are crowded with all kinds of stone fruits including peaches, nectarines, plums, pluots, apricots and cherries. Get your filling while it lasts. As far as I’m concerned, I can’t have enough cherries. The best way to eat these little juicy gems is probably right off the tree or at least by popping them into your mouth and letting the sweetness run down your chin. However, if you want to eat cherries in a more mannered way, and without messing up your clothes, we suggest you try this estival quinoa salad. Who says you can’t dress a fruit salad. Come and cook with us! Continue reading “Cheering for Cherries”