Warm Octopus, Beans and Fennel Salad

 

Octopus has a unique texture, much “meatier” than that of its’ relative the squid. It requires a longer blanching and cooking time, which is why I don’t often use it.
However, as I’ve read somewhere that when it is blanched, cut into smaller pieces, frozen and thawed, it requires much shorter cooking time – I’ve decided to give this option a try.

Condensed Milk Dough Cookies with Poppy Seed Filling

 

Ever since I’ve discovered the following condensed milk dough, I’ve been using it in different ways, and was very pleased with the results every time.
This time, I matched this wonderful dough with an equally wonderful poppy seed filling, and the result was just as pleasing.

Mini Filo Shells with Pears, Dried Cranberries and Pistachios

 

Having a box of filo pastry shells in the freezer, makes it extremely easy to prepare sweet or savory tasty finger food. All that is needed is to quickly crisp the shell in a toaster oven, and fill them with whatever filling you have in mind.

Crispy Dry Rub Roasted Chicken Wings

 

Even though I’m far from being interested in any competitive sport, Super Ball Sunday is still a good reason to have chicken wings.

Swirl Sour Cream Cake with Dried Fruit and Walnuts

 

The following swirl cake is a wintry version of a summery fresh fruit cake I have posted a few years ago.

Caldo Godro – Sephardic Cheese and Tomato Paste Dip

 

Caldo godro is a Sephardic term in Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), used to describe a warm (=caldo), thick (=godro) broth, which is actually more of a warm dip than a broth.

Spiced Zucchini Cake with Golden Raisins and Walnuts

 

When the weather outside is getting colder, a simple homey cake. served with a hot beverage, is a good way to keep warm. The following zucchini cake is exactly that.

Flourless Mushroom and Cheese Bake

 

After all the fairly heavier holiday season’s dishes, I felt it was time for some lighter dishes, yet, at the same time, filling and warming.

Baked Camembert Cheese with Cherry-Kumquat, Ginger and Brandy Jam

Baked white rind cheese, such as Camembert or Brie, is one of the easiest, yet most festive dishes for a relaxed entertainment. Baking the cheese turns it even creamier, enhances its flavor, and keeps it at the perfect texture for serving with tasty additions, such as crackers and fruits. The pairing of delicately salty cheese and sweetish/aromatic additions is hard to resist.

Crispy Spelt and Semolina Pizza with Cherry Tomatoes Sauce

I don’t often follow recipes to the letter, mine included. However, one recipe that I don’t change is the following pizza dough, which I’ve created years ago, and keep preparing it without change. As I prepared it again this week, I’ve realized it’s been quite a few years since I’ve posted the recipe for it, and thought it would be a good idea to re-post it. So, here it is once again. Try it and Enjoy!

Pasta Salad With Broccoli and Feta Cheese

Finding a new, at least for me, type of pasta, was a good enough reason to think about making pasta salad, which I haven’t made much during the extra hot days of summer.

This type of pasta, called “Mafalda” looks like a mini version of the larger lasagna pasta sheets, with their crinkly edges. I thought this unique shape could work well in a salad.