When I saw a bunch of flowering chives at the store, it immediately drew my attention. Smelling the flowers, I was expecting, probably due to their lavender color, that they would have a sweet floral smell. However, to my surprise, they had fresh onion scent, similar to that of the chives. I later learned that the flowers are edible and can be used in the same way chives is used. Continue reading
When I bought some early season plums at the store, I was a bit disappointed with their flavor. As cooking, or baking, intensifies the flavor of unripe fruit, my solution was to use them in a cake. The fact that fruit cakes are my favorite, only added to the motivation. Continue reading
King oyster mushrooms (also known as king trumpet mushrooms, and by other names), are large mushrooms, with plump white leg and brown cap. Unlike most mushrooms, the cap is not separated from the leg, and the leg is actually the tastier part. It has a somewhat meaty texture, often compared to abalone, or scallops, and it keeps its shape and size when cooked. Though the mushrooms are native to the Mediterranean, they are more known in Asian cuisines, especially Japanese. Continue reading
Fresh corn is one of my favorite vegetables, and now that the season has started, I once again use it on its’ own, or mixed with different ingredients, to create new dishes. The following chicken patties are one example of the later. Continue reading
If you follow this blog for a while, you probably noticed by now that I’m very fond of upside-down cakes. The combination of buttery, caramelized fruit layer, with a light tasty cake on top, is one I can have again and again, and I enjoy creating new combinations for the basic cake. Continue reading
Dandelion is known mostly as a seasonal plant, of which all its parts have been used in cooking and traditional medicine from ancient times. To many who are unfamiliar with the plant, the greens are many times considered an invasive weed in fields and gardens, but they are in fact edible and highly nutritious. As I’m not a gardener myself, nor a forager of wild greens, I’ve never tried them, until I recently found them at the store, and decided to buy a bunch. Continue reading
Lemon curd is one of my favorite fruit spreads. It is wonderful when served with pastries, pancakes, cakes or cookies (check HERE for pairing with Cardamom Friands). I also use it often, as a filling for tarts or cakes, or to prepare a quick mousse, by mixing it with whipped cream. Continue reading
Unlike green/string beans, fava beans are more familiar to most in their dried form. They are also called broad beans for a reason, as they are substantially broader and bigger than green beans. Continue reading
When entertaining a large party, it’s always a good idea to serve a dessert buffet, with small portions of a few items, that the guests can help themselves to, according to their taste. On such a buffet, dairy-free, gluten-free, low sugar or vegan options are likely to please not only those who have dietary concerns, but rather, all the guests, especially after a fairly heavy dinner. Continue reading
I usually pair pork tenderloin with fruit, but this time, as I also had a nice red cabbage head, I’ve decided to go in a different direction. I roasted the cabbage with only salt and pepper, then poured a bit of maple syrup and red wine vinegar over it, when it came out of the oven. It was delicious. Continue reading
These “all in one bowl” cookies, are quick and easy to assemble, and can be made in less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The combination of buttery coffee flavored dough, with both dark and white chocolate chips, is just perfect when served with coffee or with strong tea. The cookies are chewy and soft, and burst with flavors, and are a great snack any time of the day. Try them and enjoy. Continue reading
