May 2013
1 post
On Restaurant Service
Last Saturday night we were invited out by our very dear friends for dinner at Palma on Cornelia Street in the West Village. Our friends have excellent taste in restaurants so in no way did I question their choice.
When we arrived we also realized that it was directly across from one of my absolute favorite restaurants in NYC, Po, once owned by Chef Mario Batali. I have been going there literally...
April 2013
5 posts
Reflections on my mom
This year it’s been 15 years since my mom passed away from Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and I think this past year has actually been one of the most difficult without her.
When my mom first died, some people warned me how difficult it would be not to have her down the road, especially during lifecycle events such as weddings, children and other moments of joy. Well, they were right.
It’s...
Mom's Taco Night
One of my favorite dinners growing up was taco night, which didn’t happen weekly, but probably happened around every 3 weeks. Which simply wasn’t frequent enough for me.
My mom would buy those El Paso hard-shell tacos and seasoning mix. Gd only knows what was in those packets - probably a combination of salt, MSG and some other cancer-causing ingredient that tastes like heaven.
She...
In Praise of Carbs
When did digging out the inside of a bagel become the only acceptable way for Jewish/Manhattan/annoying women to eat the beloved breakfast treat? For me, eating the chewy part of the bagel is just as important as eating the crusty outside. Furthermore, I just love bagels. Great with cream cheese, piled high with lox and tomato, great for a tuna melt, and perhaps my most favorite of all - the pizza...
Tortellini Alfredo
One of my favorites dinners my mom would make was tortelini alfredo. She liked to make it with ham and peas, but those were my least favorite parts and I would simply eat around them. So she would often make the dish sans ham and peas just for me. Thanks mom, that was nice.
Since I am slightly more grown-up, as I recreated this childhood favorite last night I decided better put the peas in....
A Month of Mom's Meals
April is the saddest month of my year. My mom died on April 26th, a beautiful sunny Spring day, and so I can’t help but become overcome with a sense of loneliness and sadness on bright, sunny Spring days. I know that may seem strange to some people, but each of our pasts shapes our perspective, and this is mine.
There’s a Martina McBride song that always reminded me of the day my mom...
March 2013
4 posts
Pizza, Pizza, Pizza in Jersey City
Jersey City has some truly amazing culinary options including Thirty Acres, a James Beard-award winning restaurant; Brownstone Diner, which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives; and Torico’s Homemade Ice Cream, offering so many delicious flavors it’s hard to choose.
And in the past few months, we’ve had an explosion of new pizza options in the neighborhood.
First to open...
What I'm Cooking for Passover
Ugh, Passover. Why are Jews so damn annoying about this holiday!?
I will never understand the jelly rings, matzah meal or obsession with making things like kosher-for-Passover cupcakes. Cupcakes shouldn’t and cannot be KP. Just deal without a cupcake for a week and eat some berries.
The husband and I have what we now consider our tried-and-true Passover Seder menu that is simple, classic...
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March 2012
2 posts
3 tags
Chocolate Mousse for Passover
I’m always looking for a good Passover dessert and my litmus test for whether something is ‘good’ is whether you would alsoeat it the rest of the year. My chocolate mousse recipe, inspired by this recipe fromThe New York Times achieves just that: good enough to eat all year round, but no chametz (leavened bread products)!
You can either make the chocolate mousse plain and serve...
Compost Cookies
Everyone loves compost cookies, and what I love most about them is that you can add whatever combination of ingredients strikes your fancy.
I recently made this version of the famous Momofuku Milk Bar recipe, and I couldn’t stop talking about the very specific steps this recipe laid out, which I swear made the difference between a good cookie, and a great cookie.
While we’re talking...
February 2012
1 post
Best, Simple Brownies!
My fellow baker friend Kim and I have often lamented how difficult it is to find a good brownie recipe. Truth be told, I almost never make brownies, and when I do I am more likely to make a Duncan Hines mix or Ghiardelli mix rather than from scratch.
But this week I finally found a recipe that came out as flavorful, moist and chewy as the boxed variety. I highly recommend these Cappuccino...
January 2012
4 posts
Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates
A few years ago, the husband and I had one of the best meals of our life, and as part of it, we ate one of the most delicious things you may ever taste: mascarpone stuffed dates with thick sea salt. Where was this life-changing meal? None other than at Komi, a now much acclaimed Mediterranean inspired, tasting menu-only restaurant in Washington, DC. When we went, it was very new (a bit cheaper),...
Winter Citrus Edamame Salad
Since I announced I was pregnant (btw, I am pregnant), everyone has been asking me: WHAT ARE YOU EATING!? It might be disappointing to hear that more than anything I have been craving fruit, especially citrus fruit! Good timing since citrus is now at its peak.
I made this salad combo recently, and couldn’t eat it fast enough. You could also add some feta or goat cheese to this salad to...
Coconut "Snowball" Cake
Coconut might sound a little tropical for December, but this simply decorated cake can be a perfect wintry dessert. You can also use these recipes to make cupcakes, or a double layered cake instead of a bundt.
Try this recipe for the coconut cake, which I finished with a cream cheese glaze and toasted fresh coconut. You can also use the sweetened, shredded coconut you find in the baking aisle...
December 2011
4 posts
Guest Post: Sea Salt Caramels
My husband and I are obsessed with all things salty + sweet, especially sea salt caramels. As I write this, I just gave my husband an entire container of these treats from Whole Foods as a Hanukkah gift.
So when my dear friend and fellow baker said she had made some recently, I was thrilled she wanted to share her method and the recipe she used. ENJOY.
Sea Salt Caramels, by Rachel...
An Updated Oatmeal Cookie
My grandma Phoebe loves to share that Oatmeal raisin cookies are her absolute favorite, and that my mother always used to make them for her. I also love Oatmeal raisin cookies, since they sort of give the illusion of eating something healthy, while of course, they are not.
But sometimes, especially during the holidays, you are looking for a cookie that’s just a little more special.
Here is...
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Kutschers Tribeca!
I don’t remember the last time I was so excited about a restaurant, and then was equally excited by the meal consumed. Last night my husband and I headed to Kutschers Tribeca, which opened three weeks ago and I am describing as “haute Jewish cuisine.”
One look at the menu, and if you don’t want to make a reservation immediately, then, there might be something wrong with...
Autumn Fruit Chopped Salad
My husband loves salads with “lots of stuff in it,” while I tend to go for just a few key seasonal ingredients. Somehow, we both loved this salad, a chopped flavorful salad with lots of texture.
For salad:
2 cups butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 seedless cucumber, peeled and diced
1/2 gala apple, diced
1/2 asian pear, diced
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup...
November 2011
1 post
3 tags
Olive Tapenade
Confession: I have absolutely brought recipes with me from each of my past relationships. In fact, I think the only thing that all of my exes have in common is the fact that they also loved food like I do.
My olive tapenade recipe is an adaptation from an ex-boyfriend’s mother who was, while no great fan of me, all the same a very good cook. I guess when life hands you lemonade, make...
October 2011
2 posts
3 tags
Humpday Food Porn
Home made spaghetti and meatballs. Mmmm. And check out the recipe for Pizza Bagel Meatballs if you want to make these bad balls at home.
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Pumpkin Lasagna
You may have noticed I have a bit of an obsession with all things Pumpkin. Last Autumn it was pumpkin mac n cheese. And this year I brought out an old favorite I have not made for awhile: pumpkin lasagna.
Most people relate lasagna with the classic Italian American dish with cheese and tomato sauce, which is of course all fine and good. But lasagna can come in lots of varieties that do not...
September 2011
1 post
Welcome to NJ
After a long hiatus while I was summering and moving, I am back and I have moved to NJ. I know – its painful for me to even write those words. A colleague sent me a message on Facebook recently that read “well, hurricanes, earthquake – and now you have moved to NJ – I know hell has frozen over!” Indeed, I will be blogging for the next year from Jersey City, NJ – which while I do not love yet - I...
June 2011
2 posts
Humpday Food Porn
Oreo cupcakes from a recent party for my sister. Enjoy!
Bloody Mary Gazpacho
While a lot of people love bloody marys to drink, I have found not as many people love gazpacho - a chilled, Spanish tomato soup. But summertime is the perfect time for a cool soup as a light appetizer. Here is a recent recipe I tried, which combined cocktail with soup, served in a playful martini glass and garnished like a brunch-time drink. Even my husband, who hates gazpacho, didn’t mind...
May 2011
1 post
Instant Mocha Latte
Before I dive into my new favorite coffee trick, I have to apologize, yet again, for being a delinquent blogger. After so much Passover cooking,I definitely needed a breather from being in the kitchen 24/7, so I have some posts forthcoming.
In the meantime, I have to share my new coffee trick and also my favorite coffee blend.
First up: dreamy coffee from Sylvesters in Sag Harbor, NY. This...
April 2011
6 posts
Kosher Vin Santo Wine
Well, I have been proven wrong. It happens about 3 times per year.
Remember that time when I said it would be nearly impossible to find Kosher Vin Santo wine in order to make a proper (kosher) Tuscan Liver Spread?
Well lo and behold - it has been discovered.
You can order Kosher Vina Santo here, though I cannot yet vouch for quality.
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By Popular Demand: Passover Desserts
Passover desserts really suck, eh? And while flourless chocolate torte is a tried and trustworthy favorite, sometimes you need to mix it up.
Both of these Passover-ideal dessert recipes have been inspired by other recipes, and require almost NO alteration from the original, which is why they are so good! When I look for Passover recipes, I look for things that won’t require a complicated,...
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Passover Menu 2011
Our menu for second night seder. Chag Sameach and Happy Passover. More recipes coming soon!
Gefilte Fish
Candied Walnut Charoset
Tuscan Style Liver Spread
Dill Matzo Ball Soup
Citrus-Rosemary Roast Turkey
Osso Bucco with Quinoa
Roasted Aspargus
Chocolate Dipped Macaroons
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Horseradish Vodka
I am obsessed with horseradish infused vodka, and pretty much all things Russian: Anna Karenina is my favorite book, I took Russian for three years in college, Shostakovich piano and cello pieces get me excited; and give me some pickled vegetables, sour cream and pelmini, and I am a happy girl. I own my dorkiness proudly.
Back to the vodka.
In the past year, I have relished sampling the Russian...
4 tags
Not your mom's Chopped Liver
I hate Passover. I hate the boxes of processed disgustingness and dark chocolate jelly rings (which my husband loves). I hate overpriced bottles of mayo and meat prices jacked up just because. I hate Passover for lots of obvious reasons.
But I do view Passover as a culinary challenge, one that I’ve been working on for many years.
One of my favorite recent Passover recipes is an Italian...
A Chocolate Cake Recipe that Stacks Up
Last week I got a frantic email from my oldest friend, Kim. She and I have been friends since we are 6 years old. We used to play with barbies together until she outgrew them, and I had to play by myself. I would still play with barbies if it was socially acceptable, which is probably why I have befriended all of the 2 year old children in my apartment building, but I digress.
Kim and I not only...
March 2011
5 posts
Humpday Food Porn
This is what I would like to call a perfect meal. Vegetables, olives, alcohol and ice. Doesn’t get much better than this.
While we missed out on the 25 cent “Martini Lunch” at one of my favorite spots in New Orleans a few weeks ago, Cafe Adelaide, we did get to indulge in their meal-in-a-drink Bloody Mary. More on Cafe Adelaide and New Orleans soon, but for now, enjoy the pic.
Spice Addict
My husband has a serious addiction, and its clogging my kitchen cabinets: spices. On a recent trip to Istanbul and Jerusalem, he loaded up on zatar, harissa, ras el hanut and other spice blends, which didn’t really help my already crowded spice cabinet. This is what my counter looked like while trying to organize the explosion:
And this:
And then yesterday a dear friend returned, also...
Guest Post: Jay's Arugula Salad
And the flood gates have opened! Well, after months of asking friends to write guest posts, now we get two in one week! Thanks to Jay Rosen for this great salad recipe, and sassy photo to accompany. You can check out his musings on his own blog: http://dualities.blogspot.com/.
Arugula Salad with Grapefruit, Avocado and Fennel
I’m a big fan of arugula. I have a standy-by salad of roasted ...
Dutch Process Cocoa
My true friends know the way to my heart: with Hershey’s Special Dark Dutch Process Cocoa Powder. This item seems like it would be easy enough to find here in Manhattan, but alas, it is surprisingly elusive. My good friend bought me THREE boxes. Good friend, great gift.
Cocoas come and go, but this special dark dutch process cocoa powder is the ultimate for pareve chocolate desserts...
Rachel's Hamantaschen
I am always asking my fellow foodies and bakers to share their stories and recipes, and finally, someone took me up on the offer! Let me introduce a fellow baketress and animal lover, Rachel Korycan, whose hamantaschen recipe captured my heart many years ago. As she explains also, I actually loathed hamantaschen until I tasted hers! It is the only recipe I have ever enjoyed, and Rachel was kind...
February 2011
2 posts
Humpday Food Porn
Just cause its Wednesday…check out my recent chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting and dark chocolate covered nut garnish.
Yup, folks. These are pareve (non dairy).
Holy Molé
My husband hates Valentine’s Day. I do not. But I do think there is a balance between cheesy, substance-less romantic gestures (like 2 dozen red roses), and using the holiday as an opportunity to do something nice for your significant other, or loved ones. For example, one year my husband (then my boyfriend) bought me an Elmo doll that did the hokey pokey. Romantic, silly and sincere = perfection...
January 2011
3 posts
Tunisian Spiced Squash Soup
This is a recent addition to my soup repertoire, inspired by a squash recipe in Saffron Shores (one of the few I consider a GOOD kosher cookbook). I find that roasting the squash and parsnips with the spice mixture really makes a difference when making soups like this, so try not to skip this step. I promise you won’t be disappointed when you taste how rich and flavorful your soup is! Enjoy....
Quinoa and Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Well I know I promised an easy fish recipe and also my pudding pie recipe, but an unexpected snow day also found me in the kitchen concocting some new dishes including these quinoa and turkey stuffed peppers. I know, they sound almost healthy! Well, at least healthful. Did you know that quinoa is actually really high in protein? Yup, so you can eat these without guilt. Then go have some chocolate...
I am: Delinquent Blogger & Dieter
Well I am officially a delinquent blogger. I would never even call myself a blogger. That word has come to have some sort of negative double meaning like ‘feminist’ or ‘democrat.’ All that aside, it’s been more than a month since I have “blogged” and I can offer some lame excuses – travel, illness, yadda yadda. But the truth is since January 1st, I’ve been struggling with my intense love of food,...
December 2010
5 posts
Schnitz Schnitz Revolution
My husband and I had a culinary breakthrough this week: flavor infused schnitzel. Schnitzel is one of my husband’s favorite foods. In fact, schnitzel is somewhat of a Goldberg legacy.
When Jonathan’s father was growing up, his mother, the legendary Baba Billie of blessed memory, would make a huge plate of schnitzel every Friday afternoon to set out on the counter as a snack - thats...
Lisa's Latkes
Check out this scrumptious rendition of my Dill Latkes with creme fraiche and smoked salmon from a gorgeous, red headed singing lady named Lisa.
Dill Latkes with Lemon Creme Fraiche
On the eighth night of Chanukah I finally got my act together and am posting my recipe for dill latkes with lemon creme fraiche and smoked salmon. Better late than never.
For Dill Latkes:
10 yukon gold potatoes
1 onion
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 Tbsp salt
freshly ground pepper
2 finely minced garlic cloves
1/2 cup dill
Peel potatoes and place in large...
Pizza Bagel Meatballs: if you’re not actually...
Ok, that title might have been a little harsh but at least I have your attention. There has been a lot of talk about meatballs in 2010 – New York City became abuzz by the meatball-centric menu from “The Meatball Shop,” downtown. Bon Apetit weighed in on meatballs with “In Search of the Perfect Meatball.”
As a pizza bagel, I have some pretty strong opinions about how a proper meatball...
Sweet Potato Cupcakes
I have been particularly delinquent these past few weeks, and while I had every intention of posting this recipe in time for Thanksgiving, alas. I failed.
In any case, this is the PERFECT recipe for those looking to spice up Turkey Day with a dessert that is slightly more exciting than pumpkin pie, but still relies upon traditional autumn flavors. Not to brag too much over here, but the first time...
November 2010
3 posts
Challah Back Y'all: Challah Lesson
Last week I had the great pleasure of spending an evening with the beautiful, brainy, bike-riding do-gooder Dara Lehon. In honor of her birthday, we had a challah baking lesson.
I won’t give you my beloved and much coveted recipe, but I will share some of my best challah tips:
- Make sure to proof your yeast - let the yeast sit in lukewarm water, and always add a little sugar to help...
