Cheese Blintzes & Ivan Ramen & Russ & Daughters Books GIVEAWAY!
As you read in my NYC series, some of the highlights of my trip to NYC over Thanksgiving weekend were discovering Ivan Ramen and Russ and Daughters. One a new establishment launched first in Japan vs. the other that is a part of the history of the Lower East Side, Manhattan. The books however both telling us about their journey which I find fascinating. Great reads with some recipes.
French Bread
Vegan Butternut Dill Soup
Panettone & The New Artisan Bread in Five Cookbook Worldwide GIVEAWAY
When I received my review copy of The new Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day, I didn't know which recipe to tackle first. Initially I wished to feature the olive bread to illustrate our day to day life. We always have bagels with cream cheese, multi grain and multi seed bread toasted with jam in the morning, pita with hummus as a snack and olive bread with feta and sliced tomatoes on top with a dash of salt as a lazy lunch.
Brunch at Sylvester's in Western MA
Holidays make me think of brunch and brunch thoughts made me think of Sylvester's in Western Mass. This Oreo Latte above, Jonathan's niece ordered and so well modeled, looks sensational. I am not a big fan of commercially made cookies and sweets, but I have a weak spot for Oreos. I never eat them myself, but with S's allergies, growing up, it was one of the only commercially made cookies he could have and he absolutely loved them. I think he still does.
Brussels Sprouts Potato Latkes & CA Olive Ranch EVOO Trio GIVEAWAY gift pack
I developed this recipe for California Olive Ranch's 'Holiday Classic re-invented with EVOO' campaign. It was a no brainer since the miracle of Chanukkah was all about this little jug of olive oil that could. Besides, olive oil is a large part of my cooking on any given day not just the holidays. In addition to shallow frying latkes (potato pancakes) in olive oil, I also wished to re-invent the latke this year.
Freekeh with Brussels Sprouts, Apple, Dried Cranberries, Honey & Pomegranate
Minced Onion Celery Seed Savory Cheese Rolls
When I spotted the Savory Cheese Rolls recipe on Red Star Yeast's site I immediately thought they would be great rolls for Thanksgiving and a (Parve) Chanukah. I also thought that on a balmy wintery day they would go perfectly with a piping hot bowl of chili. Seems like Red Star Yeast was thinking summer BBQ rolls, so really these Minced Onion Celery Seed Savory Cheese Rolls are a year-round crowd pleaser.
Fajita-Style Quesadillas: Better Homes and Gardens Delish Dish Blog
Quesadillas are one of those quick fun foods, on the run for young and old alike. It's comforting, nutritious and delicious all at once. You quickly toss it together after a late soccer practice car pool run. Easy midweek or weekend lunch or dinner and a great game day snack for a crowd of friends watching football, baseball or soccer.
Brussels Sprout Gratin with Potatoes & Spinach & Mollie Katzen's 'The Heart of the Plate' GIVEAWAY!
As promised in my article For the Love of Avocados and Other Vegetables: Mollie Katzen - The Heart of the Plate, I am giving away a copy of Mollie Katzen's newly released cookbook, The Heart of the Plate. The giveaway and my review cope are a courtesy of Mollie Katzen, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Katzen's wonderful publicist who made it all possible. Thank you, Carrie.
I am sharing below a second recipe, Brussels Sprout Gratin with Potatoes and Spinach, from The Heart of the Plate, in addition to the Avocado-Grapefruit-Mango Saladita I posted earlier. I wrote about how much I adore Mollie's recent book. If I didn't own it already, I would wish to win it. The recipes, the illustrations and the photos are simply phenomenal.
In Season: Classic American Concord Grape Jelly & A Concord Grape Tart
I even like the commercially produced, sample size, mini glass jar grape jellies at indistinct hotel breakfast bars. You can just tell it's Concord by its signature deep magenta color. Homemade Concord grape jelly is even more tantalizing in flavor and color than commercial brands. It's not only tastier when home-made, but also healthier, without all the preservatives, artificial flavors and colors and added pectin.
Shakshuka (Poached Eggs) & 'Food Memory' Guest Post at Cake Duchess
When I wrote my very first post, Shakshuka, For Every College Kid's Hot Plate, I didn't really contemplate whether or not four years later, coming this November 4th, I would still be here at this space or not. Beginning this journey was a way of purging, cleansing. I had no idea if anyone would read it nor did the thought even cross my mind at the time. The writing of my stories and recipes were healing. A cathartic process. It was my therapy of sorts. Little had I known I would have you all with me on this journey and it makes mine the more special.
Seattle Eats & IFBC: Final Post
The highlight of IFBC two
weeks ago was meeting my old social media buddies IRL and making new
friends. Dorie Greenspan's keynote speech was super inspiring. Andrew
Scrivani's photography sessions were very helpful. I have watched him
online before, but it was nice to get the reinforcement in a real, not a
virtual, room. Present. What brought this conference full circle for
me, oddly enough, was the last session. As the conference was wrapping
up on Sunday, I scurried back for Kim O'Donnel's session from a
cappuccino, pastry and photographing at Pike Market. It's appalling to
think that I almost missed the session. Pike Market was winking at me to
linger just a moment longer. What left me in awe was the enormity of
the talent these very friends I made over the weekend possess. You had
to hear some of the exquisite writings. I also left encouraged to write
even when un-inspired and when I have ten minutes at the doctor's
office, waiting.
Avocado-Grapefruit-Mango Saladita: Mollie Katzen's 'The Heart of the Plate'
For the Love of Avocados and Other Vegetables: Mollie Katzen - 'The Heart of the Plate'
Traveling from her home in Northern California, Mollie Katzen (62) kicked off her 12th cookbook, 'The Heart of the Plate' (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) whirlwind of a cookbook tour at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue in DC on Sept. 17th. The Heart of the Plate dropped the same day. Katzen, with over six million copies of her books in print, is best known for 'The Moosewood Cookbook' (1977) and with it introduced, some say single-handedly, America to vegetarian food. Katzen, modest, waives her hand at these claims.
Pike Market, Seattle
Almost two weeks ago I attended my first ever food bloggers conference organized by Foodista and Zephyr Adventures. The conference couldn't have had a better backsplash than Seattle for the food loving crowd that attended, myself included. Every chance I got, every spare moment, I put my flat walking shoes on, sometimes flip flops and zipped over to Pike Market, just a few walking blocks from the W hotel, where IFBC 2013 (International Food Bloggers Conference) was held. I often arrived before the stalls were opened, or as the vendors were just about to unpack their wares, so I wouldn't miss out on sessions held at the hotel.
Baking with Heritage: Kakaós Csiga {Chocolate Snails} by Cake Duchess
Chocolate Cardamon Plums 'Clafoutis'
I hope you enjoy this simple yet decadent, classic French dessert I infused with some, no surprise, Indian cardamon. I confess I made this clafoutis just in time for Rosh HaShanah and went directly for dessert before dinner, not once but twice. I wish you could see IRL (in real life) the pudding-like consistency and how during the baking process the plum's skin bled fuscia red into the yellow flesh. This clafoutis version has subdued intricate textures and colors and a sensational flavor. I baked it within a week four times for different holiday parties and entertaining at home. Super easy to whip together in literally moments time.
DC Eats & Food: My Lunches with Jeanne; Daikaya Ramen Shop
While some of the lunches in this series were with my friend Jeanne, the others were my outings with my hubby Jonathan. Same difference both names begin with the letter J, ahahaha. I am looking forward to my renewed DC food explorations with Jeanne this fall after our summer hiatus. This summer Jeanne has been out of town mostly and entertaining her brood of three.
Going to IFBC, Seattle, Sept. 20-22, 2013
In recent days I've been distracted. Deadlines looming, Labor Day Weekend and Rosh HaShanah around the corner but what I have been obsessing about is IFBC (International Food Bloggers Conference) in Seattle, my first ever food conference. Surprising it took me four years of food writing and photographing to take the leap. When I registered and booked hotels and flights a while back it did not phase me, but this week suddenly it dawned on me and I am all jittery with excitement.
Olive Oil Poached Salmon With Lemon Dill Aioli; 5774 Recipe
If I served this poached salmon to my family in Israel, they would be certain I had lost my marbles. Not that they don't think so already, but this innocently swimming wild Coho, that was sacrificed for the sake of holiday symbolism, would seal the deal and I would be shipped off to an asylum. In comparison to my family's full of punch Indian and Israeli table, this poor little Coho fellow would be considered anemic. I thought so too years ago, until I developed the idiosyncrasies and appreciation for the delicately subdued.
Rosh HaShanah (Jewish New Year) 2013/5774; Favorite Recipes Recap
Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread
Lemon Poppy Seed Sable (Sand) Cookies
The flavor combination is inspired by the Poppy Seed Lemon Chiffon Cake I posted back in 2010. While my diet growing up was predominantly Indian based, this classic cake was a part of our Israeli repertoire. Poppy seeds and anything citrus are part of Israeli culinary identity among other foods. Jaffa citrus does not need an introduction and poppy seeds are traditionally used in March, during the Jewish holiday, Purim, when making Hamantaschens.
Maine, Part III: Portland To Acadia: Lobster Confessions & Traveling With Allergies
These are the final images, we carry with us, of our last morning heading out of Portland. It was our 26th wedding anniversary b'fast date, July 12. Yes, 26. It's mind boggling. Standard Baking Co. would be my daily routine if I lived in Portland. I would be light reading, avoiding any dreary daily news, outside, under the grapevines pergola, with coffee and my daily whim, pastry. It is exactly the pastry and bakery shop I wish I had in my own neighborhood. I've seen a review that read 'quite possibly Standard Baking Co. might be the best bakery/pastry shop on the East Coast'. I concur.
Chocolate, Chocolate Chip 'Sable' Cookies
As far as accidents go, some end up with awesome results. These Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Cookies are a prime example of that.
I saved this well known chocolate sable cookie recipe to bake when my son is back from college. I love sable cookies and he loves chocolate, but the cookie dough was too crumbly and dry. I double and triple checked my steps. It was not me, this time the recipe was way off. I even tried to shape the cookie dough into a log as instructed, hoping that the warmth of my palms would mold it into a cohesive cookie dough, but my efforts were proven futile. I had incredible quality ingredients sitting here in the mixer bowl and I was not about to toss the crumbly chocolatey mess away. I had to think fast.
I saved this well known chocolate sable cookie recipe to bake when my son is back from college. I love sable cookies and he loves chocolate, but the cookie dough was too crumbly and dry. I double and triple checked my steps. It was not me, this time the recipe was way off. I even tried to shape the cookie dough into a log as instructed, hoping that the warmth of my palms would mold it into a cohesive cookie dough, but my efforts were proven futile. I had incredible quality ingredients sitting here in the mixer bowl and I was not about to toss the crumbly chocolatey mess away. I had to think fast.
Photographic Essay & Stuffed Portabello With Melting Tallegio Links
This is mostly a photographic journey through mushrooms and cheese that I find to be fascinating subjects. Not long ago, I saw someone on social media pleading, in no specific direction, to bring to a halt this stinky cheese trend. My guys too turn their noses up at Tallegio, Bleu Cheese and other stinky cheese varieties. I, on the other hand, could care less, for tarragon. Its liquorish tones remind me of Anise-y Arak, which I abhor, well that might be too strong of a word. However Arak's Greek equivalent, Ouzo, worked beautifully in this Artichoke Bottoms Filled With Carp 'Meatballs' And Fennel Sauce dish.
Blackberry Chia Seed Jam & Health Warrior Chia Seeds & Chia Bars Giveaway
As you already know, we are leading a balanced diet, eating in moderation, and if I can help it, infusing our breakfast and baked goods with healthy elements. If you are a frequent visitor here, you know of my love of anything oats. Chia seeds, I am mostly unfamiliar with, though a few months back, I baked chia seed muffins which I liked, but never ended up posting. So when Health Warrior approached me about this collaboration, I was curious to explore this relatively new to me ingredient's traits in baking and cooking and its health benefits.
Portland, Maine - Part I: Booze, But No Moose To Go With It
We were still all groggy when we woke up in the morning, after a long drive and a late arrival from the DC area the night before, in Portland. Our spirits were not lifted as our outdated navigation system was leading us astray in pursuit of coffee and bagels at Scratch Baking Co., in South Portland.
As we finally descend on our destination, we spy a whimsical storybook store front in the middle of a modest residential neighborhood. There is a calm rhythm to it, as opposed to a touristy rush, as local patrons walk or bike to it and order their usual. Truly a gem.
Portland, Maine, Part II: The Holy Mother Of Donuts & Chasing Lighthouses
I quickly abandoned the 7am rise and shine, hitting the hiking trails, with this being Jonathan's only kick back, relaxing time in a while. Add to the mix traveling with a twenty year old young adult, and our 13 year old beagle, Wizard. As temperaments, interests and physical thresholds (Wizard's, not mine:), vary, flexibility and spontaneity play a key role in making a family vacation successful for all.
Maine with so many land locked waters is known for its lake side vacations. An entire week lounging, inviting some friends, swimming, boating and playing volleyball sounds beguiling, if only this wasn't our first 'expedition' of sorts into this land of pines.
Strawberry Basil Sorbet
I will be somewhat absent in the next couple of weeks but follow me here. I will be Instagram-ing. Wishing you all a great summer and to those of you who are experiencing winter, take solace that you are not enduring the humidity here.
1 lb strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup sugar (adjust according to sweetness of strawberries*)
1/2 cup fresh basil, julienned (adjust according to taste)
1-2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
In a bowl with a lid, add the sugar and the basil to the strawberries, mix, cover with a lid and let macerate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Best to macerate overnight. Stir once or twice while macerating. Add to a food processor and whizz to a smooth consistency. Churn according to manufacturer's instructions, scoop to a container with a lid and freeze for at least a few hours. Let thaw a tad before serving.
*I wouldn't recommend using less than 1/2 a cup of sugar as it contributes to the smooth consistency of the sorbet.
More frozen treats:
Cardamon Cherry Ice Cream
Strawberry Swirl Vanilla Ice Cream
Dairy-Free Coconut Chocolate Ice Cream
Capitolina's Indian Kulfi Ice Cream
Frozen Strawberry Yogurt
Rum Raisin Ice Cream
Persimmon, Kaffir Lime, Lemongrass and Purple Basil Sorbet
Madagascar Vanilla Bean Banana Ice Cream
Coffee Ice Cream
Lemondrop Melon Limonana Sorbet
Fig Gelato - Two Ways
Mango Sorbet
Pineapple Sorbet
Granola Crunch Coffeecake
Granola Crunch Coffeecake
adapted from Red Star Yeast recipe
3 cups flour* (I needed 3 3/4 cups flour)
4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup granola (store bought or granola recipe here. I made it with dried blueberries this time)
1/3 cup Sugar (I used Sugar in the Raw)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup butter
2 eggs
Topping
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon (I used only 1/2 teaspoon)
1/4 butter, melted
In a large mixer bowl with a dough hook attachment, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, yeast, sugar, salt and granola, mix well. Heat up milk, water and butter in a small saucepan to 120-130F. Butter does not have to completely melt. Add to the flour mixture and beat on low for 2 minutes. Add the eggs and continue beating for 3 minutes longer. Scrape the sides of the mixer bowl with a rubber spatula throughout the process. Gradually add the remaining flour and beat for a few minutes on low speed until nicely incorporated and dough is smooth, moist and supple. Transfer to a heat resistant large glass or ceramic bowl, cover with saran wrap and let rise for approximately 45 minutes in a warm place. Mix all the topping ingredients. In a 13x9 pan spread the dough evenly with your fingers. Spread the topping on the dough evenly. With a back of a teaspoon press randomly into the dough to make some indentations. Cover with saran wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375F. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Oven temperatures vary so watch your coffeecake. It took me only 30 minutes.
Red Star Yeast series:
Cinnamon Buns
Yeast Pancakes
Multigrain Oatmeal Bread
Marbled Rye Bread
Dark Pumpernickel Rye Bread
Jalapeño Cheddar Bread
Challah
Brioche
Date and Orange Tea Ring
Finnish Pulla
Banana Bread
Breads Bakery's Cheese & Olive Straws
It's that time of the year. Summer. Last year, today, we were in Israel, on an intoxicating sensory overload. It's that time of the year when you need to step away to get perspective. I read it somewhere. It's true. Whether you fly over oceans to exotic places or just get in the car, turn on the engine and drive.
That is exactly what I decided to do with the guys this coming July when my fantasies of the Greek Isles dissipated into thin air and transformed into daydreaming about lighthouses on the charming coast of Maine. An American road-trip. We don't do it enough or barely at all.
The single most profoundly powerful experience I had while traveling in the United States, and it might sound completely predictable and corny, was at The Grand Canyon. I was faulted in the past for being a doubter, but when I saw its enormity, its powerful stillness and shimmering beauty, I knew there was a higher cosmic power, beyond us mere humans.
Summer vacations are synonymous with Israel and visiting with family there. While summer brings mad craving of the flavors of Israel, this year I hope to add some other sensory stimulations and memories catalogued in my brain cells. Maybe, just maybe in the summer of 2014, I will reminisce and have burning yearnings for the flavors of Coastal Maine. Lobster shack images and freshly caught haddock...and if I still get longings for these cheesy, garlicky olive straws, rugalach and babka, I can get in the car, turn on the engine and take a road trip to New York City's Israeli Breads Bakery. Then again there is this tiny issue of inner city parking, speaking of perspective.
original recipe in Hebrew here
makes 16 straws
3 3/4 cups unbleached white flour (500gr)
3/4 cup rye flour (100gr)
1 2/3 cups water
1/2oz plus a little quick rise yeast (15gr), 2 1/4oz packets plus
1 tablespoon salt (15gr)
1 cup olives, pitted, halved and drained (1 packed cup)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons semolina/durum flour (40gr)
7oz mozzarella, gouda or cheddar, shredded (approx. 200gr)
For brushing:
1 egg, whisked
In a large bowl add the white flour, rye flour and salt. Set aside.
In an additional large bowl add the olives, garlic, semolina and cheese. Mix and set aside.
Add the yeast and water into a mixing bowl with a hook attachment and let sit for a few minutes.
Gradually add the dry ingredients flour mix into the yeast and water and knead on a low speed for approximately 5-7 minutes until the dough is elastic and soft.
Add the olive mix into the dough and continue kneading on low for another minute or so. It's ok if not all the olives and cheese are completely incorporated into the dough.
On a lightly floured surface, form the dough into a ball. Ideally, put it in a heat resistant glass or ceramic bowl, cover the bowl tightly with saran wrap and let rise in a warm place for approximately an hour or until the dough doubles itself.
Preheat oven to 428F. Line 3 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Divide the dough into 16 equal parts (I weigh each one). Roll out each part to an approximately 10 inch straw (25cm, a little less than 10 inches).
Place straws on parchment paper lined cookie sheets and cover with clean kitchen towels and let rise in a warm place for 40 minutes - 1 hour.
Gently brush the straws with the whisked egg and bake for approximately 15 minutes, until golden on top. Take out of the oven and cool on a wire.
Recommended to be served on the same day with an assortment of cheeses and along with a salad and dips. Pictured: Labneh, A Mediterranean yogurt cheese, with zaatar.
Cook's notes: Maybe these are not what traditionally we know as straws, but I saw somewhere that is what they called them. My favorite olives pictured above are Kalamata.
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