Sometimes an unconventional combination of simple ingredients produces a winning dish. So, it was with a savory pastry known in Ukraine by two names: Potato Kasha Knysh or Yavoriv Pie. The common thread between the two is a mashed potato-buckwheat groat (kasha) filling. No one knows the name of the cook who first combined mashed […]
Potato Kasha Knysh (or Yavoriv Pie) Read More »
These Ukrainian Potato Zrazy – Potato Pancakes Stuffed with Mushrooms — are traditionally eaten by Ukrainian families in the spring, especially during Lent, which many Ukrainians consider a time for cleansing, penitence and fasting. This year this tradition was disrupted by war, and I am posting this Ukrainian Zrazy recipe to honor Ukraine’s culinary traditions
Ukrainian Potato Zrazy — Potato Pancakes Stuffed with Mushrooms Read More »
I had another post planned this month, but the start of Russia’s horrific, unprovoked war against Ukraine on February 24, caused me to reflect on my culinary heritage, and I prepared a pot of Ukrainian Borshch, Ukraine’s national dish, in solidarity with my countrymen who are fighting to preserve life, country, culture and democracy. Ukrainian
I don’t remember every great meal I’ve ever enjoyed, but some meals are more memorable than others. The Wisconsin Corn Chowder I enjoyed at the home of my sister Maria’s in-laws, Arlene and Edward Oliver on a fall day decades ago in Albany, Wisconsin made a lasting impression and I’ve often tried to replicate it
Wisconsin Corn Chowder Read More »
This Tomato Goat Cheese Tart is my home lockdown project. During the pandemic lockdown, I expanded our small low-maintenance, urban perennial and shrub garden in Chicago by tucking in a few pots of tomatoes and herbs. This small pot enhancement to our garden provided a welcome diversion between streams of on-line activities. The herbs —
Tomato Goat Cheese Tart Read More »
Sou Fassum is a sublime stuffed cabbage, a creation of French peasant cuisine. I found it while researching alternative methods of stuffing cabbage. I knew I had to try it as soon as I saw it. Stuffed cabbage rolls, a classic comfort food, were a beloved dinner of my immigrant childhood. We had them at
Sou Fassum –Sublime Stuffed Cabbage, French Style Read More »
This Portuguese Monkfish and Shrimp Rice — Arroz de tamboril com gambas — is a perfect fall dish. As the weather is slowly cooling and leaves are coloring, I long for warmer fare, but I’m not yet ready for meat stews and braises that bring comfort in colder months. So, I turned for inspiration to
Monkfish and Shrimp Rice — Arroz de tamboril com gambas Read More »
I recently added this Mushroom Shawarma to my collection of vegetarian recipes. Raised a carnivore, I have prepared several meatless meals a week, acknowledging that reducing meat consumption has health benefits. For years, vegetarian meals at our home were assorted quiches or lasagnas. In recent years, I looked east to the recipes of Indian, Thai
Even though I’ve worked in Europe for many years, I have never been able to adapt to the local habit of a three-course lunch as the principal meal of the day. I don’t understand how my European colleagues stay awake and work after a huge meal. Salads, using seasonal ingredients, are my preferred midday meal.
Quinoa Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Pomegranate and Almonds Read More »
This colorful Roasted Summer Vegetable Terrine makes a great meal on a hot day. It features roasted zucchini, red and yellow peppers and eggplant layered with basil, parmesan and garlic flavored cream cheese and provolone. It is a mid-summer showstopper as a flavorsome starter to a dinner of grilled fish or celebratory lunch. I have
Roasted Summer Vegetable Terrine Read More »