argentina desserts: 2010

Red Quinoa with Pineapple and Shrimp

Ever since before Thanksgiving, I've been kind of in a cooking slump. My excuses were closing on a condo, packing, moving, visiting my family in Seattle, coming back, unpacking, getting settled, etc. Really, I could go on with these excuses for ever. But I need to remember how satisfying it is to make a simple meal in my kitchen and not to be eating out every single night.

Over the weekend I was

Ever since before Thanksgiving, I've been kind of in a cooking slump. My excuses were closing on a condo, packing, moving, visiting my family in Seattle, coming back, unpacking, getting settled, etc. Really, I could go on with these excuses for ever. But I need to remember how satisfying it is to make a simple meal in my kitchen and not to be eating out every single night.

Over the weekend I was

Chocolate, walnut & dried cherry biscotti

I've made biscotti multiple times before using a variation of Robyn Webb's recipe. One of my favorites was Crystallized ginger & pistachio biscotti. Over the past few months I've been meaning to bake a batch of biscotti and finally made plans with Jenna to do so last Friday. This was the first time I baked something in my new oven!

I decided on chocolate biscotti with walnuts, bought the

I've made biscotti multiple times before using a variation of Robyn Webb's recipe. One of my favorites was Crystallized ginger & pistachio biscotti. Over the past few months I've been meaning to bake a batch of biscotti and finally made plans with Jenna to do so last Friday. This was the first time I baked something in my new oven!

I decided on chocolate biscotti with walnuts, bought the

Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates!

If you are celebrating Christmas, I hope you are having a joyous time with your family and friends, great food and that Santa has been good to you.

I'm doing laundry, organizing my kitchen and later on going to see a movie with my friend Wendy and then getting Thai food for dinner: a Jewish Christmas ;)

Below are two special ornaments I received for my tree this year: the first one is from my

If you are celebrating Christmas, I hope you are having a joyous time with your family and friends, great food and that Santa has been good to you.

I'm doing laundry, organizing my kitchen and later on going to see a movie with my friend Wendy and then getting Thai food for dinner: a Jewish Christmas ;)

Below are two special ornaments I received for my tree this year: the first one is from my

How to make fudge at home

Fudge! Did you forget to make something sweet for the holidays? Then you should definitely read this post and make this easy no-bake sweet treat to share with your friends!

The truth is that I stumbled upon a fudge recipe on Sasha's For The Love of Food blog, and it looked sinfully delicious and ridiculously easy: a perfect combination if you ask me. She adapted her recipe from Anne Thornton's

Fudge! Did you forget to make something sweet for the holidays? Then you should definitely read this post and make this easy no-bake sweet treat to share with your friends!

The truth is that I stumbled upon a fudge recipe on Sasha's For The Love of Food blog, and it looked sinfully delicious and ridiculously easy: a perfect combination if you ask me. She adapted her recipe from Anne Thornton's

How to make salmon cream cheese at home: easy!

Sometimes I come up with little ideas that pack a lot of flavor. Last week I bought a pack of cream cheese and a small container of smoked salmon to bring to work for breakfast. But during one of the commercial breaks for one of the many Bravo shows I watch, I decided to simplify my life and make salmon cream cheese so that I'd just have to bring one thing to work instead of multiple containers.

Sometimes I come up with little ideas that pack a lot of flavor. Last week I bought a pack of cream cheese and a small container of smoked salmon to bring to work for breakfast. But during one of the commercial breaks for one of the many Bravo shows I watch, I decided to simplify my life and make salmon cream cheese so that I'd just have to bring one thing to work instead of multiple containers.

Eating out in DC: Merzi, Ardeo & Bardeo, Estadio

In the last week I haven't done a lot of cooking. I've made a simple version of shakshuka and then relived my childhood by making mashed potatoes, boiled hot dogs (sans buns) and canned peas. Ok, so the last dish might sound gross to you, but I love it! Don't knock it till you try it ;)

Needless to say, there have been quite a few meals out to fill in the gaps.
This week I had lunch with K at

In the last week I haven't done a lot of cooking. I've made a simple version of shakshuka and then relived my childhood by making mashed potatoes, boiled hot dogs (sans buns) and canned peas. Ok, so the last dish might sound gross to you, but I love it! Don't knock it till you try it ;)

Needless to say, there have been quite a few meals out to fill in the gaps.
This week I had lunch with K at

Kale and White Bean Soup with Turkey

I'd like to share with you my first real meal cooked in the new condo: Kale and White Bean Soup with Turkey. This soup is ridiculously simple to make, gets better with time, is really healthy and can be made vegetarian by eliminating ground turkey from the ingredient list. The sweetness of the carrots is a nice contrast to the heat from the chiles in adobo sauce.

Oh, and this was also the first

I'd like to share with you my first real meal cooked in the new condo: Kale and White Bean Soup with Turkey. This soup is ridiculously simple to make, gets better with time, is really healthy and can be made vegetarian by eliminating ground turkey from the ingredient list. The sweetness of the carrots is a nice contrast to the heat from the chiles in adobo sauce.

Oh, and this was also the first

Pumpkin project with Robyn Webb and Nestle

I've done freelance cooking and photography for Robyn Webb's blog for almost a year now. Time flies! When Robyn told me she's working on a few recipes for Nestle Kitchens and asked me to bake a few desserts and take photos, I was at first a bit hesitant.

First, I was moving. Second, I was flying to Seattle to spend time with my family. Third, would Nestle's readers know that the photos were done

I've done freelance cooking and photography for Robyn Webb's blog for almost a year now. Time flies! When Robyn told me she's working on a few recipes for Nestle Kitchens and asked me to bake a few desserts and take photos, I was at first a bit hesitant.

First, I was moving. Second, I was flying to Seattle to spend time with my family. Third, would Nestle's readers know that the photos were done

Lunch in Seattle: Nettletown

One of the things I like about visiting my family in Seattle is checking out new restaurants and meeting my twin's friends. While in Seattle for Thanksgiving, my dad's 60th birthday and Hanukkah (can you say a triple threat!?), I just happened to do both: try out a new restaurant and meet Anna's friend Valentina.

When Anna and I drove up to Nettletown, located in the heart of Seattle's Eastlake

One of the things I like about visiting my family in Seattle is checking out new restaurants and meeting my twin's friends. While in Seattle for Thanksgiving, my dad's 60th birthday and Hanukkah (can you say a triple threat!?), I just happened to do both: try out a new restaurant and meet Anna's friend Valentina.

When Anna and I drove up to Nettletown, located in the heart of Seattle's Eastlake

Guest post: My dad's vegetable soup

People often ask how I learned how to cook and why I seldom use cookbooks. One word: my parents. I'm actually visiting them right now in Seattle and thought I'd share a "recipe" for my dad's mostly vegetable soup with you. This "recipe" perfectly illustrates his philosophy on cooking: simple ingredients, great flavors, and many variations.

Mostly vegetable soup (Note: to make this a completely

People often ask how I learned how to cook and why I seldom use cookbooks. One word: my parents. I'm actually visiting them right now in Seattle and thought I'd share a "recipe" for my dad's mostly vegetable soup with you. This "recipe" perfectly illustrates his philosophy on cooking: simple ingredients, great flavors, and many variations.

Mostly vegetable soup (Note: to make this a completely

Cranberry, Walnut, Orange & Chocolate Tart

How was your Thanksgiving? Hope you had a great company and delicious food. I was flying to Seattle from DC area on the day of Thanksgiving. Surprisingly, Alaska Airline had free WiFi, and so I was checking out a few blogs while high up in the air. One of them, The Hungry Housewife, gave me an idea for what to make for dessert for my family's Thanksgiving: Cranberry Walnut Tart. Leslie wrote

How was your Thanksgiving? Hope you had a great company and delicious food. I was flying to Seattle from DC area on the day of Thanksgiving. Surprisingly, Alaska Airline had free WiFi, and so I was checking out a few blogs while high up in the air. One of them, The Hungry Housewife, gave me an idea for what to make for dessert for my family's Thanksgiving: Cranberry Walnut Tart. Leslie wrote

What to do with leftover baked potatoes: potato patties

Sometimes I overestimate how much of leftovers I can actually handle. Case in point a large pot of vegetarian chili and 3 large baked potatoes. I had to eat some of the chili for breakfast, just to be done with it! Does that ever happen to you? But I still had one large baked potato left.

Since you might be in the same predicament from time to time, I thought I'd share my idea for potato

Sometimes I overestimate how much of leftovers I can actually handle. Case in point a large pot of vegetarian chili and 3 large baked potatoes. I had to eat some of the chili for breakfast, just to be done with it! Does that ever happen to you? But I still had one large baked potato left.

Since you might be in the same predicament from time to time, I thought I'd share my idea for potato

Boston: Lunch at Stephanie's on Newbury

The last few weeks have been hectic, and I can't wait to finalize a few things and head out to Seattle for Thanksgiving, my dad's big birthday and Hanukkah latkes! In the mean time, not having a recipe to post today, I wanted to share a fun lunch I had in Boston during my Columbus Day weekend mini vacation.

Elyssa from State Dinner recommended I check out Stephanie's on Newbury for some great

The last few weeks have been hectic, and I can't wait to finalize a few things and head out to Seattle for Thanksgiving, my dad's big birthday and Hanukkah latkes! In the mean time, not having a recipe to post today, I wanted to share a fun lunch I had in Boston during my Columbus Day weekend mini vacation.

Elyssa from State Dinner recommended I check out Stephanie's on Newbury for some great

Salted caramel ice cream

I've talked several times on this blog about not wanting to throw away food. However, sometimes it can be too much effort to deal with certain ingredients. Case in point, what on Earth would you do with 12 egg yolks? Yes, of course there are many desserts that require a large amount of egg yolks, or you can make mayonnaise. But that just did not sound like something I wanted to deal with a few

I've talked several times on this blog about not wanting to throw away food. However, sometimes it can be too much effort to deal with certain ingredients. Case in point, what on Earth would you do with 12 egg yolks? Yes, of course there are many desserts that require a large amount of egg yolks, or you can make mayonnaise. But that just did not sound like something I wanted to deal with a few

Roasted sweet potato & carrot soup with pumpkin seeds

Fall season makes me think of soups, stews, pots of chili and maybe even tuna noodle casseroles. I'm craving simple foods that don't take too much time to put together and are a great resource for leftovers.

I had a few sweet potatoes in my refrigerator, some carrots, and a can of coconut milk. Why not make soup, I thought? And so I roasted the vegetables with a few spices, added some coconut

Fall season makes me think of soups, stews, pots of chili and maybe even tuna noodle casseroles. I'm craving simple foods that don't take too much time to put together and are a great resource for leftovers.

I had a few sweet potatoes in my refrigerator, some carrots, and a can of coconut milk. Why not make soup, I thought? And so I roasted the vegetables with a few spices, added some coconut

Ray's Hell Burger Too

I doubt I'd ever become a vegetarian. I love steaks, burgers, beef fajitas and pulled pork. When I once dated (very shortly) a vegetarian, poor confused waitresses set a plate of salad in front of me and a juicy burger in front of him: fail.

I've heard of Ray's Hell Burger Too for a while and finally got to try it out with Nicole this past Thursday.

For some reason I could not find a website,

I doubt I'd ever become a vegetarian. I love steaks, burgers, beef fajitas and pulled pork. When I once dated (very shortly) a vegetarian, poor confused waitresses set a plate of salad in front of me and a juicy burger in front of him: fail.

I've heard of Ray's Hell Burger Too for a while and finally got to try it out with Nicole this past Thursday.

For some reason I could not find a website,

English muffin breakfast sandwich

Remember the pepper jelly I wrote about a few weeks ago that Mary gave me? I still had a few teaspoons left and asked you, my readers, to give me suggestions for how to use it. Julia left this comment:
I like pepper jelly as part of a breakfast sandwich. If you have homemade biscuits on hand slice biscuits in half, spread pepper jelly on each side, top with a fried egg, slice of ham, and cheese

Remember the pepper jelly I wrote about a few weeks ago that Mary gave me? I still had a few teaspoons left and asked you, my readers, to give me suggestions for how to use it. Julia left this comment:
I like pepper jelly as part of a breakfast sandwich. If you have homemade biscuits on hand slice biscuits in half, spread pepper jelly on each side, top with a fried egg, slice of ham, and cheese

What to do with Brussels Sprouts?

What to do with Brussels Sprouts? Well, there are so many options! Of course, most people fall either in the "I love Brussels sprouts" camp or "I hate Brussels sprouts" camp. I really think, however, that those who hate Brussels sprouts just haven't had them when the vegetables were properly cooked.

One of my favorite ways to cook Brussels sprouts is to roast them. In this recipe I roasted the

What to do with Brussels Sprouts? Well, there are so many options! Of course, most people fall either in the "I love Brussels sprouts" camp or "I hate Brussels sprouts" camp. I really think, however, that those who hate Brussels sprouts just haven't had them when the vegetables were properly cooked.

One of my favorite ways to cook Brussels sprouts is to roast them. In this recipe I roasted the

Cooking for Robyn

This has been a busy week, and things are really not going to slow down until Thanksgiving, so I'm looking forward to visiting my family in Seattle, cooking Thanksgiving dinner with Anna, celebrating my dad's big birthday and making latkes for Hannukah.

I wanted to share with you a quick and delicious recipe I made for Robyn's blog that is not only perfect right now, but would be great for your

This has been a busy week, and things are really not going to slow down until Thanksgiving, so I'm looking forward to visiting my family in Seattle, cooking Thanksgiving dinner with Anna, celebrating my dad's big birthday and making latkes for Hannukah.

I wanted to share with you a quick and delicious recipe I made for Robyn's blog that is not only perfect right now, but would be great for your

Save the vegetables: Lazy stuffed cabbage

Do you ever buy vegetables with the best intentions of cooking and then end up having them sit in the refrigerator wilting for a few weeks? This happens to me all the time! I'm then left with two choices: throw the vegetables into the trash can or try to save it. Last weekend I decided to save the vegetables!! (It sounds like a political slogan.)
I also had some ground beef leftover from recipe

Do you ever buy vegetables with the best intentions of cooking and then end up having them sit in the refrigerator wilting for a few weeks? This happens to me all the time! I'm then left with two choices: throw the vegetables into the trash can or try to save it. Last weekend I decided to save the vegetables!! (It sounds like a political slogan.)
I also had some ground beef leftover from recipe

The secrets to baking French macarons

Have you tried the French macarons? Not to be confused with macaroons made from shredded coconut, the French macarons are more delicate, are filled with variety of flavored concoctions and are incredibly pretty, that is if you buy the right ones. I've had a pleasure of eating macarons in San Francisco, Paris (of course) and Madrid. Once, I even baked macarons for one of the Daring Bakers

Have you tried the French macarons? Not to be confused with macaroons made from shredded coconut, the French macarons are more delicate, are filled with variety of flavored concoctions and are incredibly pretty, that is if you buy the right ones. I've had a pleasure of eating macarons in San Francisco, Paris (of course) and Madrid. Once, I even baked macarons for one of the Daring Bakers

I want to win a purple Le Creuset

You guys, I've entered my Indian Inspired Mussels recipe into a recipe contest hosted by Amanda of Metrocurean. The winner gets a gorgeous purple Le Creuset 7.25 quart French Oven.

If you have a minute, could you please vote for me? You don't have to sign up for an email, or give your SSN or name your first child Amanda or Olga. It could not be easier! Thanks!

You guys, I've entered my Indian Inspired Mussels recipe into a recipe contest hosted by Amanda of Metrocurean. The winner gets a gorgeous purple Le Creuset 7.25 quart French Oven.

If you have a minute, could you please vote for me? You don't have to sign up for an email, or give your SSN or name your first child Amanda or Olga. It could not be easier! Thanks!

POM Harvest: the world of POM Wonderful

Remember I wrote about visiting POM orchards in Fresno, CA? This is part 2 of the trip.

On the first day of my weekend in Fresno, we got to visit the bottling plant. Due to some clothing issues (turns out you can't wear high heels and shorts to a bottling plant, who knew!? (sarcasm!)), some of the food bloggers had to head back to the hotel and change. The rest of us sat around the table and

Remember I wrote about visiting POM orchards in Fresno, CA? This is part 2 of the trip.

On the first day of my weekend in Fresno, we got to visit the bottling plant. Due to some clothing issues (turns out you can't wear high heels and shorts to a bottling plant, who knew!? (sarcasm!)), some of the food bloggers had to head back to the hotel and change. The rest of us sat around the table and

Where to go apple picking in VA

This post can be titled "Another reason why I'm so glad I joined twitter." Last month, Mary of Arugula Files tweeted about her favorite place to pick apples in VA. I retweeted the link indicating how fun the idea of apple picking sounded and was very happy when Julia tweeted back telling me she has a car and is willing to go apple picking with me. Score!

Julia and I picked the time and the date

This post can be titled "Another reason why I'm so glad I joined twitter." Last month, Mary of Arugula Files tweeted about her favorite place to pick apples in VA. I retweeted the link indicating how fun the idea of apple picking sounded and was very happy when Julia tweeted back telling me she has a car and is willing to go apple picking with me. Score!

Julia and I picked the time and the date

What to do with a pepper jelly

One of my most favorite people who I met through blogging is Mary who writes Arugula Files. Last week Mary and I went to dinner and she brought me a glass jar of habanero gold jelly (aka pepper jelly) that she canned herself! I was so excited. I've never done any canning, but my mom used to can fruits and vegetables when we lived in Russia. I know how much work goes into the canning process, and

One of my most favorite people who I met through blogging is Mary who writes Arugula Files. Last week Mary and I went to dinner and she brought me a glass jar of habanero gold jelly (aka pepper jelly) that she canned herself! I was so excited. I've never done any canning, but my mom used to can fruits and vegetables when we lived in Russia. I know how much work goes into the canning process, and

POM Harvest: Do you know how pomegranates grow?

When I started Mango & Tomato in May of 2008, I had no idea that it would help me meet wonderful people, sample food from new restaurants and take me on some incredible adventures. Last weekend, I got to do all three when I was invited to an all-expenses paid POM Harvest Tour. The other lucky bloggers on the tour were (in no particular order. Plus, we had a great company of POM's employees Andrea

When I started Mango & Tomato in May of 2008, I had no idea that it would help me meet wonderful people, sample food from new restaurants and take me on some incredible adventures. Last weekend, I got to do all three when I was invited to an all-expenses paid POM Harvest Tour. The other lucky bloggers on the tour were (in no particular order. Plus, we had a great company of POM's employees Andrea

Boston: Brunch at Craigie's with Dan and Katie

You know what the nice thing about being a food blogger is? There are other food bloggers everywhere. That's why when I travel (especially when I travel solo), I try to get together with a few food bloggers. On my latest trip to Boston, I decided to check out brunch at Craigie on Main and invited Dan of The Food in My Beard and Katie of Once Upon a Small Boston Kitchen to come along.

We showed

You know what the nice thing about being a food blogger is? There are other food bloggers everywhere. That's why when I travel (especially when I travel solo), I try to get together with a few food bloggers. On my latest trip to Boston, I decided to check out brunch at Craigie on Main and invited Dan of The Food in My Beard and Katie of Once Upon a Small Boston Kitchen to come along.

We showed

Tropical Seared Tuna Salad

I've been on two mini trips recently, which means a lot of eating out and no cooking. I flew red eye Saturday-->Sunday from Fresno, CA to DC and felt no desire to go grocery shopping, but that's exactly what I did. Why? Because I needed food! I was tired, in a haze, and needed something healthy and quick for dinner. I decided to make Tropical Seared Tuna Salad.

Ingredientsolive oilsushi grade

I've been on two mini trips recently, which means a lot of eating out and no cooking. I flew red eye Saturday-->Sunday from Fresno, CA to DC and felt no desire to go grocery shopping, but that's exactly what I did. Why? Because I needed food! I was tired, in a haze, and needed something healthy and quick for dinner. I decided to make Tropical Seared Tuna Salad.

Ingredientsolive oilsushi grade

Boston: Dessert @ Modern and Flour

Oh vacations. Short or long, they are a great way to get away, recharge, try new food and more than anything eat dessert. Or at least that's my thinking. Not that I stay away from desserts in my regular life!

After a lobster roll in Neptune Oysters and a bit of walking around the North End neighborhood, my plan was to check out Mike's Pastry, but a local Bostonian whom I asked for directions

Oh vacations. Short or long, they are a great way to get away, recharge, try new food and more than anything eat dessert. Or at least that's my thinking. Not that I stay away from desserts in my regular life!

After a lobster roll in Neptune Oysters and a bit of walking around the North End neighborhood, my plan was to check out Mike's Pastry, but a local Bostonian whom I asked for directions

Boston: Lunch at Neptune Oysters

I decided to fly to Boston for Columbus Day weekend: just needed some time away, good food and culture. Boston was the perfect fit. When I told my friend Mary of Arugula Files about my trip, she said I must go to Neptune Oyster and order a lobster roll. Usually when Mary tells me to do something I listen, and this was one of those times.

One of the benefits of traveling solo is that you don't

I decided to fly to Boston for Columbus Day weekend: just needed some time away, good food and culture. Boston was the perfect fit. When I told my friend Mary of Arugula Files about my trip, she said I must go to Neptune Oyster and order a lobster roll. Usually when Mary tells me to do something I listen, and this was one of those times.

One of the benefits of traveling solo is that you don't

Are you crazy enough to count the seeds in a pomegranate? I am!

Let me ask you a question: are you crazy enough to count the seeds in a pomegranate?

Well, are you?

Here's what happened. A few weeks ago I received an email from Andrea, who works for POM, asking me if I'd like to go and visit POM orchards in Fresno, CA, all expenses paid. Are you kidding me!? Of course I said yes. Who cares that I just got back from a mini trip to Boston and will have to

Let me ask you a question: are you crazy enough to count the seeds in a pomegranate?

Well, are you?

Here's what happened. A few weeks ago I received an email from Andrea, who works for POM, asking me if I'd like to go and visit POM orchards in Fresno, CA, all expenses paid. Are you kidding me!? Of course I said yes. Who cares that I just got back from a mini trip to Boston and will have to

Boston's Haymarket

I'm back from Boston. I had such a fabulous time: a lot of walking around, eating out, and just relaxing. The weather was gorgeous: blue sky, sunny and perfect for a mini fall getaway. This was another one of my solo vacations, which I quite enjoy from time to time. This time, however, I was lucky enough to meet up with 3 Boston food bloggers: come back later and I'll tell you all about it.

For

I'm back from Boston. I had such a fabulous time: a lot of walking around, eating out, and just relaxing. The weather was gorgeous: blue sky, sunny and perfect for a mini fall getaway. This was another one of my solo vacations, which I quite enjoy from time to time. This time, however, I was lucky enough to meet up with 3 Boston food bloggers: come back later and I'll tell you all about it.

For

What I've been busy cooking elsewhere

Tomorrow I'm flying to Boston to enjoy a mini solo vacation. I thought I'd leave you with some photos of what I've been cooking lately as part of my freelancing for Robyn Webb. Robyn comes up with all the recipes, chooses either kitchen tools or specialty ingredients, and then I cook the food and take photos. Here are some of my favorites.

Pear and walnut salad with Goldenberries: this salad

Tomorrow I'm flying to Boston to enjoy a mini solo vacation. I thought I'd leave you with some photos of what I've been cooking lately as part of my freelancing for Robyn Webb. Robyn comes up with all the recipes, chooses either kitchen tools or specialty ingredients, and then I cook the food and take photos. Here are some of my favorites.

Pear and walnut salad with Goldenberries: this salad

Tapas Tasting at Taberna del Alabardero

Are there restaurants in your city that you hear about and mean to visit but just don't? Taberna Del Alabardero in Washington DC is one of those restaurants for me. I've been hearing the impressive name of this Spanish restaurant for a while and have imagined a place full of history, great food, and to be completely honest older, more established clientele.

This all changed when I had a chance

Are there restaurants in your city that you hear about and mean to visit but just don't? Taberna Del Alabardero in Washington DC is one of those restaurants for me. I've been hearing the impressive name of this Spanish restaurant for a while and have imagined a place full of history, great food, and to be completely honest older, more established clientele.

This all changed when I had a chance

Baking Cupcakes with Jenna from Modern Domestic

This past weekend I got together with my friend Jenna of Modern Domestic to bake. I learned many helpful hints from Jenna and had a great time helping out, taking photos and just chitchatting. My photos and Jenna's write up are below. Enjoy!
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The people have spoken – and they want whiskey. Yes, the Bourbon Street Cupcake –

This past weekend I got together with my friend Jenna of Modern Domestic to bake. I learned many helpful hints from Jenna and had a great time helping out, taking photos and just chitchatting. My photos and Jenna's write up are below. Enjoy!
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The people have spoken – and they want whiskey. Yes, the Bourbon Street Cupcake –

Goya & Foodbuzz Sponsored Dinner: Lazy Stuffed Peppers

As part of Foodbuzz, I sometimes receive different products to use in my kitchen. This time around, I received Goya products. The first time I've heard of Goya was 9 years ago when I met my friend Laura (hola, Laurita!). She's from Puerto Rico and introduced me to Adobo all purpose seasoning. For a while I was using Adobo in everything: soups, rice dishes, to season fish or chicken and to

As part of Foodbuzz, I sometimes receive different products to use in my kitchen. This time around, I received Goya products. The first time I've heard of Goya was 9 years ago when I met my friend Laura (hola, Laurita!). She's from Puerto Rico and introduced me to Adobo all purpose seasoning. For a while I was using Adobo in everything: soups, rice dishes, to season fish or chicken and to

Capital Harvest on the Plaza: Come see my food demo this Friday!!!

When I met Ellen Gray (wife of Todd Gray and co-owner of Equinox) at the launch party for the Red Fruit Festival, she suggested that I should do a demo at the Capital Harvest on the Plaza. Not really having any details, I said sure.

A month later, I have a few more details :)

In fact, tomorrow (Friday, October 1st), I'll be demonstrating one of my recipes, Curry Butternut Squash Soup with

When I met Ellen Gray (wife of Todd Gray and co-owner of Equinox) at the launch party for the Red Fruit Festival, she suggested that I should do a demo at the Capital Harvest on the Plaza. Not really having any details, I said sure.

A month later, I have a few more details :)

In fact, tomorrow (Friday, October 1st), I'll be demonstrating one of my recipes, Curry Butternut Squash Soup with

Lunch at Againn

I've heard about Againn again, and again, and again. Yesterday, however, I finally got a chance to try out this Contemporary Gastropub for myself after hearing many of my friends rave about the food (and the drinks). I joined Lindley (disclaimer: she does PR for Againn and invited me) for lunch yesterday and we had a great time catching up and trying out several things on the menu.

If you know

I've heard about Againn again, and again, and again. Yesterday, however, I finally got a chance to try out this Contemporary Gastropub for myself after hearing many of my friends rave about the food (and the drinks). I joined Lindley (disclaimer: she does PR for Againn and invited me) for lunch yesterday and we had a great time catching up and trying out several things on the menu.

If you know

Quinoa salad with beets, daikon radish and feta

Last week I prepared a Beet and Daikon Salad with Ginger Rice Vinegar Dressing as part of my freelancing for Robyn Webb. This was not the first time I ate raw beets: I've tried them in a Mark Bittman recipe, and created my own raw beet salad with fried goat cheese medallion for a cooking demonstration at a farmers market.

This time, I decided to use leftover grated beets and daikon radishes to

Last week I prepared a Beet and Daikon Salad with Ginger Rice Vinegar Dressing as part of my freelancing for Robyn Webb. This was not the first time I ate raw beets: I've tried them in a Mark Bittman recipe, and created my own raw beet salad with fried goat cheese medallion for a cooking demonstration at a farmers market.

This time, I decided to use leftover grated beets and daikon radishes to

Pie Baking with Domenica Marchetti: Apple Pie

Remember I wrote about making a berry & peach pie with Domenica Marchetti? Well, here's part 2. Because we did not just make one pie, we made two!

For this apple pie, we used a pie dough recipe adapted from Jacques Pepin. And, because I don't have a big food processor at home, I made the dough by hand: it was not difficult at all!

Pie dough recipe (for a 9-inch two-crust pie)
2 cups unbleached

Remember I wrote about making a berry & peach pie with Domenica Marchetti? Well, here's part 2. Because we did not just make one pie, we made two!

For this apple pie, we used a pie dough recipe adapted from Jacques Pepin. And, because I don't have a big food processor at home, I made the dough by hand: it was not difficult at all!

Pie dough recipe (for a 9-inch two-crust pie)
2 cups unbleached

POM marinated pork tenderloin with shallots and carrots

Last Saturday I was pleasantly surprised to receive a package from POM Wonderful, the people behind the pomegranate juice. You see, growing up in Russia, I absolutely loved eating pomegranates, but it wasn't till my family moved to the USA that I tried pomegranate juice. I was smitten. In the past, my favorites were the original pomegranate juice and the cherry one. I am definitely not a fan of

Last Saturday I was pleasantly surprised to receive a package from POM Wonderful, the people behind the pomegranate juice. You see, growing up in Russia, I absolutely loved eating pomegranates, but it wasn't till my family moved to the USA that I tried pomegranate juice. I was smitten. In the past, my favorites were the original pomegranate juice and the cherry one. I am definitely not a fan of

Mark Bittman's inspired Ginger Fried Rice with Fried Egg

I'll admit that when it comes to certain things, I'm late to the party. For example, it took me years to get a cell phone, cable TV and to start paying for Internet. But once I did, I can't imagine my life without these things.

Same can be said about this recipe by Mark Bittman. The recipe uses day-old rice, ginger, garlic, leeks and soy sauce. And then, as if all those flavors weren't enough,

I'll admit that when it comes to certain things, I'm late to the party. For example, it took me years to get a cell phone, cable TV and to start paying for Internet. But once I did, I can't imagine my life without these things.

Same can be said about this recipe by Mark Bittman. The recipe uses day-old rice, ginger, garlic, leeks and soy sauce. And then, as if all those flavors weren't enough,

Red Fruit Festival

I have a bit of exciting news to share with you. I submitted a recipe for Roasted Tomato & Dark Cherry Balsamico Soup to the Mid-Atlantic Red Fruit Festival , and it actually made it to the finals! What does it mean? It means that this coming Friday I will be paired up with Chef RJ Cooper and we'll be competing for a prize in the Appetizers & Soups category.

If you are in DC and love tomatoes

I have a bit of exciting news to share with you. I submitted a recipe for Roasted Tomato & Dark Cherry Balsamico Soup to the Mid-Atlantic Red Fruit Festival , and it actually made it to the finals! What does it mean? It means that this coming Friday I will be paired up with Chef RJ Cooper and we'll be competing for a prize in the Appetizers & Soups category.

If you are in DC and love tomatoes

Pie Baking with Domenica Marchetti: Berry & Peach Pie

This post has been months in the works! Here's what happened: I was watching an episode of Top Chef when contestants had to make pies and tweeting at the same time. Many of my fellow twitter-ers were flabbergasted that some of the Top Chef contestants have never made pies in their lives. I twitted (tweeted?) back saying that although I'm not a Top Chef contestant, I don't remember the last time I

This post has been months in the works! Here's what happened: I was watching an episode of Top Chef when contestants had to make pies and tweeting at the same time. Many of my fellow twitter-ers were flabbergasted that some of the Top Chef contestants have never made pies in their lives. I twitted (tweeted?) back saying that although I'm not a Top Chef contestant, I don't remember the last time I

Southwestern Hash with a Poached Egg

Who knew writing about my disastrous challah baking adventures would elicit so many comments? Thanks everyone who gave me encouragement, advice and shared their own tales of kitchen mishaps.

Why don't we move on and chat about our more successful dishes?

This past weekend I was quite busy and needed something quick, but filling for breakfast. Luckily, I had a few random things in my

Who knew writing about my disastrous challah baking adventures would elicit so many comments? Thanks everyone who gave me encouragement, advice and shared their own tales of kitchen mishaps.

Why don't we move on and chat about our more successful dishes?

This past weekend I was quite busy and needed something quick, but filling for breakfast. Luckily, I had a few random things in my

Challah Disaster! I need your help.

One of my ex friends (yes, you can have ex friends, just like you can have ex boyfriends) once accused me of only posting recipes that work out. Seriously? Yes. It's true: most of the posts here are recipes for successful dishes that I've created. Why? Because most of the time I'm able to take the things in my refrigerator and pantry and compose pretty good meals using them.

Also, if my recipes

One of my ex friends (yes, you can have ex friends, just like you can have ex boyfriends) once accused me of only posting recipes that work out. Seriously? Yes. It's true: most of the posts here are recipes for successful dishes that I've created. Why? Because most of the time I'm able to take the things in my refrigerator and pantry and compose pretty good meals using them.

Also, if my recipes

Sweet & Sour Tofu with Vegetables

Ninety percent of the time, I come up with my own recipes. But sometimes I just have very little motivation. That's when I try recipes I find on other people's blogs, in magazines, or I make the recipes that I've tested for Robyn Webb or cooked and photographed for her blog. Here's one of them: Sweet and Sour Tofu. I made a few minor changes, of course ;)

Ingredients
Marinade:1/3 cup pineapple

Ninety percent of the time, I come up with my own recipes. But sometimes I just have very little motivation. That's when I try recipes I find on other people's blogs, in magazines, or I make the recipes that I've tested for Robyn Webb or cooked and photographed for her blog. Here's one of them: Sweet and Sour Tofu. I made a few minor changes, of course ;)

Ingredients
Marinade:1/3 cup pineapple

Dinner at BGR the Burger Joint

I don't think I'd ever be able to become a vegetarian: I love meat too much. Sometimes I crave meat. Sometimes I go on dates where a guy orders a salad, and I order a steak and watch the poor waiter place the salad plate in front of me: wrong!

It seems like DC is overwhelmed by burger places, but somehow I haven't managed to dine at many of them yet. One in particular that I've been meaning to

I don't think I'd ever be able to become a vegetarian: I love meat too much. Sometimes I crave meat. Sometimes I go on dates where a guy orders a salad, and I order a steak and watch the poor waiter place the salad plate in front of me: wrong!

It seems like DC is overwhelmed by burger places, but somehow I haven't managed to dine at many of them yet. One in particular that I've been meaning to