Pages

See You Later, Alligator




No, I'm not quitting Mango & Tomato :) I'm just going on a trip to Seattle to visit family and friends for a week! But don't you worry, I'll have new posts scheduled, so come back and check them out! Also, I'm thinking of increasing the size of my vertical photos so that they take up the entire width of the blog (like the one above). Thoughts???



No, I'm not quitting Mango & Tomato :) I'm just going on a trip to Seattle to visit family and friends for a week! But don't you worry, I'll have new posts scheduled, so come back and check them out! Also, I'm thinking of increasing the size of my vertical photos so that they take up the entire width of the blog (like the one above). Thoughts???
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Two Tone Popsicles & New Oxo Tools




Earlier this month I received a fun gift from OXO company: a bunch of different tools to make fruit prep easier. Since I already have and LOVE their cherry pitter, I gave my old one to my friend Cindy and am keeping the pretty red one.

I decided to try out the strawberry huller, mango splitter and the smaller of the fruit scoops to make popsicles!!!

These are not just your regular popsicles,



Earlier this month I received a fun gift from OXO company: a bunch of different tools to make fruit prep easier. Since I already have and LOVE their cherry pitter, I gave my old one to my friend Cindy and am keeping the pretty red one.

I decided to try out the strawberry huller, mango splitter and the smaller of the fruit scoops to make popsicles!!!

These are not just your regular popsicles,
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Tvorog & Sirniki (Russian Cottage Cheese): Russian Recipes Revisited












It's time for another Russian Recipes Revisited post. When thinking about what recipe to make for this month, I decided to make something that reminds me of my maternal grandmother. She would have turned 93 on May 25th. She loved to cook, plants, watching ballroom dancing, and us. She loved her family.

One of the dishes she made often was cottage cheese. But Russian cottage cheese,











It's time for another Russian Recipes Revisited post. When thinking about what recipe to make for this month, I decided to make something that reminds me of my maternal grandmother. She would have turned 93 on May 25th. She loved to cook, plants, watching ballroom dancing, and us. She loved her family.

One of the dishes she made often was cottage cheese. But Russian cottage cheese,
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Cooking with ScratchDC: Chicken Tikka Masala

On Monday I got a chance to try out ScratchDC (for free!!!). They delivered a box full of ingredients to make Chicken Tikka Masala to my work and asked me to give it a whirl in my kitchen.

Of course they knew I wasn't going to follow directions to a t. But let me back up a bit...





ScratcDC is a local business that comes up with recipes, does all the prep and delivers it to you with
On Monday I got a chance to try out ScratchDC (for free!!!). They delivered a box full of ingredients to make Chicken Tikka Masala to my work and asked me to give it a whirl in my kitchen.

Of course they knew I wasn't going to follow directions to a t. But let me back up a bit...





ScratcDC is a local business that comes up with recipes, does all the prep and delivers it to you with
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Vegan Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Avocado, Arugula & Marcona Almonds




This Vegan Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Avocado, Arugula & Marcona Almonds came about as many of my other creations. I had random ingredients in my pantry and refrigerator and needed to make something out of them without going to the grocery store.

As the title indicates, the recipe is vegan. It's also pretty darn healthy and filling. And you can eat it hot, at room temperature or cold.







This Vegan Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Avocado, Arugula & Marcona Almonds came about as many of my other creations. I had random ingredients in my pantry and refrigerator and needed to make something out of them without going to the grocery store.

As the title indicates, the recipe is vegan. It's also pretty darn healthy and filling. And you can eat it hot, at room temperature or cold.




reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Fire Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe from Muir Glen







A few weeks ago I received a super sweet gift from Muir Glen: canned tomatoes, a pretty towel, wood tongues and a spoon, an apron and little packets of olive oil. ♥♥♥

Included in this gift was a recipe for Fire Roasted Tomato Soup. So I made it. And it was awesome.






Fire Roasted Tomato Soup from Muir Glen



Ingredients
1 tablespoon
butter or olive oil


1
large onion, chopped (1 cup






A few weeks ago I received a super sweet gift from Muir Glen: canned tomatoes, a pretty towel, wood tongues and a spoon, an apron and little packets of olive oil. ♥♥♥

Included in this gift was a recipe for Fire Roasted Tomato Soup. So I made it. And it was awesome.






Fire Roasted Tomato Soup from Muir Glen



Ingredients
1 tablespoon
butter or olive oil


1
large onion, chopped (1 cup
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Have a Nice Wedding Cake And Start a New Life

Verily unlike the common traditional cakes, those are served in the wedding generally consist of many layers and also elaborate design. In fact, there is a special art incorporated in decorating those cakes. The cake designers, bakers generally practice delicate methods just for the construction of the beautiful sweet creations as well. Some of the cakes take whole day of preparation just before finally finished all of them.

Though a conventional wedding cake is generally made with some layers, there is also a modern cakes that are made of smaller pieces as the cupcakes. These cupcakes can make a brilliant wedding cakes as it presents with attractive and cutest manner. It also makes much easier to serve each guest with proper cupcake holder.

The food colour used to decorate or design the cakes are usually based on the basic colour motif of the wedding process. Fondant and marzipans are the usual elements generally used throughout the layer of the cakes. There are tests of taste to see which cakes flavour and basic type will be surely used. Some other ornaments as the fruits, flower are added to make the cake a colourful one. There is also some other many decorations as the edible gold, pearl or beads to make the whole cake just look more interesting and also gorgeous as suits with the wedding theme itself.

To have a cake in the marriage ceremony is an essential part as it is sliced by the couple of the day. The very first slice is generally consumed by the wedded couple together as the symbol of sharing everything in their lifetime. This is the ultimate common convention so far. Afterward, the cake is served to the invitees as the sweet dessert of their main food course.

The very top layer in the wedding cake is completely another story. Conventionally, a figurine resemble the image of newly wedded couple is placed as the top layer. There are also some instances where the top most layer of the cake is saved properly. It is totally consumed at the very day of that couple's first marriage anniversary.

With the wedding cake the day can gain an extra dimension of love and bonding itself. The cake cutting ceremony brings the couple more attached to each other as they start their journey of a new life with a sweet delicacy. Sometimes people present the cake according to the theme of the wedding whether it is a beach wedding party or a traditional wedding reception. This wonderful wedding cake can be consisted with different colour as pink, while, purple or so many as the different flavour also.

There is some other tradition attached with the cake found in a wedding reception. In some eminent culture, these cupcakes are one of the symbol of romance and the sweetness in the new couple's life. A cake pull is considered as one tradition practice in the western culture and in some Asian culture where these charms are directly inserted at the last layer of the cake and can be taken completely out with the help of the ribbon and string attached with the cake.

Sara Osborne is a common name in the domain of cake bakers and the cake designer also. Her write ups on Wedding cakes and other recipes are much helpful for the cooks.

Verily unlike the common traditional cakes, those are served in the wedding generally consist of many layers and also elaborate design. In fact, there is a special art incorporated in decorating those cakes. The cake designers, bakers generally practice delicate methods just for the construction of the beautiful sweet creations as well. Some of the cakes take whole day of preparation just before finally finished all of them.

Though a conventional wedding cake is generally made with some layers, there is also a modern cakes that are made of smaller pieces as the cupcakes. These cupcakes can make a brilliant wedding cakes as it presents with attractive and cutest manner. It also makes much easier to serve each guest with proper cupcake holder.

The food colour used to decorate or design the cakes are usually based on the basic colour motif of the wedding process. Fondant and marzipans are the usual elements generally used throughout the layer of the cakes. There are tests of taste to see which cakes flavour and basic type will be surely used. Some other ornaments as the fruits, flower are added to make the cake a colourful one. There is also some other many decorations as the edible gold, pearl or beads to make the whole cake just look more interesting and also gorgeous as suits with the wedding theme itself.

To have a cake in the marriage ceremony is an essential part as it is sliced by the couple of the day. The very first slice is generally consumed by the wedded couple together as the symbol of sharing everything in their lifetime. This is the ultimate common convention so far. Afterward, the cake is served to the invitees as the sweet dessert of their main food course.

The very top layer in the wedding cake is completely another story. Conventionally, a figurine resemble the image of newly wedded couple is placed as the top layer. There are also some instances where the top most layer of the cake is saved properly. It is totally consumed at the very day of that couple's first marriage anniversary.

With the wedding cake the day can gain an extra dimension of love and bonding itself. The cake cutting ceremony brings the couple more attached to each other as they start their journey of a new life with a sweet delicacy. Sometimes people present the cake according to the theme of the wedding whether it is a beach wedding party or a traditional wedding reception. This wonderful wedding cake can be consisted with different colour as pink, while, purple or so many as the different flavour also.

There is some other tradition attached with the cake found in a wedding reception. In some eminent culture, these cupcakes are one of the symbol of romance and the sweetness in the new couple's life. A cake pull is considered as one tradition practice in the western culture and in some Asian culture where these charms are directly inserted at the last layer of the cake and can be taken completely out with the help of the ribbon and string attached with the cake.

Sara Osborne is a common name in the domain of cake bakers and the cake designer also. Her write ups on Wedding cakes and other recipes are much helpful for the cooks.
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Eating out with Instagram: #Philadelphia4ADay. Where to Eat Brunch & Dinner in Philadelphia

I love traveling. If I'm in the same place for too long, I get antsy. Although I just got back from a trip to San Francisco and Alameda, and am going to Seattle in June, I have no other travel plans on my calendar. Oy.

That's why I was so happy when my friend Pankti suggested a day trip to Philadelphia. I've been to Philadelphia three times already: once on a solo trip, once on a trip with my
I love traveling. If I'm in the same place for too long, I get antsy. Although I just got back from a trip to San Francisco and Alameda, and am going to Seattle in June, I have no other travel plans on my calendar. Oy.

That's why I was so happy when my friend Pankti suggested a day trip to Philadelphia. I've been to Philadelphia three times already: once on a solo trip, once on a trip with my
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Lemony French Lentils with Shitake Mushrooms & Pan Seared Salmon




This Lemony French Lentils with Shitake Mushrooms & Pan Seared Salmon recipe is inspired by a dish I had at Pappo while visiting friends in Alameda, CA.

I guess this is more of a how to put different things together post than a true recipe, but I have faith in your cooking abilities!

The French lentils are not only beautiful, but they retain their shape after being cooked unlike other



This Lemony French Lentils with Shitake Mushrooms & Pan Seared Salmon recipe is inspired by a dish I had at Pappo while visiting friends in Alameda, CA.

I guess this is more of a how to put different things together post than a true recipe, but I have faith in your cooking abilities!

The French lentils are not only beautiful, but they retain their shape after being cooked unlike other
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Chilled Spicy Carrot Soup with Yogurt Sauce Recipe from Deborah Madison's Vegetable Literacy




My friend Amy gave me Deborah Madison's Vegetable Literacy for my birthday a few months ago. Although the book is filled with an incredible amount of information, so far I've just looked at its pretty photos and made one recipe: Chilled Spicy Carrot Soup with Yogurt Sauce.







Chilled Spicy Carrot Soup with Yogurt Sauce
from Deborah Madison's Vegetable Literacy

Ingredients for 6
2



My friend Amy gave me Deborah Madison's Vegetable Literacy for my birthday a few months ago. Although the book is filled with an incredible amount of information, so far I've just looked at its pretty photos and made one recipe: Chilled Spicy Carrot Soup with Yogurt Sauce.







Chilled Spicy Carrot Soup with Yogurt Sauce
from Deborah Madison's Vegetable Literacy

Ingredients for 6
2
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Mango, Tomato & Black Bean Salad (or Salsa)




Happy almost weekend! Are you doing anything exciting? I'm going to Philadelphia for a day tomorrow with a few friends and spending Sunday cooking and photographing and hopefully cleaning my condo. {Don't forget to call your mom for Mother's Day!!!}

This Mango, Tomato & Black Bean Salad recipe came about after I saw Bonnie Benwick's tweet last week:





But of course I had to add my own



Happy almost weekend! Are you doing anything exciting? I'm going to Philadelphia for a day tomorrow with a few friends and spending Sunday cooking and photographing and hopefully cleaning my condo. {Don't forget to call your mom for Mother's Day!!!}

This Mango, Tomato & Black Bean Salad recipe came about after I saw Bonnie Benwick's tweet last week:





But of course I had to add my own
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

What to do with Carrots: Whole Roasted Carrots with Fresh Fig Balsamic Vinegar






Over the weekend I did a TON of cooking for the blog. You've already seen the beautiful (if I say so myself) Mango Tart with Crystallized Ginger and Pistachios. Another recipe I made was Chilled Carrot Soup from Deborah Madison's latest cookbook: I will publish it either this Friday or next week.

The Chilled Carrot Soup called for 3 cups of sliced carrots, but I wasn't sure how many pounds





Over the weekend I did a TON of cooking for the blog. You've already seen the beautiful (if I say so myself) Mango Tart with Crystallized Ginger and Pistachios. Another recipe I made was Chilled Carrot Soup from Deborah Madison's latest cookbook: I will publish it either this Friday or next week.

The Chilled Carrot Soup called for 3 cups of sliced carrots, but I wasn't sure how many pounds
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Mango Tart with Crystallized Ginger & Pistachios: Mango & Tomato Turns 5!!!




This May, Mango & Tomato turns 5!!! I can't believe I've been blogging for the last 5 years and honestly can't imagine my life without it. To celebrate, I decided to make Mango Tart with Crystallized Ginger & Pistachios.

Although I tried to get a few sponsors for my celebration and to host a few giveaways, nothing came of it. Instead, I'll share a few special recipes with you and treat myself



This May, Mango & Tomato turns 5!!! I can't believe I've been blogging for the last 5 years and honestly can't imagine my life without it. To celebrate, I decided to make Mango Tart with Crystallized Ginger & Pistachios.

Although I tried to get a few sponsors for my celebration and to host a few giveaways, nothing came of it. Instead, I'll share a few special recipes with you and treat myself
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Eating out with Instagram: Eating in Alameda, CA


A week ago I was in Alameda, CA visiting my friends Laura and Carlos and their two boys after my stay in San Francisco.

Laura and I started work within a week of each other ELEVEN years ago, and together with our friend Jenny have remained good friends despite the fact that Laura and Jenny moved from DC.

It's been over two years since the last time I saw Laura and her family (in Puerto Rico!!

A week ago I was in Alameda, CA visiting my friends Laura and Carlos and their two boys after my stay in San Francisco.

Laura and I started work within a week of each other ELEVEN years ago, and together with our friend Jenny have remained good friends despite the fact that Laura and Jenny moved from DC.

It's been over two years since the last time I saw Laura and her family (in Puerto Rico!!
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Eating out with Instagram: Where to Eat in San Francisco Edition (Lunch, Brunch, and Dinner)




Last week I flew to California for a week of vacation. I spent half of the time in San Francisco with my friend Melissa, aka @Kale1stMenLater, and the rest of the time visiting my friends Laura & Carlos and their boys in Alameda.

{Photo on the left is of Melissa and I}

Other than seeing my friends, and not being at work, the best part of this vacation was how low key it was. I pretty much



Last week I flew to California for a week of vacation. I spent half of the time in San Francisco with my friend Melissa, aka @Kale1stMenLater, and the rest of the time visiting my friends Laura & Carlos and their boys in Alameda.

{Photo on the left is of Melissa and I}

Other than seeing my friends, and not being at work, the best part of this vacation was how low key it was. I pretty much
reade more... Résuméabuiyad