I could sense the feigned excitement in Papi’s voice when I called him to relay tonight’s dinner menu: soup and sandwiches. He tends to think of this combination as a frilly one that suffices for luncheon with the ladies, but is far too insubstantial for his most important meal of the day. Needless [...]
Entries from July 2008
July 28, 2008
tomatillo-phobia
I suppose that in certain areas of the country what I’m about to say is laughable, but here goes: tomatillos have always intimated me. The kiwi-green orbs look as nonthreatening as tomatoes, but their papery husks and sticky skins—combined with their mysterious absence in recipes other than sauces—gave the impression that only a Mexican mother [...]
July 27, 2008
return to paradise
Today we were back in beautiful Stiltsville, swimming and sunning on a luxuriously lazy summer Sunday. A monster storm passed overhead in the morning, but left in its wake calm turquoise waters and large schools of tropical fish who had gathered for shelter in the shallow shade of the house.
For Joanna and me, a day [...]
July 22, 2008
one batch serves all
I’ve baked a lot of brownies lately, but to me, the one-bowl ease coupled with the intoxicating smell of chocolate that fills the house just as the brownies reach their pinnacle of fudgy perfection never gets old. Plus, I’m always looking to try new recipes and techniques to further exalt this classic dessert.
That being [...]
July 21, 2008
aubergenius
Our eggplants from the market were perfectly ripe, glistening purple, and begging to be used for dinner. Mom found a great recipe for Shrimp and Scallops with Asian Eggplant. This happens to be her favorite dish when we go out for Thai food, and we were all excited to discover how easily it [...]
July 20, 2008
sunday at the farmer’s market
Today we trekked down south to the Homestead Farmer’s Market. With tightly packed kiosks, makeshift taco shops, and a soundtrack of produce names and prices being called out in Spanish, the excitement was palpable. Amidst the sweltering heat and amongst a crowd of weekend shoppers, we eagerly strolled the aisles, marveling at the freshness and [...]
July 20, 2008
summer sliders
Inspired by the recent New York Times article, I decided to invent my own trio of sliders for the family this weekend. Joanna made them even more delicious with yeasty sesame mini buns that had our kitchen smelling like the Fuddruckers bakery.
The classic burger was our favorite. For the burgers I used fresh [...]
July 20, 2008
mumble crumble
Grandma was having some people over for brunch and wanted a dessert for the occasion. Her request was for “something that would go well with a cup of coffee.” I immediately thought of a crumb cake: the kind with a dense yet tender bottom pebbled with an equally thick layer of cinnamony crust.
I [...]
July 19, 2008
passport to india
My freshman year in college I lived in a dorm. The friendships, the room, and even the communal kitchenette were all super, but my foodie side couldn’t wait for the following year in a pretty apartment with a brand new kitchen. Naturally, when the time came and I was unleashed into this little [...]
July 18, 2008
a birthday wish delivered
Yesterday was my roommate Alyssa’s birthday. Alyssa lives in New Jersey, but I wasn’t going to let distance stand in the way of sending her a freshly-baked birthday package. When pondering about what to make her, I immediately thought chocolate. That, coupled with a desire to send her something Floridian, inspired me [...]
