Sometimes it’s really amazing to see what makes people tick.  With zillions of food blogs, sites dedicated to food, cooking and entertaining, gorgeous cookbooks and TV shows, you’d think one would be in a constant state of epicurean exploration, looking for something unimaginably tasty, elaborate and exquisite, infinitely variable and pleasing to the eye… At […]

When it comes to cult classic recipes, consulting with the authoritative sources is a must. I feel obligated to do so because I am afraid to misrepresent the dish, give you the wrong impression of the flavor and texture, and thus, if unsuccessful, give you all, both literally and figuratively, bad aftertaste.

Plov. This simple dish belongs to the list of my favorite comfort foods.  The origins of it are definitely Asian, but no one knows for sure where exactly it came from.  You can find its distinctive relatives in India, China, Middle East, Caucasus, and everywhere in between, you name it. No matter the origin, it […]

I’ve been into brassicas lately. If you open my fridge on any regular week you may find some broccoli at least. I like broccoli but it’s not my favorite. And last week I went overboard with brassicas at my vegetable co-op: there are currently cabbages, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and a head of cauliflower in my […]

Seasoned food junkies like yours truly always find ways to enhance the recipe, spin it, bring up a different note every time.  This is a great way to keep things interesting in the kitchen, or renew one’s love for an old, seemingly ordinary staple number.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great way to ruin […]

We don’t cook pork in our house very often. When we do, it’s typically either a picnic shoulder rubbed with zillion of spices and herbs and slowly roasted or thick cut bone-in chops.  It has been a while since I made a good ‘ole pork stew.  In fact, I can’t even remember when I did […]

Can you think of a more comforting soup than chowder?  I personally prefer creamy chowders to the tomato based ones, but no matter what you like, they are at the top of the list when you are in the mood for something hearty and soothing. Today I am cooking a chowder of my own, which […]