Aaaah, the good ‘ole form vs content dilemma, old as this world, much discussed by artists, philosophers and critics alike. What do these things mean to us, and how do they operate in our daily lives? Are they important? If so, why? If not, why not?  Since we are dabbling in culinary arts here (as humbly as […]

Finally, a batch of sauerkraut I can get behind. I think I finally figured out the perfect salt to cabbage ratio, and the air insulation in my pickling crock helped develop that amazing zest. No spices needed — cabbage has its own perfect punch…

The fall is here.  The leaves aren’t the only thing turning yellow and red.  Noticed how blogs everywhere start popping with red, yellow and brown colored dishes?  And that means the best foods are here, kids! And with the mother of all foods fall — Thanksgiving — just around the corner, it’s time to stock […]

How far do you think you can deviate from the original recipe and still be able to recognize it?  I mean, there are hardly any real people out there that have all ingredients on hand at all times.  We are bound to substitute here and there, even omit some stuff, but can we still call […]

There are dishes that appear to be very complicated, while they are not.  As it was the case with my last night’s dinner, whose labor-to-yum ratio is extremely favorable.  The whole meal start-to-finish took about 20 minutes to put together.  It’s robust, bright in both color and flavor and irresistibly good looking.  The secret is […]

Russian literary genius Aleksander Pushkin concluded one of his fairy tales with these words: “The tale is a lie, but there’s a hint in it, a lesson for the fine lads”…  Indeed, we find that each fairy tale, while not exactly a true story, inevitably leaves us a breadcrumb trail of clues, tiny glimpses into the time when the […]

Ah, the things we are willing to do for our offspring! I don’t consider my kid being spoiled. Yeah, she does get showered in gifts by grandparents a few times a year, but my husband and I aren’t big on that at all. Ok, maybe I am in denial about it, but in my heart […]