Portobello Pizza

My friend’s mom (Mama G!) whips up these tasty Portobello Pizzas in just 30 minutes, and they are so simple and flavorful.  Plus, the no-carb vegetarian pizza idea is quite ideal for those looking for a healthy appetizer or snack.  I didn’t list the actual ingredient measurements as they will vary based on the size … Continue reading

Sautéed Fiddlehead Ferns

I had never actually heard of fiddllehead ferns, also known as fiddlehead greens, until I had dinner at Brushstroke a few weeks ago. The vegetable was served tempura style with asparagus as a complement to smoked duck. I instantly loved the slightly bitter fern and especially liked how pretty it was. So when I saw … Continue reading

Rack of Lamb with Caramelized Shallot and Thyme Crust

When I was brainstorming dinner ideas last week, I was not really inspired by anything in particular, except the need to “cultivate” the crops of our Aerogarden. We’ve been using the basil to make Insalata Caprese, but the thyme and oregano have been growing like crazy and needed to be used. So I consulted one … Continue reading

Candied Walnuts

There are various ways to make candied walnuts, ranging from stove top, roasting, or deep frying.  I first started making these yummy little morsels to top one of my favorite salads with Roasted Beets, arugula, goat cheese, red onion, and tomatoes.  These are great for salad toppers or just to munch on by themselves.  I … Continue reading

Curry Vinaigrette

Natalya and I typically dress our salads with just balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, but we started experimenting with making our own dressings such as Lemon Vinaigrette.  Here is a great vinaigrette recipe from Kei Kurobe infused with curry and and mixed with golden raisins.  I originally made this to served atop my … Continue reading

Baked Peppers with Anchovies

I had some leftover anchovy fillets after making the Honey Mustard Glaze for the Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb and so I was exploring what other recipes could use them up.  I decided to use half of them for my Chicken Puttanesca and the other half for this simple baked peppers meze dish I found from my … Continue reading

Sautéed Asparagus with Mushrooms

Besides roasting asparagus, another favorite way to cook these delicious spring vegetables is to sauté them with mushrooms and onions.  I enjoy this same mushroom and onion combination when I sauté brussel sprouts as well!  Only charge is that I leave our the garlic, as I think it’s an uncessary flavor add to asparagus. Similar … Continue reading

Chicken Puttanesca

I had some leftover anchovy fillets from making a Honey Mustard Glaze for the Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb and I was trying to figure out what to do with these little fishies.  Last time I had cooked with anchovies, it was for Spaghetti alla Puttanesca, a spicy and salty Southern Italian dish that consists of … Continue reading

Sunday Brunch

Brunching is one of my favorite things to do in Manhattan, as the city is packed with a plethora of brunch spots that can suit any desire for a traditional (Bubby’s) or nouveau American brunch (Five Points), an Asian Fusion brunch with a DIY Bloody Mary Bar (Double Crown), a Chinese dim sum brunch (Ping’s … Continue reading

Chocolate Cups with Berries & Homemade Whip Cream

Originally for our blog’s first birthday, I had planned to make some cute mini cakes for the occasion. However, that plan was scrapped when I realized I had burnt them! =( I was seriously bummed… Naturally I wasn’t about to post any embarrassing pictures of charcoal-color bundt cakes. (Next time will be better, I promise!) … Continue reading