Filipino Achara / Atsara
Achara/atsara is the Philippine contribution to the world of Asian pickles. There are many versions, and virtually any vegetable can be used for making achara. Any mention of achara, though, will most likely evoke thoughts of this type of achara, which uses green...
Orzo Salad from Passionate Vegetarian
Lunch yesterday: this yummy salad, adapted from Passionate Vegetarian: Dressing: 1/4 cup Vegenaise (or other mayo)2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil1 tablespoon red wine vinegarjuice and zest of half a lemon2 large pinches dried tarragon6 threads saffron2 large...
Open Letters and a Recipe
Dear Oxo, Thank you so much for sending me a new basket for my salad spinner. This is my 3rd Oxo salad spinner, the first one having been thrown away after rusting, the second one rusting again after just a few months, and the third one you sent me free. I hope you've...
My Favorite Gardening Links
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Bluestone Perennials Brent and Becky's Bulbs DripWorks (drip irrigation) Gardener's Supply Company Gempler's (not just for gardens) Gilbert H. Wild and Son LLC J. L. Hudson, Seedsman (awesome rare seeds) Johnny's Selected Seeds Le Jardin du...
Menu for the Week #2
Lunches/Dinners: 1. Brunswick Stew 2. Huevos Rancheros -- need to use up that masa harina! -- haven't made this since 2002! 3. Moroccan Lamb Tagine over couscous / rice 4. Mexican Tamales for Candlemas + Atole; 5. Mussels with Lemon - Iska's recipe 6. Afghan Okra and...
Cooking and Baking All Over the Place
One kitchen is all I have, but on the 'net things work out where it almost feels like I have three! (Would that it were true.) A bit of Asian Flavor at Noodles and Rice, but first a note: if you're an allergy sufferer and would like to try these recipes, make sure you...
Bagna Cauda
Four Days to Party Time! So far we've got embutido (not my recipe, but something similar), samosas, chicken wings (sweet-spicy and Buffalo), crab cake bites, Thai-flavored mussels, morcon, scallops-in-bacon, chicken sate, and mango sorbet done. The recipes linked are...
Lasang Pinoy 14 – A La Espanyola: Callos
A La Espanyola, or “in the Spanish style” (my rough translation), is the theme of this month’s edition of Lasang Pinoy (The Filipino Taste), hosted by none other than Purple Girl of In Lola’s Kitchen). Callos Beef Tripe in Tomato and Olive Sauce 4...
Spinach Recall, E. Coli and Earthbound Farms Organic Spinach
Image: Elly Brian Like many organic consumers, Earthbound Farms is one of our favorite sources for organic greens. I had just bought a package of their Baby Spinach when the news came out. Here is Earthbound Farms' press release dated yesterday, September 18. If...
Chamomile Tea Panna Cotta
It's not dairy free, but that's my next experiment -- perhaps panna cotta with some almond milk instead. I got a free sample from Adagio Teas and submitted my recipe for this. It's posted here: Chamomile Tea Panna Cotta. There is an error in the serving instructions...
Growing Your Own
Image: Ivy Farm I always talk about growing your own food, and how it's my dream to live off the land and harvest everything fresh from my backyard.... but this is ridiculous. Funny how I wrote this in 2006, and look where we are in 2024.
Success Report: Brownies! (Eggless, Wheatless, Dairyless)
The products linked here are merely what I used or recommend, you can substitute similar ingredients where you are. 9 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, dairy free 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped up, dairy free 3 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 5...
Success Report! Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins (Eggless, Wheatless, Dairyless!)
Yes! Success! These are muffins my kids actually LOVED -- hubby too. ratings all around, for an allergy-free muffin. Please please try it if you have allergies, and let me know how you like it! To make these, you need 1 cup sweet brown rice flour (see note below) 1/2...
Reader Request: Buchi / Jin Dui / Bean-Filled Sesame Balls
This post is for Ruth, who requested a recipe for buchi. Ruth, there are variations to this; what I’m giving you right now is the simplest one with the shortest ingredient list. To make 12 sesame balls, you need: 1 1/2 cups sweet rice flour (a.k.a. glutinous rice...
Sambal Limau Sotong
This is just one of the many “little dishes” Malaysians serve with their food. Though I liked the gentle flavors in this, I missed the spicy fire-in-your-mouth quality of other sambal. The marinated shallots do give it some bite. 1/4 cup thinly-sliced shallots,...