As we’ve traveled through Northern Europe and Scandinavia we have seen lots of fish cakes! They come in all shapes and sizes with various sauces and flavorings. Here is my favorite version, which also happens to be ridiculously easy to make at home. Fish Cake Ingredients 2-3 large potatoes 1 pound of fresh cod 1 egg 1 red onion (grated … [Read more...]
Perfect Steamed Artichokes
Artichokes have been popping up at markets all over Europe this spring. They are one of my favorite "special" vegetables, so I've been buying them whenever possible. Prices have ranged from $1 to $7 per artichoke at different markets. Artichokes have such a wonderful sweet taste and the process of eating them leaf by leaf is so much fun. They … [Read more...]
Spring Salads
Spring is a season of salads! Actually, I think there are great salad for all seasons, but spring is one of my favorite times to celebrate bitter greens and fresh garden toppings. There are endless delicious combinations and lots of room for creativity. I've been making salads often during our travels. It's usually easy to find fresh greens and … [Read more...]
Quinoa Pasta with Tangy Peanut Sauce
This is one of my favorite recipes -- I love Asian flavors and this a crowd pleaser every time! This version turns a typically unhealthy meal into a nutritional staple by substituting quinoa pasta for traditional white flour pasta, replacing chicken with tofu, and adding lots of veggies. Quinoa Pasta with Tangy Peanut Sauce Ingredients (serves … [Read more...]
Pesto – An Herb Delivery Vehicle
I'm really into pesto this summer! Not only is it delicious, it is also excellent herb delivery vehicle. As I've learned more about the health benefits of herbs I've tried to incorporate them into my diet as much as possible. Pestos are a terrific way to eat more herbs and to eat them in higher quantities -- you eat far more herb in a pesto than … [Read more...]
Hot Sauce!
T and I are very into grilled peppers. One of our favorite restaurants in Boston (Toro) has delicious grilled peperoncini peppers smothered in olive oil and salt. They are amazing! We have had good luck recreating them at home and recently thought we'd try these small sweet red peppers instead of our usual green peperoncinis. Well it turns … [Read more...]
Sundried Tomatoes
I have recently started exploring the world of drying. A friend gave us a dehydrator for our wedding and it has been really fun to play with drying different fruits and vegetables. We got the dehydrator last fall after the tomato season, so I was waiting with anticipation for the first plum tomatoes to arrive in the farmers markets this summer. … [Read more...]
Refrigerator Pickles
I love pickles! I've had good luck making big batches and officially canning them, but I also enjoy making small fresh batches to enjoy throughout the summer. Making small batches allows you to use whatever veggies you have and avoids the full canning process, which can be hot and daunting. I started two large ball jars in my fridge at the … [Read more...]
Garlic Scape Pesto
Garlic scapes are the fresh green spring growth of garlic plants. They have a wonderful mild garlicy flavor and can be used in many ways. My personal favorite is garlic scape pesto! I have made this at the beginning of the summer for the past few years and it always symbolizes the unfolding of delicious seasonal produce rituals. Take a moment … [Read more...]