Nov
18
2011
A Tribute to Cinque Terre
Just a brief moment to reflect on these gorgeous seaside villages that have been devastated by recent floodings and mudslides…
Nov
14
2011
As American As French Apple Tart
Oct
13
2011
Duck Prosciutto: The Sequel
Sep
1
2011
Dulce de Frustrating
In all fairness to the actual dulce de leche, it’s amazing. It’s those damn brownies that they were supposed to be swirled in…
Aug
25
2011
Duck Prosciutto
Dear Blog Protection Services, Please don’t take my blog away. I promise I won’t neglect it ever again. Or leave it in a car with the windows rolled up in the middle of summer.
Jan
3
2011
Macarons from the Born Again Blogger!
Sep
10
2010
Tonka Bean Peaches & Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
I thought I’d inaugurate my return to the blogosphere with a souvenir from France that could result in some serious jail time.
Aug
20
2010
Fruit Cocktail…Literally
Aug
10
2010
Beet Gnocchi & Smoked Almond Pesto
Jul
28
2010
Hump Day Happy Hour: Strawberry Mojito Pops
Part 4 of my July cocktail series featuring thirst-quenching libations every Wednesday this month. Glug, glug, glug, glug…
Jul
21
2010
Hump Day Happy Hour: Ginger & Cucumber Sake Cooler
Part 3 of my July cocktail series featuring thirst-quenching libations every Wednesday this month. Glug, glug, glug, glug…
Jul
16
2010
Watermelon Salad & Balsamic Sherry Vinaigrette
A mèlange of refreshing fruity flavors with a tart vinaigrette makes this the perfect summer salad!
Jul
14
2010
Hump Day Happy Hour: Pastis Cocktail for Bastille Day
Part 2 of my July cocktail series featuring thirst-quenching libations every Wednesday this month. Glug, glug, glug, glug…
Jul
7
2010
Hump Day Happy Hour: Sangria, Skyscrapers & Sun
Part 1 of my July cocktail series featuring thirst quenching libations every Wednesday this month. Glug, glug, glug, glug…
Jun
28
2010
Piselli al Prosciutto
No crazy musings here, folks. Just a classic case of “Girl meets peas. Girl cooks peas”.
Jun
15
2010
Croquembouche
He called me last week at 5pm on a Thursday afternoon from work and said, “Can you make a cake for 15 people for tomorrow?” Uh, err, umm…sure?!
Jun
10
2010
A Mediterranean Feast – Baba Ganoush, Tzatziki, Tabouli & Lamb Stuffed Peppers
I’m punishing myself…so instead of extending this for 4 glorious recipe posts which would buy me a Get-Out-of-Food-Photography-While-You-Cook card, I am including all the recipes you need to put on a fabulous fete. You’re welcome.
May
28
2010
Cacio e Pepe & Welcome to the Neighborhood!
Has it really been 23 days since my last post?!? “Bad blogger! Tsk tsk tsk!” (as I scold myself and wiggle my index finger from side to side). It has been quite a frenetic month with packing and moving and unpacking again. But we’re happy to finally sit back and enjoy our new home!
May
5
2010
Grilled Prawns & Anchovy Butter
We’ve been on a “No Reservations” kick lately and in this household, anything Anthony Bourdain says, goes.
Apr
22
2010
Steamed Sea Bass Roll In a Sesame Ginger Sauce
Apr
13
2010
Bibingka – A Filipino Dessert
My very first and successful attempt at one of my favorite classic Filipino treats. An interesting amalgamation of flavors, bibingka fuses together a simple rice flour cake with coconut milk, salted eggs and cream cheese.
Apr
8
2010
The Caribbean “Rice & Beans”
Just before we left for Costa Rica, my best friend gave me a food challenge: To prepare a meal based on local ingredients using only the equipment available at our disposal.
Mar
31
2010
Kiwi Granita
One of my favorite parts about going on vacation is the challenge to use all our perishable ingredients in order to avoid coming home to radioactive mutant produce with fur and legs. Kiwi was one of them.
Mar
18
2010
Crispy Pork Belly & Grapefruit Sauce
Mar
12
2010
Braised Chicken In an Adobo Reduction
Alas, my very first Filipino recipe. With a twist, nonetheless. And a bon voyage to us!
Mar
10
2010
Pots de Crème au Caramel Salé
Years ago, I saw a similar dessert on a menu at a restaurant. Sadly, my inhibition of slaughtering the classy pronunciation trumped my desire for this tiny jar of goodness. Lesson learned. So say it with me now: po – de – krem. Not: pots – day – cream.
Mar
5
2010
Oeufs En Cocotte…On Quack
While most women get hot and heavy over French designer labels such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton or Christian Lacroix, my heart skips a beat for a different kind of haute couture. Frankly, I’m quite appalled that it wasn’t seen on the designer runways last month.
Feb
26
2010
Rustic Tomato & Quinoa Soup – A Peruvian Memory
It’s quite the winter wonderland outside our tiny kitchen in the Big Apple with snow still heavily drifting from the sky as I write this entry. It’s another perfect day to cozy up with a bowl of steaming goodness and perhaps reminisce about the warmer days of yore.
Feb
24
2010
Cream of Wild Mushroom & Leek Soup
I’ve already told you about our quack addiction. We managed to ease off a bit since the habit becomes a little costly and quite frankly, an overdose of quack isn’t the best for your health. But did I ever confess our addiction to ‘shrooms?
Feb
22
2010
Poached Pear & Caramelized Pistachio Tart
Warning: The recipe you are about to view has been proven to cause minor bodily injury. It should only be performed by a trained professional or under strict supervision by an adult. Kids, do not try this at home.
*This is what I wished it said at the top of the recipe.*
Feb
19
2010
Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding
I said to him the other day, “I don’t think I have a culinary musing to go along with the rice pudding.” To which he matter-of-factly replied, “But you’re Asian, baby.”
Feb
16
2010
Roasted Tomato & Eggplant Mille-Feuille
Feb
11
2010
Fondant Au Chocolat – Love At First Bite
Valentine’s schmalentine’s. Personally, I don’t buy it. But for all you Lovey McLoversons out there, here is a decadent dessert that’s about as melty as your heart each time you gaze into the eyes of your true love. ***Swoon***
Feb
8
2010
Spicy Minced Pork in Lettuce Cups
Our trip to Costa Rica is T-minus 32 days. We have to conquer 2 volcanoes, climb a mountain at 3800m (12,467 ft. for my fellow Americans), survive in the rainforest and dive 20m down into the ocean. So yeah, we’re remotely trying to eat healthy and shape up.
Feb
5
2010
San Pellegrino Blood Orange Mojitos
I am all too familiar with the words, “Vegas baby! Woo Hoo!” which, after a two-day alcohol bingefest, usually precedes the phrase, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”. This time, it’s different. An elite group of culinary students would want nothing more than their skills to leave Vegas and move on to the final competition in Napa Valley. Can I come too?
Feb
2
2010
Jour des Crêpes!
The second day of February is a religious holiday the French call la Chandeleur – a feast to commemorate the purification of the Virgin Mary. There are several traditions surrounding this holiday so sit back, eat a crêpe and soak in a little more culture.
Feb
1
2010
Buttermilk Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes & Lemon Curd
Better late than never. This past Friday was in fact, National Blueberry Pancake Day according to Bon Appétit magazine. Apparently my biological foodie clock is almost in sync because I already had plans to make this for our Sunday brunch.
Jan
31
2010
Tuna Tartare – Fish & Chips with a Twist
Oooops! I did it again. It’s like an abusive relationship that you can’t leave because it’s THAT good. You know what I’m talking about. Oh sweet Chinatown.
Jan
28
2010
Spaghetti Pomodoro
I was a young foodie padawan when I started my first job in the restaurant industry. California Pizza Kitchen was my Yoda. For three years, I waited on tables, silently learning and developing my palate. This was my favorite dish, and it was my destiny to conquer it.
Jan
28
2010
Truffled Papardelle & Poached Eggs
My best friend has once again teased me about my multi-syllabic meals but this is coming from a guy who has no problems eating tuna straight out of the can. So I dedicate this recipe to my BFF of 18 years.
Jan
27
2010
THE Bloody Mary
Jan
25
2010
Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna & Ponzu Sauce
Jan
22
2010
French Onion Soup
Filled with tears, blood shed and triumph, this entry has all the makings of a blockbuster thriller. I bet you didn’t realize french onion soup could be so exciting.
Jan
20
2010
Sparkling Lemon Sorbet
You know how grown-ups always told you never to eat yellow snow? Well, this time it’s okay. Go ahead. Eat yellow snow.
Jan
14
2010
Hearty Beef Chili
Alas, a real deal manly meal! No truffle oil, no hollandaise, no puff pastry. It doesn’t have any fancy French words thrown in like mousse, roulade or frisée. Just a good ol’ hearty meal after a long day in the fields, harvesting wheat in your tractor (is that what you even use a tractor for???).
Jan
12
2010
Roulade of Salmon Tartare & Roe
I was a late bloomer. The California roll was my idea of sushi. Meanwhile, all my trendy friends ordered sashimi. I was determined not to let some squishy, raw fish bring me down. I wanted to be cool and look at me now!
Jan
11
2010
Rustic Tomato Pizza
Jan
7
2010
Truffled Mac n’ Cheese & Wild Mushrooms
Talk about culture shock. It was only his second week away from his motherland, a place that boasts over 3,000 varieties of cheese. At the high-pitched sound of a beeeeeeeeeeep, a tiny bowl of gooey flourescent orange food emerged from the microwave. Welcome to AM-ER-ICAAAA!
Jan
4
2010
Eggs Benedict on Quack
Bonne année et bonne santé! It’s been a hectic month with all the baking, gift-wrapping, train rides and weekends away from home. Our apartment is in dire need of a disaster relief task force to finally get things back in tip top shape. But first, I need to divulge our recent addiction to quack.
Dec
28
2009
Poached Pears In a Shiraz Reduction – Fancy Shmancy
What better way to jump back from my holiday hiatus than a post-Christmas dessert. Perfect on a winter day and light enough to revive me from food coma…
Every time I stroll through the farmers market, I admire the overflowing bushels of pears. Bosc, bartlett and anjou… oh my! Since the beginning of the season, I’ve known that poached pears were on my mental to-do list but with the hectic holidays and the unorganized clutter disguised as my brain, this scrumptious dessert was placed on the back burner. Continue reading
Dec
23
2009
Pupcakes For Cowboy & Ninja
This post is dedicated to the two furry, four-legged loves of my life. Meanwhile, the two-legged love of my life is probably snooping around the kitchen trying to sneak a bite of these pupcakes. All three of them have a lot in common. They eat everything.
Dec
22
2009
Truffe Au Chocolat – Chocolate Truffles
The inspiration to many of our culinary musings, his mother has given us countless recipes from her own archives. En français, of course. I hope one day I won’t mistakenly put ground beef in a mousse au chocolat recipe… “Oh! It said œuf (egg)? Not bœuf (beef)?!”
Dec
21
2009
Chocolate Cookie Sandwiches & Peppermint Creme
If peppermints were animals, they would probably go into extinction due to all the peppermint consumption around the holidays. So it’s a good thing they’re not because I’ve been using an awful lot of them in my recipes lately.
Dec
18
2009
Pepperminty Chocolatini – Holiday In a Glass
Godiva white chocolate liqueur with swirls of peppermint schnapps – for those who prefer to drink their dessert.
Dec
17
2009
Pumpkin Spice Muffin w/ Gingersnap Crumble
As they say in France, “jamais deux sans trois” – never two without three. So I present to you the third of my recent crumble obsession. I wanted one last chance to jump on the pumpkin bandwagon before the holidays were over. And this is such an easy recipe. Trust me.
Dec
16
2009
Mixed Berry Crumble For Two
As I bit into my dessert, memories of this past summer came flooding back. A refreshing jaunt along the Basque coastline with his father and sister. Up and down the cliffside with views of San Sebastien in the near distance. And a rewarding lunch of tagine followed by his mom’s delicious berry crumble.
Dec
14
2009
Cranberry Muffins w/ Hazelnut Crumble & Orange Butter
I woke up Saturday morning with a sudden epiphany. I still had a package of leftover dried cranberries that was the forgotten love child from my curry chicken salad recipe. It was time to put an end to its misery from the back corner of our pantry.
Dec
10
2009
Pomegranate Sparkle
Eat. Drink. Be merry! The ultimate recipe for a joyful holiday season. You didn’t think we could get through this season without any alcohol, did you?
Dec
10
2009
Prosciutto Egg Cups & Wild Mushrooms
An entire meal that was invented for people who like to sleep in on a weekend. A meal that says “Sure! Go ahead and have a few cocktails with your eggs and bacon!”. The one meal where you won’t be considered an alcoholic for boozing it up before noon. So what’s not to love about brunch?
Dec
8
2009
Tiramisu- La Dolce Vita!
Sounds fancy. Looks fancy. Hence, it’s probably too complicated to make it yourself. I always assumed I’d be better off ordering it from a restaurant than causing a tornado of cocoa powder, mascarpone cheese and lady fingers in our kitchen as I sit defeated in a puddle of espresso.
Dec
7
2009
Saffron Risotto
Risotto is to osso bucco as Robin is to Batman. The ultimate sidekick. This traditional Italian grain with its creamy texture, is such a delicious accompaniment to the meatiness of the braised veal shanks.
Dec
4
2009
Tom Yum Noodle Soup
I’m a spicy food fanatic + I love soup. Plus, I love Thai food. Equals= I love the tom yum soup. It’s a simple equation, really. So it was only a matter of time when I would finally make this at home.
Dec
2
2009
Osso Bucco – Or Awesome Bucco???
Yes, I had to add the cheesy joke. But it’s true. Osso bucco is awesome. Slowly braised until the meat is falling off the bone, it is one of my most favorite Italian dishes. Literally meaning “hole bone”, osso bucco’s prize is the tiny crevice of marrow in the middle. I know. I cringed too when I first heard it.
Nov
30
2009
Pain Perdu – The Perfection of French Toast
I love dessert for breakfast! Exactly a year ago during our brunch at Craftbar in Manhattan, we encountered the epitome of perfection that will benchmark all the future french toasts to come. Determined to recreate this recipe at home, I took on the challenge. Bring it on, Tom Colicchio…
Nov
25
2009
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake w/ A Ginger Snap Crust
Dare I say it… I’m not a fan of pumpkin pie. To blend in with the crowd at Thanksgiving dinners, I would douse my slice of this trademark dessert with whipped cream. So thank you, to this ingenious idea of fusing together the pumpkin infatuation on Thanksgiving with a more alluring dessert.
Nov
23
2009
Steak Tartare
One of the first things he ever told his best friend about me: “She likes steak tartare!” Uttered in the same breath as one would boast about how pretty their girlfriend is or how smart she is, my boyfriend was bragging about how his American girlfriend was down to eat some raw beef. How romantic…
Nov
23
2009
Frisée Aux Lardons
The French are so lovable. Yes, of course I’m a tad bit biased but how can you deny a country that has heavenly desserts, spectacular wines, a thousand varieties of cheese and a salad with bacon and poached eggs? They are just so damn irresistible.
Nov
20
2009
Blackened Tilapia & Corn Salsa
Growing up in a Filipino home, tilapia was a staple on the dinner table. It was always simply broiled, served with jasmine rice and vegetables. Tilapia was always something you could find at the Asian markets and it didn’t occur to me until in recent years, the versatility of this fish.
Nov
19
2009
Pipérade Basquaise
I have an affinity for tomatoes. I’m sure you’ve picked up on that by now. A recipe hailing from the beautiful French Basque country, this tomato-based dish holds a special place in my heart…
Nov
18
2009
Massaman Curry & Avocado
Since our trip to Chinatown resulted in a spree of Asian vegetables and spices, I declared this week “Asian Week”. It was my own food challenge to create a diversity in our meals while maintaining the theme. Well, that and we honestly don’t have enough room in our pantry and refrigerator.
Nov
18
2009
Fried Banana Split w/ Raspberry Coulis & Chocolate Ganache
In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a huge fan of taking a classic and adding my own twist. One day we ended up with a surplus of bananas, so why not add some sass to this ice cream parlor favorite?
Nov
17
2009
Braised Baby Bok Choy
As I expand my knowledge on Asian dishes and explore a variety of ingredients, I still can’t help but revert back to one of my “tried and true” vegetable side dishes. But to compensate for my sequacious decision, I opted to braise them instead of my usual steaming method.
Nov
17
2009
Salt-Crusted Striped Bass
A trip to Chinatown is never complete without a visit to our favorite fish monger. As we scan the catch of the day sprawled out on beds of crushed ice, my mind begins to sift through the menu possibilities for our upcoming week. I know exactly what we need…
Nov
16
2009
Sesame Cucumber Salad – Simply Refreshing
Inspired by our phenomenal dinner at Ippudo NY, I couldn’t wait to recreate our experience. Sadly, this young, culinary Jedi will have to settle for the simplest of the dishes. Pork belly swimming in savory pork broth, you will have to wait…
Nov
16
2009
Curry Chicken Salad For Two
When I was in living in LA it was a weekend ritual to stop by Urth Caffe, not for celebrity-spotting (although it was always amusing), but for their delicious curry chicken salad. I love this unique twist to another classic…
Nov
12
2009
Mousse Au Chocolat – Deep, Dark & Sinful
The French, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 1) My wonderful boyfriend 2) delicious desserts. Rich and decadent, the perfect way to satisfy your sweet, chocolaty tooth…
Nov
12
2009
Savory Stuffed Tomatoes
Yet another tomato recipe. I couldn’t help myself when I was at the farmers market and I saw these giant beefsteak tomatoes. They were begging to be stuffed…
Nov
10
2009
Baked Spanish Mackerel – Plain & Simple
I always gravitated towards filets, in fear of accidentally swallowing a fish bone which could lead to puncturing my organs (dramatic, I know). Who knew I would be such a fanatic of whole fish?
Nov
9
2009
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup & Fancy Grilled Cheese
I love introducing him to American comfort foods and one of my all-time favorites is tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. But why not jazz it up a little?
Tomatoes are a staple item in our kitchen. Whether I’m whipping up a batch of homemade arrabiata sauce, a potful of Basque piperade or making a flavorful sofrito for my paella, tomatoes are one of our favorite ingredients (next to garlic, of course). And after yet another stroll through the farmers market, I came home with a bagful of these plump red vegetables, or should I say “fruits”, if we want to be botanically correct? Either way, I was ready to create my first creamy tomato basil soup. And what better way to accompany my soup than a warm gooey grilled cheese sandwich, with a twist!
Continue reading
Nov
6
2009
Whole Wheat Stuffing w/ Pancetta, Chestnuts and Parmesan
The original Thanksgiving Day feast did not have milk, cheese, bread or butter so I’m guessing they didn’t have pancetta either. Lucky for us, we can easily find these ingredients to spice up the holiday stuffing. Pancetta, I am thankful for you!!!
Nov
5
2009
Bourbon Vanilla Panna Cotta
On a weekend getaway to Santa Barbara, we had the most exquisite panna cotta from a tiny little Italian restaurant. We’ve been hooked ever since…
Nov
2
2009
Moules Frites S’il Vous Plaît!
Such a simple and satisfying meal best served with a side of sweet potato fries. One of our favorite meals…
Oct
30
2009
Sauerkraut w/ Bacon & Apples
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Reminiscing about the blaring music from the oompa band and overflowing steins as the entire bier haus congregation cheers in unison. Prost! The good times in Munich…
Oct
28
2009
Winter Squash Bisque w/ Shrimp & Applewood Bacon
My first fall season in New York and I feel like a kid in a candy shop. Streets sprinkled with yellow and orange trees are such sweet treats for a photo nut like myself. And farmers markets filled with colorful gourds are quite inspiring for the food enthusiast in me…