As the temperatures gradually begin to rise, our thoughts turn to alfresco dining and outdoor grilling. Come spring, I also like to dust off the smoker that’s been standing by idly in my basement all winter long. Nothing hardcore, just an electric smoker, but it does the job. I love its ease of use: turn … Continue Reading
I love spring. It’s my favorite time of the year. Spring brings with it new beginnings and new growth. This includes many of my favorite vegetables: stinging nettle, asparagus, fiddlehead ferns, green garlic, chive blossoms, strawberries (ok, and one fruit), and, of course, ramps — signs that spring and all her glory are in full swing. Today, ramps and ramp … Continue Reading
As a born and bred New Yorker (Queens), I’ve eaten (and baked) a few babka in my life. They were all reasonably good, some definitely better than others. But really, what’s not to like about the humble babka? I’m talking chocolate babka here. Is there any other? Basically, a sweet brioche-like pastry filled with chocolate (dark … Continue Reading
On a trip to Sicily many moons ago, I first became acquainted with squid ink. Rather, I fell in love with squid ink over a plate of homemade pasta in a thick squid ink sauce in Marzamemi, a picturesque fishing village on the southeastern tip of Sicily. It was like nothing I had ever tasted … Continue Reading
If you’ve ever swam in the ocean and got your feet tangled up in a slimy plant growing on the sea floor, chances are you’ve encountered seaweed. If you’ve enjoyed sushi at your favorite Japanese restaurant, then you’ve mostly likely consumed seaweed. The vast variety of ‘weeds’ that grow in the sea that we refer … Continue Reading
