Salmon with Jerusalem Artichoke Puree and Herb Sauce

Salmon with Jerusalem Artichoke Puree and Herb Sauce

Jerusalem artichoke season is coming to an end (they’re still at the market in Israel – what about the rest of the world?), so I knew I had to get this recipe up soon. This recipe for salmon with Jerusalem artichoke puree and herb sauce is an elegant, restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under an hour – I swear! Salmon filets are brushed with a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard and curry powder and seared. Jerusalem artichokes (i.e. sunchokes) are simmered and pureed with butter and warm cream. And, for the finishing choice cilantro and mint are blended with olive oil for a sauce full of fresh flavor. Continue reading “Salmon with Jerusalem Artichoke Puree and Herb Sauce”

Easter Lamb Chops with Mint Gremolata and Lentil Salad

Lamb chops with mint gremolata and lentil salad

I have to admit that Easter isn’t such a big deal in my house any more, but growing up it was the best. Decorating and then finding eggs, baskets of candy – what’s not to like for a child? But if I were to do an Easter dinner, I’d probably serve something traditional like these (gluten free!) lamb chops. I don’t cook or eat lamb often, but I’ve acquired a taste for it in recent years and occasionally splurge at my local butcher. I marinated the lamb in mustard, lemon and rosemary but they’d be just as good just seasoned with some salt and pepper and grilled.

 

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Apple-Date Charoset and a Passover Recipes Blog Hop

Apple-Date Charoset and other Passover Recipes

Although I didn’t grow up celebrating Passover, I’ve been attending seders since I was 14, first with friends’ families then, for the past 12 years or so, with my husband’s family. It was love at first seder. Back at my first Pesach I was still an awkward, picky eater of a teenager, and as the charoset (haroset) passed by I put a dainty spoonful on a piece of matzo. But one taste of the apple-walnut mixture had me scrambling for seconds and it’s been one of my favorite components of the holiday ever since. It’s definitely kid-friendly, and delicious even if you’re not in the market for Passover recipes (check out the last paragraph for some ideas on how to put it to use).

 

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Vegetarian Braised Cabbage and a St. Patrick’s Day Blog Hop

CabbageI don’t believe I have a drop of Irish blood in me, and I don’t feel Irish come St. Patrick’s Day. But I can appreciate having a day to celebrate Irish culture in whatever way you see fit. For me, of course, that’s with food. Lots of Irish recipes, especially by way of America, are quite heavy and meaty so I wanted to do something simple, vegetarian, and budget-friendly. Enter braised cabbage, sans bacon (I know, sacre bleu!). All it takes is a head of cabbage (one of the least expensive vegetables I know), a knob of butter, a bit of broth and salt and pepper.

 

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Asian Cabbage Salad

Asian Cabbage Salad Recipe

If you don’t already have a salad like this in your repertoire, you need one. The “Asian” cabbage salad has become a mainstay of the American (and apparently Australian!) barbecue, potluck, and picnic and with good reason. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and travels well since the cabbage stays nice and crunchy even hours later. The Asian Cabbage Salad recipe is my pick for this month’s Secret Recipe Club. I was assigned the amazing blog Claire K Creations and, as usual, was torn between more than a few tempting options. The haloumi stuffed coconut chicken nuggets were also in the final running until my oven conked out, making this salad – which I’d had my eye on – a pretty easy choice.

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Black Garlic-Mushroom Dip and a Garlic Blog Hop

Black Garlic

Black garlic is one of those ingredients that inspires you to play around. The sweet, umami-rich flavor bares practically no resemblance to raw garlic, much in the same way that kimchi tastes very different than plain old cabbage. A Korean specialty, black garlic is simply regular garlic that has been fermented through heat. But unlike other fermented foods, the fermentation process mellows garlic instead of making it sharper, and it’s said to have twice as many antioxidants as regular garlic. The texture becomes like a firm jelly, and the flavor has hints of soy sauce, molasses, and honey. It’s so good I like to eat it raw, and it doesn’t leave you with garlic breath (not that I have anything against garlic breath).

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Orange Chia Pudding Parfait

Orange Chia Pudding Parfait

I’ve been fascinated by chia seeds (salvia hispanica) for a while now. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids and, while they’re a tad pricey a little bit goes a long way. Until now, though, I’ve mostly been simply sprinkling them on top of my morning yogurt, or incorporating them into the occasional smoothie. This month’s Secret Recipe Club gave me the opportunity to try them in this Orange Chia Pudding Parfait and, thanks to the blog Opera Singer in the Kitchen, I have a new go-to breakfast! It’s fast, healthy, and super filling – those little seeds expand both in the orange juice and your belly and keep you full for hours.

 

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Buffalo Black Bean Dip and a Game Day Blog Hop

Buffalo Black Bean Dip

While I don’t care much about football, I do love all the snacks that go with it. And this Buffalo black bean dip is my new obsession. It takes all of 15 minutes to make, is vegetarian and gluten free, and scratches my Buffalo wing itch without all the calories. In fact, if you eat the dip with veggies it’s about as healthy as game day food gets, and yet feels just as indulgent. Continue reading “Buffalo Black Bean Dip and a Game Day Blog Hop”

Homemade Paneer and Ricotta, and an Indian Food Blog Hop

Homemade Paneer and Ricotta

If I had realized how easy it is to make paneer at home, I would have started doing it long ago. I’d made ricotta (or, technically, farmer’s cheese) many times and loved the simple process and fresh taste. Turns out homemade paneer is just an extra step away. Two ingredients and minimal equipment – does it get any easier than that? Continue reading “Homemade Paneer and Ricotta, and an Indian Food Blog Hop”

Shredded Beef Tacos and a Taco Blog Hop

Shredded Beef Tacos

I adore tacos but living in Israel they’re not particularly plentiful. Luckily they’re easy to make at home and open to endless variation. I’ve already shared my vegetarian tofu tacos and my light and healthy fish tacos, but today I’ve got something a little more substantial and comforting for winter (although it would be equally delicious any time of year). These braised, shredded beef tacos take a few hours to prepare but are perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. You can make the meat ahead as they reheat beautifully, freeze well, and taste even better after a day or two. Continue reading “Shredded Beef Tacos and a Taco Blog Hop”