Greek sweet cheese pastries (bougatsa) 

This is a Cretan specialty that I saw on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations many years ago, and that Imade only once before (in 2011) because it is so time-consuming and phyllo so temperamental.  Preheat oven to 375.  For the filling: combine 15 oz ricotta cheese, 8 oz cottage cheese, 4 oz cream cheese, 1 Tbsp… Continue reading Greek sweet cheese pastries (bougatsa) 

Korean-style rice ball (joo muk bap)  

Inspired by my cousin Nam’s photo of a snack she recently enjoyed, I tried my hand at making joo muk bap (literally, fist rice because it is made by hand) withingredients I had in my pantry.  Spread 2 cups cooked short-grain rice in a wide plate (I used an 8x8 baking dish), then season lightly with salt, Japanese… Continue reading Korean-style rice ball (joo muk bap)  

Roasted rutabaga  

Preheat oven to 425.  Peel and cut 2 rutagabas into largedice (here, I also added 1 small fennel bulb, chopped).  Spray with olive oil, lightly season with salt and black pepper, and then roast for 40 minutes.  Toss lightly with 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, or add to soup (we’re doing half and half this evening).  This recipe… Continue reading Roasted rutabaga  

Herbed croutons

We based this recipe on the Neelys’ recipe (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/homemade-croutons-recipe0.html), plus fresh thyme, sage, and marjoram.  We used leftover sliced ciabatta, which we cubed.  These croutons were addictively crunchy and delicious.  (Dec. 2014) Note: If using fresh bread, you may need to dry it out as follows: place the bread cubes in a single layer on… Continue reading Herbed croutons

Indian-style quinoa pilaf

Another great recipe by Shubhra Ramineni's Healthy Vegetarian Indian Cooking. This is makes an easy and portable lunch. Rinse, clean, and drain 1 cup uncooked quinoa, and set aside. Heat 1 Tbsp vegetable oil in a medium sauce pan, then add 20 whole cashews (split into halves). Saute until cashews are light golden (about 20… Continue reading Indian-style quinoa pilaf

Indian cauliflower and potato (aloo gobi)

This recipe is from a wonderful and easy-to-follow cookbook, Healthy Indian Vegetarian Cooking by Shubha Ramineni. Using a large skillet (or a low-walled Dutch oven), heat 3 Tbsp vegetable oil, then add 1 medium vine-ripe tomato (quartered).  Cover the skillet and cook until tomato becomes soft, stirring frequently.  Add 1 medium head cauliflower (washed and… Continue reading Indian cauliflower and potato (aloo gobi)