Celery-apple salad with lemon dressing

We tried this recipe: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/celery-apple-salad The recipe called for 2 cups each honey crisp apple and celery; we estimated this to be 1 large honey crisp apple (1/4” slices with skin on) and 4 stalks celery (cut in 1/2” diagonal slices). We increased the dressing to the juice of one lemon (not just 2 Tbsp)… Continue reading Celery-apple salad with lemon dressing

Lebanese chick pea stew

We tried this recipe: http://www.arabamerica.com/lebanese-chickpea-stew/ Our modifications: first, based on our pantry, we used a homemade roasted green bell pepper, following these instructions: https://www.daringgourmet.com/how-to-roast-red-peppers/ (see Note below). Second, we used 2 ½ tsp za’atar, 1 tsp crushed red pepper for red pepper flakes, and 1 Tbsp cumin powder (not cumin seeds). Third, we increased the… Continue reading Lebanese chick pea stew

Italian-style lemony pasta with chick peas

Details here: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018591-lemony-pasta-with-chickpeas-and-parsley First, we increased the chick peas from 2 cups to two cans (14.5 oz each) chick peas. We rinsed and drained the chick peas, then used 1.5 cups vegetable stock later in the recipe. Second, we used 1 large shallot instead of ½ onion. Third, we used the zest of a whole… Continue reading Italian-style lemony pasta with chick peas

Chickpea, cucumber, and carrot salad

I learned this recipe from my friend Abby many years ago in London. Over time, I determined that cutting the cucumber and carrot into ½ inch dice, mimicking the size of the chickpeas, works best for flavor. Drain three 14.5 oz canned chickpeas (for a total of 43.5 oz) and place in a large mixing… Continue reading Chickpea, cucumber, and carrot salad

Chinese-style savory french toast

We tried this Chinese recipe for savory breakfast: http://iamafoodblog.com/crispy-salt-and-pepper-french-toast-recipe/ It’s a good use of leftover sliced bread. Based on our pantry, we omitted the cilantro. We also found that for four pieces of toast, we used 3 eggs and 3 Tbsp milk, and we adjusted the other seasonings accordingly. We cooked the egg-dipped bread in… Continue reading Chinese-style savory french toast

Crispy roasted shiitake mushrooms

We tried this Martha Stewart recipe, and it is delicious: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.marthastewart.com/1050268/crispy-roasted-shiitake-mushrooms%3famp We found, however, that 25 mins at 400 degrees was the total cooking time; we removed the baking sheet from the oven at that time. Both sides of the shiitakes had browned without being turned over. (Nov. 2017)Note: To clean the mushrooms, we gently… Continue reading Crispy roasted shiitake mushrooms

Roasted butternut squash soup with curry condiments

We followed this Ina Garten recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-butternut-squash-soup-and-curry-condiments-recipe-1972725 Our modifications: first, we used 5 shallots instead of 2 onions. Second, rather than heat the broth in the pot, we first added the roasted vegetables to the pot and poured in 4 cups room temperature broth; we found 4 cups to be the right amount for soup… Continue reading Roasted butternut squash soup with curry condiments