International trade has made the world a smaller, more accessible place--a concept reflected wonderfully in a cheeseboard. Marcona almonds from Spain, mission figs from California, apricots from Turkey, and cheese, oh the cheese from all over: Italian parmesan, French Brie, Swiss Gruyere, and of course wine soaked toscano. Food globalization is a wonderful thing. For … Continue reading Of Cheeseboards and Thanks
Appetizers
Goat Cheese Crostini with Roasted Pomegranate Eggplant
Make these this weekend. Really. Make it. This recipe was my turning point. Intern year is hard man -- you are worked, and then you come home and you read, and you study, and then you're worked some more. You see things that you did not know were possible, you see pathology that you only … Continue reading Goat Cheese Crostini with Roasted Pomegranate Eggplant
Avocado Fries
As an Arizonan, I feel that I know avocados. I can estimate how long it will take them to ripen, I can figure out whether they'll taste better as guacamole or as just smashed on top of a piece of toast. Give me an avocado, some olive oil, some salt, and a spoon, and I am … Continue reading Avocado Fries
Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad
Spring is upon us! Finally -- colorful foods, sunshine, jogging outside, not wearing seven layers indoor and pounding tea like it's your job! Spring. It's a happy time. Especially for food. You finally can put away those hot soups, stews, chilis, pasta bakes, and switch to delicate salads, with myriad colors and sharp flavors. After … Continue reading Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad
Sun-dried tomato and Basil Baked Ricotta
Date nights are important. I talk to Tyler regularly, but it's not the same as sitting down on a designated day, with some food that's a little different than usual, maybe drinks that are a little different, maybe music that's a little different, and letting conversation wander. Nine years in, and I cannot express the value … Continue reading Sun-dried tomato and Basil Baked Ricotta
Avocado-Cilantro Crema
My family loves Mexican-inspired food. Growing up we had it at least once a week. Tacos were a long time favorite in my house -- my mom would do some variation of tortillas, beans, cheese, and veggies. When I tell people this most are like, oh cool, and some are just aghast, asking how I could … Continue reading Avocado-Cilantro Crema
Buckwheat and Quinoa Salad: Lunch for Days!
A little while back I went with my friend Tanya to a Russian food store and she pointed out whole buckwheat to me. A long time favorite of my mom for it's gluten-free nature (contrary to its name), I've used buckwheat flour, but never the actual pseudocereal itself. So I figured why not and bought it. … Continue reading Buckwheat and Quinoa Salad: Lunch for Days!
Mint and Pea Crostini with Pickled Radishes and Burrata
Spring has finally laid its gentle hand on the winter-weary backs of Bostonians. That's my fancy way of saying -- it's SPRING! I classify that temperatures above 32F. The icebergs have melted (mostly), the sun is out (sometimes), and I don't have to wear multiple layers to brave the wintry winds (usually). Celebration wouldn't be … Continue reading Mint and Pea Crostini with Pickled Radishes and Burrata
The Shah (now Shah-Hoppenfeld) Tex-Med Holiday Extravaganza! AKA Thanksgiving 2014 in Review
My whole family is vegetarian. Well, my immediate family. For generations, we have been vegetarian. When my parents first moved to this country, that was a bit of a novelty. There weren't vegetarian restaurants galore, and whole foods selling all varieties of "fake meat." There was peas, cabbage, beans, and the occasional magic of tofu. … Continue reading The Shah (now Shah-Hoppenfeld) Tex-Med Holiday Extravaganza! AKA Thanksgiving 2014 in Review
GF Cucumber Canape
My goal: increase the number of posts I churn out. I love to write, good or bad, I love to write...which any of my friends from college who knew me first year (looking at you Sam and Liz) will laugh at. But whatever, writing is cathartic and expressive and lasting. With a blog though, there's … Continue reading GF Cucumber Canape
The Clumsy Cook 