As the world is hunkering down at home trying to figure out how to navigate through the coronavirus pandemic, I thought it might be of interest to research and share the recipe for a meal some Swiss resorted to during the Cholera pandemic almost 200 years ago. Cholera Tart or Cholera Cake (a hearty, savory […]
Pumpkin Coconut Curry Ginger Soup
October 25, 2017 by 6 Comments
I adore making and eating pumpkin soup but I hate peeling the large, ribbed beasts. Luckily, while living in Japan, I became familiar with lovely members of the winter squash family that look like small, smooth-skinned pumpkins. They have a familiar, traditional pumpkin flavor and edible skin. Hokkaido, Orange Knirps and Red Kuri ウチキクリare also […]
Mole Poblano
October 16, 2015 by 2 Comments
To my mind and palate, one of the great cuisines of the world is Mexican. Not the cheese-laden standards topped with canned sauces and accompanied by runny, tasteless refried beans and white rice found at many “Mexican” restaurants outside the country. Rather, the incredible, regional dishes found throughout Mexico which incorporate local ingredients combined to produce […]
Making Paella At Home
June 21, 2015 by 1 Comment
Not long ago, I spent a glorious week at a friend’s house in Alicante, Spain. The area is beautiful. Limestone mountains, winding (and sometimes hair-raising) roads through hillside vineyards, ocean views and weekly local markets. Our days were spent lounging poolside reading, swimming in the Mediterranean, drinking cocktails at one of the may ocean-view bars […]
Kale, Fuyu Persimmon, Pomegranate and Roasted Squash Salad
October 30, 2014 by 4 Comments
After living in Switzerland for almost six years, we decided it was time to phase out our time living abroad and settle someplace in the U.S. Criteria included living near a major airport, great medical facilities (yes, we are getting older so this is important), access to a good-sized city, mountains, nearby hiking trails, terrific […]
Cooking Chicken, Olive and Preserved Lemon Tagine in Marrakech
August 4, 2014 by 17 Comments
On a recent trip to Morocco, we stayed at the wonderful boutique hotel, Dar Les Cigognes in Marrakech. This lovely, traditional hotel was featured on the fabulous TV series, Ottolenghi’s Mediterranean Feast. The big draw of staying here was the opportunity afforded all guests of taking a private traditional Moroccan foods cooking class in the small […]
Lamb Mhammer (Wedding Dish From Fez)
April 18, 2014 by Leave a Comment
One of the many highlights for us when traveling in Morocco, was visiting Fez. We stayed at a beautiful, restored guesthouse located in the middle of the Medina, the carless and scooter-free old town. Our phenomenal guesthouse, Riad Le Calife, was steps from the winding and wonderful market (see previous post with photographs of the […]
Pumpkin Seed, Chicken, Pork and Hominy Pozole
July 30, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Living in Switzerland has made finding authentic Mexican food a bit of a challenge. When cravings hit, I make my own. Two weeks ago, we purchased a home in Northern California surrounded by both large and small Mexican restaurants. We are in Mexican cuisine heaven. That said, I still plan to make an effort to […]
How To Make Quick Preserved Lemons
April 3, 2013 by 1 Comment
Preserved lemons are a key ingredient in many Moroccan dishes. Jars packed full of briny, aged lemons are available in every market. Fresh lemons are never a suitable substitute. Nothing tastes like the real thing. Whole lemons (sometimes partially sliced through) are doused in salt, covered in lemon juice and left to age in tightly […]
Mom’s Sauerbraten
November 11, 2012 by 2 Comments
The great passion in both my professional and personal life is exploring and preserving family and regional food traditions. One of the many family food legacies I treasure is Sauerbraten (sometimes called Suure Mocke in Switzerland), meat marinated in vinegar and spices and then roasted. This dish has always held a soft spot in my heart because it was […]
How Traditional Alsace Pottery Is Made in Soufflenheim
October 27, 2012 by 14 Comments
When I think of the fabulous cuisine of Alsace, I conjure up images of delicious, hearty dishes prepared and/or served in beautiful, colorful, locally-produced pottery. Kugelhopf (yeast-induced, slightly sweet cake baked in turban-shaped forms), onion and apple tarts, sauerkraut left to ferment in specifically-designed pots, terrines, garlicky snails nestled in half circle crevices on round plates, Lammala (sweet […]
How To Dice An Onion
October 27, 2012 by 4 Comments
Cut off the stem end of an onion. Leave the root end intact to ensure the onion holds together. Make shallow slits from top to bottom on 4 sides. Peel off the skin and the tough outer layer. Cut the onion in half. Place the flat side down on the cutting board. Slice lengthwise in […]
