Paneer Potato Cakes
In the last few months I have discovered a few new ingredients that I absolutely love! The first of these is a spice called asafoetida, a deeply pungent smelling spice that, when cooked, adds a smooth onion flavor. A little of this spice makes a big difference as far as complexity of flavor is concerned. The other ingredient is chickpea flour. I was inspired to try this from a cooking show where the presenter made sweet potato...
Smoked Salmon Pasta
When you have the best ingredients you do not need to do much to make them shine. While in Seattle for IFBC I picked up some lovely Alder Smoked Salmon. On its own it is fantastic. One subtly smoked, tender taste had me happily handing over my cash. Once I got it home I decided to find some fun ways to turn this delicious snack into a full blown dinner. I was looking for something akin to my favorite smoked salmon nibble –...
Creamy Mushroom Soup
Sometimes you just need some comfort. Yesterday was not a great day for me. In fact, it was terrible. Before I got home I decided that a nice, warm, creamy bowl of soup would fit the bill. I have been craving mushroom soup for a few weeks, ever since having some rather superb mushroom soup at a local cafe, and I had three pints of mushrooms in the fridge. It was meant to be. This mushroom soup is pretty basic. I really wanted the...
Beef Shawarma Meatballs
Not long ago I had lunch at a little Lebanese restaurant and I discovered some really wonderful new dishes. One of these was shawarma, a meat mixture that is marinated in a spice blend, placed on a spit, and slowly grilled. It is sliced thin and served with pita and other fresh garnishes. It is very similar to a gyro but with distinctly different spices. I fell in love! The restaurant owner, of course, would not share their recipe...
Coconut Curry Shrimp with Spicy Peanut Noodles
When I get a craving for something I want instant satisfaction. Ask anyone who had ever accompanied me to an amusement park, waited with me in line, or sat with me while we waited for a table at a restaurant. Patience is not one of my virtues. In fact, I get down right testy when forced to wait against my will. So, when a craving for a creamy Thai coconut curry hit I knew I needed something that I could have on a plate, and...
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Summer is in full swing, and that means in North Texas it is HOT, HOT, HOT! I am loathe to turn on the oven or stand over the stove when the temps are pushing 100F, but that does not mean I eat nothing but cold sandwiches and salads. Oh no, what it means is instead of a big heavy meal I eat lots of smaller snack sized meals that require a minimum of fuss but pack a lot of flavor. One of my favorite things to eat lately is hummus. ...
