Outside the Kitchen: New Pillows from West Elm

Do you ever wonder about my tastes and preferences outside of the kitchen?  In case you are, I thought I might start sharing glimpses of my house decorations.

For the first post, here's a picture of newly purchases silk pillow cases from West Elm.  I couldn't resist the silky, smooth, luxurious texture of the pillowcases or their rich color combination of silver, shades of blue, and green.

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Halloween Pumpkin Carving ~ The Story of Two Pumpkins

Happy Halloween!  This is my third time (ever) carving a pumpkin and a second year I have gotten together with friends to carve, eat, drink, and hang out ~ thanks Anya for hosting!

Once again, I decided to stay away from the typical Halloween designs and free-hand my own.  I was inspired by paisley and flowing wave-like motives.  This year, I tried surface carving first and then went back with a carving tool to make the holes for the candle light to shine through.  What do you think?

Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus with Pomegranate Seeds and Wasa Crispbread

Right in time for the fall harvest and the orange of Halloween, I gift you with this recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus with Pomegranate Seeds and Wasa Multi Grain Crispbread.  

The colors speak for themselves.  The taste?  You are going to have to make this and let me know what you think!  Play with the seasonings to taste, but do take the time to roast your own butternut squash.  Love pumpkins?  Try this with a roasted pumpkin instead.

Clean Your Refrigerator Vegetarian Curry

"Hi! Are you home? I'm stuck in traffic, can I come over?" said my friend Priya over the phone.  It was early on Friday evening and I was on the couch watching Grey's Anatomy.  "Have you eaten?" I asked.  She hasn't.  I haven't either.  And so I told her to come over for a home cooked meal.

I looked inside my refrigerator and found a collection of random vegetables, a chunk of paneer cheese (Indian cheese that tastes similar to queso fresco) and naan.  And so I made Clean Your Refrigerator Vegetarian Curry for my lovely vegetarian friend.  As the vegetables simmered in spiced coconut milk, Priya and I chatted, and drank tea.

Challah: America's Test Kitchen Knows Best

I've had a few experiences baking challah at home.  Unfortunately with less than perfect results.  When it was time to bake Challah for Rosh Hashanah, I decided to turn to America's Test Kitchen, fully trusting their multi-tested and scrutinized recipes.  And I have to say, I was not disappointed!  This challah turned out light in texture, easy to make (no hand kneading), and delicious.  I might want to experiment by adding a bit more sugar, raisins, and perhaps another egg yolk for a more traditional, sweeter challah taste.

Best Oven Roasted Smashed Potatoes Recipe

"These are the best potatoes I've had in years," said the Artist after wiping his plate clean this Saturday afternoon.  For late breakfast, that was bordering on lunch, I made Oven Roasted Smashed Potatoes.  They were a smashing success!

The recipe works best with small potatoes, I love the red variety of the waxy golden yellow.  You pick your own.  Flavor the oil with favorite seasonings - I have used both olive oil, chili oil, and sunflower oil with success.

Cooking the Matzo and the Last of Summer Basil

I wish there was breakfast delivery.  You would wake up in the morning, and your breakfast would be dropped off at the door. Or perhaps served to you in bed.  I must still be dreaming.

Regardless, when the breakfast delivery failed and my refrigerator proved to be empty, I turned to the box of matzo leftover from Passover.  I pulled out a single sheet of this unleavened bread and broke it in half. 

Both sides got smeared with cream cheese.  The savory-to-be-matzo was topped with thinly sliced tomato, cucumber, salt, pepper and the last sprigs of summer basil plant.

Indian-Style Roasted Beets and Carrots Salad: The Oxbow Box Project CSA

Perfect for Meatless Monday, try this Indian-style Roasted Beets and Carrots Salad I made for the cookbook potluck club from the recent selection of Oxbow Farm vegetables. Enjoy!

Pike Place Chowder in Seattle - What's for Lunch?

The other day, lunch plans fell through, and I was left sitting at my desk without food.  Hungry. Sneezing and coughing. I was cold.  I just had pho a few days earlier and was craving a different kind of soup.  Why not chowder? 

I have heard about Pike Place Chowder many times with rave reviews - fresh, creamy, delicious and comforting.  I chose to skip the busy, original Pike Place location, and instead headed a few blocks up to the Pacific Place.