Category Archives: Condiment

Mother’s Day Brunch Menu Bon Appétit 2014

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Strawberry-Rhubarb Salad with Mint and Hazelnuts

Strawberry-Rhubarb Salad with Mint and Hazelnuts

Happy Mother’s Day! This blog post is dedicated to all the moms in the world and especially to my beautiful mother, who taught me the importance of family, inspired my appreciation for good food, and loves my sister and I unconditionally.

 

Preparing a Mother’s Day brunch is a special way to honor your mom. After all, mothers spend a lot of time making meals for their children; it’s nice to return the favor and let them sit back and relax while you wait on them. Trust me, they won’t complain! read more

Japanese Pork and Potatoes (Nikujaga)

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Japanese Pork and Potatoes (Nikujaga)

Japanese Pork and Potatoes (Nikujaga)

Nikujaga is a traditional Japanese dish of meat and potatoes simmered in a soy, mirin, and sugar broth. In eastern Japan pork is commonly used, while in western Japan beef is preferred. As the meat and potatoes cook, the broth is reduced and the ingredients absorb its flavor. The finished dish–a hearty stew–is sweet, savory, and utterly comforting.

Japanese pork and potatoes is easy to prepare, and doesn’t even require a trip to an Asian market. Soy sauce and mirin—the only speciality ingredients—can be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores. This dish is great for beginners experimenting with Japanese cuisine. It’s a one-pot meal that requires minimal attention after the initial prep. read more

Harissa Chili Paste

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Harissa

I’d never heard of harissa until researching how to make Moroccan olives, but it’s what gives them their fiery smokiness. Harissa is Tunisian chili paste made from a blend of dried red peppers and spices. It can be used to increase the heat in virtually any recipe. For an easy appetizer, I especially enjoy serving harissa on slices of baguette. Depending on which peppers you select, harissa can be anywhere from blazingly hot to mild and smoky. This particular harissa recipe produces a mild, smoky blend. read more

Lemon Curd

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lemon curd, afternoon tea, lemon curd recipe

I’m typically not a lemon dessert fan; something about the lemony-tartness encroaching on the sweet flavors bothers me. Why intentionally ruin a good thing? But, in my culinary journeys I’m always willing to try new things, especially if they’re part of an authentic meal or cultural tradition. So, during my first afternoon tea, I dutifully tried lemon curd with my scones. Overwhelmed by all the sensual delights at the time, it didn’t strike a chord with me one way or the other. read more

Afternoon Tea with our Neighbors

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Strawberry Cake, Chocolate fudge frosting, strawberries, strawberry hearts, romantic cake

I’ve recently participated in several teas, first at The Drake Hotel in Chicago, then an afternoon tea in Florida. You can’t blame me for indulging my tea obsession; it’s quite addictive and fun! Last weekend, my neighbor Annie and I created a lovely afternoon tea menu, which featured:

Oolong Tea

Black Mango Tea

Orange Blossom Tea

Pagan Alms Tea

Egg Salad Sandwiches with Dill

Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Ham Sandwiches with an Apricot-Mustard Spread

Cherry Chicken Salad Sandwiches read more