tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77306686969595614642012-01-14T23:09:49.546-05:00Profiting from my mistakes.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.comBlogger2201100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-56115308270161037112012-01-14T23:09:00.000-05:002012-01-14T23:09:49.556-05:00

January: because it's winter cold and winter dry in my house, yesterday I found myself struggling with uncooperative challah dough. It would not rise. It wouldn't! And I couldn't find a naturally warm place anywhere in my house to coax that dough into submissiveness. But after combining two different tricks, I finally managed to get that darn dough to rise. True, the challah ended up slightly

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-10442982019508270932012-01-13T11:00:00.000-05:002012-01-13T11:00:08.334-05:00

Some of you have been waiting for this recipe a LONG time. This is my Famous Applesauce Cake: my whole wheat, vegan, moist, delicious, disappears-in-minutes-at-any-party pretty round cake. Why is this cake so famous? Because it is the only cake I ever bake. It's laughably easy! And sorta healthy! This cake has served me well for over a decade, and if you check out the list below, you will see why

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-22481697689386504152012-01-12T17:36:00.000-05:002012-01-12T17:36:46.989-05:00

To understand why I started making this dish, you need to know that I am 36 weeks pregnant. I am hungry all the time. ALL THE TIME. And thirsty. Luckily, it's Clementine season, and that tends to solve both problems at once. But before we bought the Clementines, Julia told me the same story over and over about how when she was in her last weeks of pregnancy, she got the nesting instinct and just

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-36282052411843764172012-01-10T21:29:00.001-05:002012-01-10T21:43:22.991-05:00

I'm probably the worst bok choy cook on the planet. While I love bok choy at good Chinese restaurants, my own efforts invariably result in watery or over-cooked bok choy…usually both. After a while I figgered that me and the Big Bok Choy have irreconcilable differences, so I gave up trying. Then George returned from Costco with a bale of baby bok choy.  I told him flat out, "I cannot cook bok

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-69031510814363124172011-12-27T13:11:00.000-05:002011-12-27T13:11:39.095-05:00

The Goofy Family has gone on an intense cooking spree this week, and tonight will be no exception: there will be latkes. But a few mornings ago, there were cinnamon rolls. Or sticky buns. Or cinnamon buns. Or whatever they are called. Basically, we rolled out a rectangle of yeasted dough, sprinkled cinnamon all over it, rolled the dough into a log, cut it into ten round spirals, let them rise

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-22492499600293590712011-12-21T10:46:00.000-05:002011-12-21T10:46:01.265-05:00

For Chanukah we're going to make the exact same thing as last year. TRADITION, TRADITION. …… TRADITION! /fiddler-on-the-roof The same latkes. The same applesauce. The same grated beet and carrot salad. We're not awesome enough to make our own sour cream. The same silverware. The same chanukiyot. The same candles. Okay, we conceded the basic nature of candles and bought new candles. And we

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-78456060310363953012011-12-17T11:02:00.000-05:002011-12-17T11:02:49.728-05:00

Finals week is the most stressful time of year in this house. Everybody goes a little out of their gourd. I find this drink particularly helpful at the end of an adrenaline-filled day of studying, grading, and writing to help me calm down and get the #!$% to sleep. Hazelnut Cocoa Serves 1 or 2 or 3, depending on thirst Ingredients: a few tablespoons of Nutella or good-quality hazelnut chocolate

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-12328262562832895132011-12-12T10:55:00.000-05:002011-12-12T10:55:12.531-05:00

"Broccoli" is such a weird word. Where the hell did it come from? Oh, Italian. Thanks, Wikipedia! Anyway, broccoli's a weird plant too. It looks like a bunch of trees stuck together; that's why the Italian word is plural. No wonder most children don't want to eat it--it belongs in the uncanny valley of foods. I remember the first time I really enjoyed broccoli. In sixth grade everyone had to

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-5400302287421607932011-12-10T13:29:00.000-05:002011-12-10T13:29:45.848-05:00

Kay found the very first recipe I ever entered into my book of personal recipe successes. Even back then, she was an inspiring/ depressingly creative cook. We were 20 years old and I didn't know how to do anything except make toast, boil lentils and heat up canned tomato soup. Kay read the back of a dried Mission Figs bag and found this pasta recipe and realized its potential. So we made it

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-40734997692056620642011-12-08T15:24:00.001-05:002011-12-08T15:45:53.972-05:00

I find that nothing sustains me as much these days as a hot bowl of delicious oatmeal in the morning. The way that the oatmeal sticks to the sides of the pot comforts me that it is sticking in a like manner to my stomach lining. 1 serving takes about 15 minutes to cook up, so it's done about 8 minutes after my pot of hot tea. I think that's pretty reasonable, and I also save time because I don't

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-71790142449471681492011-12-07T19:08:00.000-05:002011-12-07T19:08:28.085-05:00

Sometimes it's hard to think of a meal that absolutely EVERYONE IN THE WHOLE WORLD can eat. That's why I was surprised to realize that my dinner the other night was just that, even though I was just rooting around in the fridge for some leftover goodies.  I really enjoyed the comforting hominess of the meal, so I thought I would share that this meal contains: no gluten no dairy, egg, animal

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-78155736720251144462011-11-27T14:18:00.001-05:002011-11-30T16:05:34.140-05:00

I adapted my mashed potatoes recipe to feed something like 30 people. As a result, mashed potatoes are the only Thanksgiving leftover I have not come close to losing to overenthusiastic noshers, and I feel rather smug about that. The pumpkin pie is gone; the gravy is a mere puddle of its former self, and at this point the cranberry sauce functions only in a cosmetic way. But I can continue to

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-9095902525513512832011-11-25T17:45:00.000-05:002011-11-25T17:45:00.207-05:00

I enjoyed a ridiculously relaxing Thanksgiving this year. Everybody cooked de-lovely delicious dishes and we actually managed to sit down at the table only 1 hour behind schedule, even though everyone had thoroughly boozed up. One welcome discovery was a homemade cranberry sauce that George and I both enthusiastically scarfed down. Jamie showed us how to prepare it. He said that he found the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-47217907057085073152011-11-24T11:16:00.000-05:002011-11-24T11:16:34.238-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! George and I are hosting this year and we are making: blue cheese autumn salad cucumber spears with lime and cilantro green beans tossed in vinaigrette with carmelized shallots 2 kinds of mashed potatoes--whipped with butter and milk and vegan garlic rosemary Julia's Buttery Vegetarian stuffing shiitake mushroom gravy 2 kinds of cranberry sauce, 1 straight from the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-54735677393123538192011-11-20T13:16:00.000-05:002011-11-20T13:16:13.244-05:00

After the not-very-nourishing sugar high of yesterday's coffee cake, I craved a more substantial follow-up. This morning the neighborhood children woke us up by rapping sharply on the door and demanding we come out and play. George went out but for some reason my mind flew instantly to Frittata-ville. I have never made a frittata, mostly because I don't like omelettes, or scrambled eggs (unless

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-28158631212689517842011-11-19T20:16:00.000-05:002011-11-19T20:16:24.877-05:00

For a week, I nurtured the gentle dream of a warm, soft, buttery breakfast cake that I would whip up in the blink of an eye on Saturday morning. George and I would enjoy some slices with a strong hot pot of tea and then spend the rest of the day enjoying the autumn weather. That was my dream. The reality was rudely different. Ninety minutes into my "blink of an eye," I realized that I had

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-55356055343886696652011-11-19T19:19:00.000-05:002011-11-19T19:19:47.243-05:00

This side/ desperate person's entree really speaks for itself. It's one of those Clean-Out-The-Fridge-Before-Thanksgiving Dishes, but that doesn't mean it wasn't warming, comforting, and super super quick. 1 four-snausage package of Tofurkey Kielbasa sausage, sliced into thick rounds oil 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce dried basil dried oregano 1/4 sliced bell pepper handful of frozen pearl onions

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-5383310970859891622011-11-02T17:50:00.000-04:002011-11-02T17:50:12.867-04:00

George invented this recipe to substitute for the famous mint tea at our local Lebanese restaurant, International Delights. For 2-3 people, fill a medium teapot with 2 bags of black tea, a spoonful or two of sugar or honey, and roughly 6 fresh mint leaves. Pour boiling water over it, stir, and cover. Let steep 5 minutes. Serve steaming hot in tiny tiny i mean miniscule tea cups and sip while

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-33309646658156460482011-10-27T12:56:00.000-04:002011-10-27T12:56:36.201-04:00

In my book, chickpeas and artichokes are natural BFFs.  I cooked up this side in about 5 minutes and had leftovers the next day. Tasty warm and tasty cold, this side goes well with rice and other sides like steamed broccoli, sliced pears, or tomato soup. An insect managed to procreate within my ground coriander bottle, so I didn't add any coriander to this recipe. The garbanzo beans did fine on

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-37078805720940194612011-10-23T11:10:00.000-04:002011-10-23T11:10:41.331-04:00

If you happen to know me outside the fantastic world of the Internet, you know how much I adore pumpkins. My mother still calls me Pumpkin occasionally. Kay gave me a wallet in the image of a glittering pumpkin for my bachelorette party. She also kept a back-up for herself when I wore out the first with gleeful overuse, which I already have. In Japan I cooked weekly recipes with the Japanese

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-61770589990729354462011-10-18T16:05:00.000-04:002011-10-18T16:05:48.202-04:00

I'm already privately calling them "Monday Scones," because I managed to finish enough homework over the weekend to have time Monday morning for the 25 minutes of cooking and clean-up that these scones required. I think it's good to remind oneself Monday morning that you are a human being and that your emotions count for something in life. So get up a little early, slip on thick fluffy robes and

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-39516531913948518352011-10-15T10:47:00.001-04:002011-10-15T10:49:11.910-04:00

Zombies walk among us. I know because yesterday I was one of them. But I invited Gavin over for dinner anyway because it was Shabbat and I just wanted to have a calm, civilized dinner at home. After 2 hours of trying to plan a simple dinner that I could make while exhausted, I gave up, called Gavin, and told him I was just going to have to make a frozen pizza. Then I took a short nap. Twenty

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-10004548362850182282011-10-13T19:33:00.000-04:002011-10-13T19:33:29.433-04:00

Sorry I haven't been updating lately! My mom visited and cooked a freezer-full of homemade food for me, so I don't need to cook much lately. Hopefully I can get a good plum torte recipe up soon. In case I haven't posted my Hot Mulled Cider recipe before: One enormous jug of old-fashioned apple cider (NOT apple juice) 1 stick cinnamon 2-4 whole cloves The key ingredient here is time.  Pour

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-30850940310748185662011-09-24T16:34:00.002-04:002011-09-24T17:06:47.580-04:00

A while ago I vowed not to venture into Indian cuisine because it requires so many spices and special ingredients—no fresh curry leaves around here, I'll tell you!  But recently I stumbled across an old Vegetarian Times recipe for an "Indian" casserole and I was delighted to learn that all you need to make something Indian is whole mustard seeds, fresh ginger, and cumin. Okay, so maybe this

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-14271342883581517012011-09-17T19:55:00.001-04:002011-09-17T20:12:28.419-04:00

Way back when I lived in Berkeley, I frequented an inexpensive Korean restaurant on Telegraph St. called Berkel Berkel, which sounds like the Korean onomatopoeia for boiling water (i.e., bubble bubble).  Every menu item arrived accompanied by complimentary banchan (tiny sides like kimchi, namul, and bokkeum) and refreshing iced barley tea. For vegetarians the menu offered few options.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-83858265935874108692011-09-08T16:16:00.000-04:002011-09-08T16:16:33.719-04:00

My odiferous obsession with Korean cooking continues! I have been on a severe Korean craving streak for about a month now. George traveled in South Korea for a week and longs to return, but when he entered the house today he wrinkled his nose and asked "What's that terrible smell?" "Oh, it's kimchi!" I replied brightly. "I made a kimchi quesadilla." George looked pretty dubious and went to hide

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-25938195123640826832011-08-31T17:42:00.000-04:002011-08-31T17:42:54.331-04:00

Both these kimchi soups fulfill my deep need for a warming, spicy cabbage soup but I wouldn't say they're interchangeable. The simpler kimchi soup makes a great meal for the Woman Alone. It's hot and quick and gets the job done. While the flavor isn't as rich as that of the complex kimchi soup, the simple kimchi soup dials up the heat and intensity and clears out my sinuses faster than you can

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-20945896757897740342011-08-26T17:24:00.000-04:002011-08-26T17:24:17.908-04:00

Goodness, how I craved kimchi soup with tofu! Hot hot hot, cabbage-y, chewy, spicy…I knew it would obliterate my endless cold. Which recipe to try?  Two vegetarian kimchi soup recipes caught my attention. One was clearly easier. The other, probably tastier. Of course I enjoy my endless shortcuts, so I made the easier one first. The verdict: A good quick spicy soup, but nothing special to write

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-72550570729009293002011-08-24T14:50:00.001-04:002011-08-24T14:53:53.164-04:00

I was researching whether pregnant women should eat food with alcohol in it. The short answer is absolutely not. Unfortunately, I found website after website full of helpful people assuring pregnant women that it was totally fine because either 1) alcohol cooks away entirely or 2) a little wine is good for the fetus—at least it won't hurt. Yes, I'm looking at you, Yahoo! Answers. You're proof

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-68240485908380090302011-08-23T17:07:00.007-04:002011-08-24T11:40:24.562-04:00

During our last night in Connecticut I craved hot comfort food. Meanwhile, Doug demanded I cook something that used up all his garden tomatoes. After some thought, I remembered that when George and I were staying in Queens, NY, we ate at an amazing little Israeli food haven called Mimi's Hummus. There I enjoyed my first shakshuka—a tomato-and-egg dish of North African, Mediterranean and Middle

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-36377034109220109412011-08-19T00:31:00.003-04:002011-08-19T00:55:45.381-04:00

Today Julia and I suddenly decided to make stir-fry from scratch. We had never made one together before, and this dish twisted and turned in unexpected directions. First we turned on the rice cooker to perfectly cook Japanese white rice. Because the cooker was set to "Regular," we had only another 40 minutes to finish the stir-fry. We quickly took stock of Julia's pantry and fridge. Julia likes

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-6353567961554767182011-08-15T12:31:00.001-04:002011-08-15T12:31:57.358-04:00

Our blueberry pie!

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-46084111221709478452011-07-31T20:26:00.004-04:002011-07-31T20:52:35.959-04:00

Right now I'm living in the South, enjoying Southern delicacies like biscuits, grits, iced tea, and crowder peas. Mm mmm gobble gobble. But as a vegetarian I can see No Trespassing signs everywhere I look. BBQ place? Yeah, I'll take the hush puppies and fried okra.And slow-cooked collards? I don't even have to ask what those collards were slow-cooked with. It's PORK. Pork pork pork pork pork.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-75013317180139596592011-07-26T22:25:00.007-04:002011-07-31T20:26:42.106-04:00

I was an extremely rude American yesterday. It was 105º and I practically ordered my neighbor Sally to make one of her famous vanilla egg creams.Vanilla Egg Creamscold seltzercold milkvanilla syrup (like the kind at cafés they use to put flavor shots in your coffee) *Put seltzer in the bottom, then syrup, then milk, then top with seltzer. Serve immediately.*Torani's "Sugar Free French Vanilla"

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-60975544205329552272011-07-11T09:42:00.004-04:002011-07-11T10:37:32.456-04:00

After harvesting 5 juicy, glossy purple Japanese eggplants, I realized I needed a new eggplant recipe. Last summer I made eggplant dish after eggplant dish, and all firmly failed except for the Patlican. So this summer I abandoned my faithless Japanese cookbooks and decided to go Old School with Mollie Katzen's Eggplant Parmesan recipe. The truth is, I don't adore eggplant parmesan, but when I

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-26104868216786316082011-06-28T11:29:00.005-04:002011-06-28T11:56:46.707-04:00

Today I tried to recreate my first ever smoothie, the Funky Monkey. My 17-year old self could barely order it in front of my friends because the name sounded so dumb. But all the smoothies had cutesy names like that at Bananarama, a lovely place that taught me bananas + soymilk = tasty smoothie base. The original Funky Monkey was a simple chocolate smoothie. Today I also added peanut butter

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-50967957113224475822011-06-23T14:53:00.002-04:002011-06-23T15:07:27.707-04:00

But you will need a food processor. Total time should be 2 hours: from pantry to hot from the oven. Makes about 12 rolls.Fluffy and tender but substantial, convenient and easy but completely made from scratch, impressive to guests but the nine-year old next door could do it while watching cartoons.Ingredients:1 Cup whole wheat flour2 1/2 Cups bread flour2 teaspoons salt1 1/2 teaspoon rapid rise (

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-18962781867241264922011-06-20T20:56:00.004-04:002011-06-20T21:06:59.087-04:00

Deer ate all 30 of our lettuce heads in one night.Deer ate most of our cucumber leaves that night too.Dear ate a lot of our bean leaves as well. Yup, same night.I saw rabbits in the yard yesterday. Adorable little munching machines.Although central NC has seen a lot of frightening lightning or wind storms lately, it has not rained in forever. It is quite hot.The only vegetable producing its

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-61380046050607067262011-06-12T18:45:00.003-04:002011-06-12T19:21:44.394-04:00

I used to be a pretty horrible cook, but I'm proud to announce that through careful effort I've grown into a blazingly mediocre cook. Back when I was truly contemptible, I received a peanut butter version of this cookie recipe from a friend. After making the recipe, I found the cookies dry, crumbly, and requiring large quantities of milk to push them down my esophagus. Of course, there's no way

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-16305951061800249392011-06-07T11:21:00.006-04:002011-06-09T12:57:49.631-04:00

Kimchi dumplings are one of those no-brainer vegetarian snacks. Do you like steamed dumplings? Yes. Do you like them a little juicy and with a bit of a kick? Absolutely. Would you like to pay about $4 for a large bag of them? Definitely.At my local Asian grocer of choice, Oriental Supermarket Food and Gift, the freezer section teems with vegetarian dumpling options. Unfortunately, my favorite

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-20024292259881511252011-06-02T14:39:00.003-04:002011-06-02T14:56:25.690-04:00

Tangy, savory, springy, and fresh. As I bit into my hastily thrown-together lettuce wrap, I blinked in surprise. I didn't expect something so delicious. I paused and wondered where I had gone right.George tried to grow maybe 30 garlic plants in our vegetable garden this summer. It turns out that garlic is a sturdy plant that is easy to grow and matures quite late in the season. Our garden now

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-84519660255408445922011-05-30T15:59:00.002-04:002011-05-30T16:07:57.831-04:00

Suddenly I realized that I no longer enjoyed commercial brand peanut butter: too sweet, too salty, too oily. I switched over to natural peanut butter, the kind where the oil separates and floats to the top. That oil didn't look too tasty, did it? I didn't want to eat it. I didn't want to put it into my body.So for years I tried to pour the oil off the top. This method was absurdly messy and

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-77805567772000801792011-05-29T17:39:00.005-04:002011-05-29T17:54:57.761-04:00

Where once the barren soil yawned blank and empty, lettuces now grow. Many, many lettuces. The Season of Salad has arrived! Today I have already made three salads, and I know a fourth or even fifth is on the way. Let the contents of my gastro-intestinal system inspire you to create the Salad of Your Dreams.Apple Pecan Salad1/2 apple, choppeda handful of pecans, chopped and toastedsome fresh

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-52037577357693413852011-05-25T23:26:00.004-04:002011-05-25T23:34:44.440-04:00

In North Carolina, sweet white corn has come into season!I think it was Miss Manners who informed me how rude it is to open corn at the store to check if it's a decent speciment. Other customers don't want pre-opened corn, so by checking invasively you cause the store to lose money. Instead, you can just carefully squeeze the top of the corn to make sure it isn't mushy, and buy 2 extra corn in

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-61351786055856122912011-05-22T22:59:00.002-04:002011-05-22T23:08:23.836-04:00

Every time I watch anime the characters seems to be enjoying a great deal of delicious rice balls. When I couldn't take the salivating anymore, I made my own. Here's how I finally managed to make them with a definable shape and flavor.Ingredients:sushi ricesaltoptional: sesame seeds, fillings of your choiceCook up sushi rice. When it's done, leave the lid on and let it steam 5 to 10

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-33098260155594724242011-05-15T14:32:00.009-04:002011-05-15T15:43:03.239-04:00

Our kitchen is whole once more! To take full advantage of its gleaming white counters and capacious sink, The Irreverent Cook visited for a week, and we had a memorable time cooking difficult recipes from The Voluptuous Vegan, my favorite cookbook. The Irreverent Cook first made my favorite cake for my birthday, a chocolate vegan cake with hazelnut mousse. Afterwards we went to a nearby farm and

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-31994730891111049062011-05-05T11:09:00.005-04:002011-05-05T14:50:49.427-04:00

Still living and cooking without a kitchen sink, or counters, or a dishwasher, or a washing machine, or a kitchen pantry. Hence the disturbingly simple recipes, posted few and far between. Fear not, Goofy Fans! My posting will improve soon, when the Irreverent Cook visits me.Lately we've been eating strawberry salad. In case you didn't know the latest news about strawberries, rumour goes that

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-14881073114812393672011-05-03T11:28:00.004-04:002011-05-03T11:38:38.387-04:00

Last year I posted about my first experience sautéeing pea shoots (the part of the pea plant that isn't the pea pod). This year my kitchen barely exists at the moment but we have more pea shoots than ever before. Because our front yard is full of dense clay soil, it's difficult for tender plants to grow in it. So that we could eventually grow something nice, George planted peas and red clover and

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-79233710270046260422011-04-25T12:10:00.004-04:002011-04-30T16:43:49.695-04:00

This recipe is unusually simple for a blog post, I grant you. Ever since George harvested radishes from our garden, I've been dreaming about this sandwich. Now that I've managed to make it—despite the kitchen being completely torn apart and the kitchen sink removed—I have to share the recipe with you, my loyal groupie. If you live in a studio with a kitchenette, or you're out camping, or you're

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-27983325009716663902011-04-07T08:16:00.005-04:002011-04-07T09:23:39.188-04:00

Nick Kindelsperger of Serious Eats has exceded my expectations in two out of two recipes. His latest success adapts a torta recipe by Rick Bayless. My adaptation makes Kindelsperger's recipe vegan and gluten-free and also dispenses with his request for bollilo rolls (found in every U.S. supermarket from nowhere to nowhere else). These mushrooms burst with juicy, fresh flavor in a way I haven't

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-59950709475354594152011-04-02T22:45:00.002-04:002011-04-02T23:26:55.626-04:00

Ovaries of steel. That's what I have. Yes, my reproductive system is invulnerable and a choice metaphor for my blazing courage. I write a food blog nearly bereft of photos, without tell-all stories about my life, without delving into my philosophy of life, and even without a background in food production (I'm not even the best cook in my family). What's more, I have the huevos to boast about

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-72098285296851286992011-04-02T17:57:00.005-04:002011-04-02T18:59:15.594-04:00

Yesterday I felt like one of the Three Bears. On my right, George felt the soup had too much spice. I, in the middle, felt the spice was just right. Gavin, on my left, added a lot more spice to his soup.What was all the fuss about? Just egg drop soup, Chinese restaurant comfort food for the sick or perpetually chilly. The reason this conversation was so odd was that all three of us enjoyed the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-38720331561043141692011-03-28T10:39:00.004-04:002011-03-28T10:54:57.082-04:00

I've been considering how to eject the three mostly-used jars of leftover jam, jelly, and preserves from my refrigerator so's I can replace them with my new jar of lingonberry preserves from IKEA. Some of the Eurekas I've produced:Jam MuffinsMix them with plain yogurt.For grad student hors d'oeuvres, spread saltines or crackers with different jams. Serve with iced tea and a snooty look.Spread all

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-53310398841165032742011-03-25T18:00:00.006-04:002011-05-29T18:12:32.615-04:00

As you may have noticed, but probably—let's be honest—haven't, I ain't been posting recipes at my usual furious rate. That's because I can't even keep up with all my homework because I have too many classes (five, including Russian); also, I've been traveling a lot this month. Last week I went to Claremont, California for my grandmother's 90th birthday.Grandma Bessie retired from cooking several

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-471057856252430292011-03-15T00:05:00.003-04:002011-03-15T00:42:50.776-04:00

There's a moment in all of our lives, I think, when we gaze deep, deep into the recesses of our pantries and fridges and think, "There's nothing to eat"…even though there is.Actually, I experience that moment several times a week. Yesterday included. This time I told myself to be creative and Make Do. This pasta and bean salad is what I Made Did. It's not super different from my Vegetarian Pasta

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-73040587261728222632011-03-05T10:39:00.003-05:002011-03-05T12:07:40.492-05:00

I found a chickpea casserole recipe while surfing the 'Net, but it needed so many emendations and modulations that I made my own derivation, one that I share with you in this peroration. All four who tasted this creation hailed the tasty combination of chickpea plus Other Stuff—so please take their commendation and enjoy a light and healthy mastication.To make it gluten-free, make stale GF bread

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-11053885754930925802011-03-02T19:52:00.003-05:002011-03-02T20:01:06.720-05:00

At some point, while I was trying to knead the sticky, sticky, sticky dough and simultaneously finger-squish all the embedded mashed potato bits, I wondered if the rolls were going to taste good enough to warrant this heroic effort. My verdict, after tasting them both hot from the oven and cold the next day, is NO. I am not even going to bother giving you the scorned recipe.But it was worth it

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-37945360537167759062011-02-20T12:48:00.004-05:002011-02-20T12:52:08.776-05:00

We had a bunch of leftover filling plus half a potato from the Cornish Pasties, so George invented these super-quick, delicious Tuber Cakes:1. Grate half a potato. Gather it into a towel and squeeze out excess liquid.2. Mix potato with leftover filling from the Cornish Pasties recipe.3. Fry it up good.4. Eat hot. Preferably with sour cream.If you don't feel like making the Cornish Pasties, you

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-54394236676402769902011-02-20T12:08:00.002-05:002011-02-20T12:43:42.135-05:00

This month Vegetarian Times magazine presented some homey Irish pub food recipes in honor of St. Patty's Day. I've made some of their past Irish recipes, and each one ended in disaster. Their colcannon, especially, emerged a Thing of Nightmare: purple, tasteless muck. But this month's photograph of Cornish Pasties looked SO good. Most importantly, I happened to have all the ingredients on

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-42960099092551731832011-02-14T17:46:00.004-05:002011-02-14T17:50:08.446-05:00

We have been eating a lot of repeat recipes lately, and this Valentine's Day is no exception. As per my request, George made Hazelnut Truffles from scratch, and for once we are eating out for dinner beforehand. Please let me know (in the comments form below), with what delicious foods you are celebrating this day of Love and Munching?

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-79612075116418122692011-02-06T13:52:00.004-05:002011-02-06T14:02:36.050-05:00

WARNING: We made this pasta sauce yesterday morning and ate the resulting pasta all day. Today I woke up feeling like a gremlin had scrubbed all my inner passageways with a garlic clove. Our intestines are even creating garlic-scented gas, if you know what I mean, ho ho ho ha ahem cough cough splutter.I apologize for my immaturity. Here is the recipe—the delicious, out of this world, healthy,

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-81201784645976587162011-02-01T21:33:00.003-05:002011-02-01T21:46:18.428-05:00

This weekend I tried to recreate a stew that George cooked right after Thanksgiving with 3 pounds of random leftover vegetables. The recipe, "Vegetable Curry," came from a cookbook by British chef Rose Elliot called Complete Vegetarian. When George made the stew, he left out the fenugreek because who has fenugreek lying around? Not us! (To me it sounds like a swampy Hellenic herb.) I believe,

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-87095151461139339562011-01-20T21:44:00.008-05:002011-04-25T12:23:43.262-04:00

The most popular American lunch food must be sandwiches, don't you agree? I ate something between 2 slices of bread every day in grade school and most likely you did too. For us vegetarians, the classic sandwich repertory is quite limited: peanut butter and jelly, peanut butter and banana, cheese, egg salad, egg and cheese, and tomato sandwiches come to mind. Can you think of any other? I can't.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-33545189879701995542011-01-20T15:33:00.003-05:002011-01-20T15:34:22.035-05:00

I have passed my 18 hour comprehensive exams! You can look forward to more goofy cooking from now on.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-89062251689970236892011-01-17T12:56:00.007-05:002011-05-29T18:16:06.986-04:00

After Beethoven bludgeoned my brain with his massive Ninth Symphony and overwhelming Missa solemnis, I needed nourishment—for my body and tattered soul. Beethoven is famous for pushing the Classical genres (of symphony, string quartet, and keyboard sonata) to such a high level of artistic merit that many composers were completely terrified to follow him in the same forms. So Chopin turned to

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-27391480094135711182011-01-16T09:51:00.003-05:002011-01-16T10:17:59.197-05:00

Yesterday, while studying for my exams, I suddenly craved soup. I wanted it immediately. In my The Student Vegetarian Cookbook, which has many quick recipes with common ingredients, I found a miso soup recipe that the author promised would be ready in 6 minutes. Ha! Even in my soup-crazed state I knew that a 6-minute miso soup would taste mostly like salty thick water. But, I wondered to myself

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-52702325566248206232011-01-12T20:34:00.002-05:002011-01-12T20:38:44.855-05:00

I just finished the first sixteen hours of my comprehensive exams, and I am beat.But just to let you know I am still alive, here a Hot Tip.Cara Cara oranges are in season, and they are a rare treat! Cara Caras look something like blood oranges and they are sold in markets from the West Coast to the East. Get your greedy little hands on them while you can.My exams finish in a week; possibly I will

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-88247091425649415652010-12-31T12:46:00.002-05:002010-12-31T13:00:11.979-05:00

When I opened the fridge door and beheld a shining box of fresh shiitake mushrooms, I knew I had to figure out the quickest and tastiest way to transfer them to my stomach acids. Thomas and I wanted a little snack, so we whipped these tacos up together in 10 minutes flat.To make this vegan, substitute Vegenaise or another soy mayonnaise, and do whatever vegan thing you do with the cheese (use a "

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-23009973358442597992010-12-27T21:59:00.004-05:002011-04-25T12:24:01.083-04:00

A tasty and simple vegetarian sammich arose naturally the day after we made Mexican Lasagna. While the lasagna was a big hit, I was the only one who wanted this sandwich the next day. Who can understand the taste buds of others?You can easily make it vegan or gluten-free.The Layers:Bread (GF for you GFers!)a slather of vegetarian refried beanssome cheese, vegan cheeze, or nothing(Toast all those

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-75711198153761257642010-12-24T01:00:00.002-05:002010-12-24T01:02:56.741-05:00

Doug invented this unusually delicious breakfast; I couldn't believe he made it in the microwave. You butter or oil a little porcelain cup. You break an egg into it. You cover the cup with a plate. You stick it in the microwave on high for about 35 seconds. It is done to perfection.If you don't believe it could be any good, try it yourself.Nice over hot rice!

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-80526194188527617422010-12-24T00:11:00.003-05:002010-12-24T00:37:59.226-05:00

After experiencing the coldest December on record in North Carolina, we traveled north to New Haven. Outside the window I watch frequent flurries and listen to the house groaning at the wind's onslaught. I'm cowering indoors, blowing my nose until it turns Rudolph-red, and sipping soup: a warming, creamy flame-colored soup made out of my #1 vegetable: pumpkin.Thomas made it for dinner tonight.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-27666580552383125892010-12-15T11:09:00.006-05:002010-12-15T11:37:43.137-05:00

I have to write a 20 page paper today, but a Goofy Gourmet post seems much easier to accomplish. So I'm going to warm up to my assignment by telling you about the lightest and most tender whole wheat muffins I've ever eaten. I invented them by borrowing ideas from 3 different Tassajara Bread Book muffin recipes and making several of my own alterations. I think you might even be able to make them

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-33905395757652754662010-12-09T21:12:00.002-05:002010-12-09T21:29:12.877-05:00

I wanted a light, earthy side to go with my latkes for the Chanukah party tonight. Reading a bunch of cookbooks by Jews, I noticed they like to pair potato pancakes with beet dishes. All these beet dishes, though, were too complicated and required too many expensive ingredients. I wanted a recipe that I could make in 5 minutes. So I invented this salad, and let me tell you: people loved it. David

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-38587582537901697732010-12-08T15:51:00.005-05:002010-12-08T17:26:18.639-05:00

On Chanukah we Jews sing a song, a song about latkes. My favorite verses go like this:(to the tune of O Chanukah)The Syrians said how can it be that old Mattathias,whose years are more than 83 would dare to defy us,But they didn't know his secret, you see.Mattathias dined on latkes and tea.One latke, two latkes,And so on into the night.You may not guessbut it was the latkesThat gave him the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-49403529787383066452010-12-01T22:03:00.003-05:002010-12-01T22:41:14.697-05:00

When George and Gavin attended the North Carolina State Fair, they learned a basic fact about North Carolinians—be it sweet or savory, Carolinians prefer their food fried. I'd assumed that the purpose of state fairs was to celebrate agricultural victories (mind over gourd, prize heifers doin' cartwheels, layin' eggs, etc.). But when our two swains peered into the far reaches of the fair, all

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-66616355288209445822010-11-26T17:43:00.002-05:002010-11-26T18:08:00.579-05:00

This year, the family's unanimous love was bestowed upon these dishes alone:Blue Cheese Autumn Salad (by Sarah)Clover Leaf Rolls (by Julia)Mushroom Gravy (by George)Buttery Cornbread Stuffing (by Julia)Pumpkin Pie (by Julia)I had to make the Lima Bean Gravy twice because I added too much salt at the last minute: 1 1/2 Tbsp. instead of 1 1/2 teaspoons! (That's not the first time that's happened to

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-11404096242473779782010-11-24T14:42:00.007-05:002011-11-27T14:00:40.281-05:00

Vegetarians don't think of sides the way meat-centric eaters think of sides. Meatties think a nice dinner means a fancy meat entrée with less-important vegetable bridesmaids decoratively clustered about. Novice vegetarians often try to swap some vegetarian casserole or something in place of the meat and keep eating this way. Eventually they realize this strategy doesn't work long-term. They also

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-18606494737711410402010-11-21T14:08:00.003-05:002010-11-21T15:59:54.027-05:00

Here are four excellent vegetarian stuffing recipes to gorge on. After preparing them you can stuff them into a squash (see previous post) and reheat for sweet moistness, or crisp them up in a baking pan right before serving. Or do both, half each method.Bhutanese Rice Stuffing—a crimson, fruity gluten-free stuffingButtery Cornbread Stuffing—the classicChestnut-Pecan Stuffing (follows)—vegan with

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-77875939801867929322010-11-21T10:46:00.007-05:002010-11-21T11:24:55.658-05:00

Many people ask me, a Notorious Vegetarian, what I like to have as a main Thanksgiving entrée instead of turkey. The first answer is almost anything. Whether I was living in Massachusetts, Connecticut, or California, I frequently saw rafters of adorable wild turkeys—sometimes with fuzzy chicks—poking along the fields and roads. Then BAM, I'm facing a large dead turkey on the table. Is it wrong to

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-66075153724675523812010-11-19T16:35:00.004-05:002010-12-02T12:16:08.492-05:00

Oh my Goodness Gracious, there must be a vegetarian deity after all!Check out the luscious gluten-free, vegetarian, and/or vegan Thanksgiving recipes at the New York Times. The Well blog posts a new recipe by a different chef every day, and the food appears several levels tastier than the usual vegetarian Thanksgiving fare you can find online. Of particular interest to me are:Brioche stuffing

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-14523866880787157302010-11-17T12:59:00.002-05:002010-11-17T13:27:30.431-05:00

Groggy dawns and hard days ahead cry out for eggs. When you crack them into a fry pan, they look like tiny happy suns, and they have a message: we're all a baby chick needs to escape its shell using only its nose—so don't worry, we've got your back.I made eggs this morning, but this time I didn't have my usual garlic and tomato on hand to liven egg's subtle flavor. Curry powder before 8 a.m. is

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-19115968038689687522010-11-06T12:56:00.005-04:002010-11-06T13:20:05.772-04:00

Hello my rabid fans!I know Hallowe'en is so long gone that it's like the distant dream of an old ghost watching Caspar cartoons and sadly shaking his head. Unfortunately my semester deadlines are marching determinedly toward me, and I've had to put more important things—like posting delicious cookie recipes for your voracious pleasure—to the side.But the guilt really got to me. Here I was,

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-10478039310230849342010-10-30T20:37:00.006-04:002010-10-30T20:59:58.682-04:00

Hallowe'en is the most vegetarian-friendly holiday—not so much for vegans, unless they own Moskowitz's seminal Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World. This year I'm hosting a pot luck Hallowe'en costume party. I'm providing homemade gingersnap cookies (by George, for those of you who remember his cookie-making triumph at the IrreverentCook's senior recital). Also I'm making hot fresh popcorn with

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-72763120239669980962010-10-20T15:31:00.005-04:002011-04-25T12:24:37.194-04:00

This dessert wrap is a no-brainer…in that no brains have come up with it before, inexplicably. This wrap sounds almost the same as its equivalent sandwich, yet somehow it tastes and feels like a completely different animal. It's best shared as a dessert or a late-night snack.Dessert WrapHigh-quality whole wheat tortilla or flatbread without any hydrogenated oils1 banana, peeledpeanut or almond

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-47005657583322888782010-10-18T13:52:00.005-04:002010-10-20T16:04:13.860-04:00

I live off Taco Row in Durham near all the taquerias and carnicerias and tiendas. I like to wander, a stranger in a strange land, through aisles of delicious looking hot peppers and exotic root vegetables. Unfortunately, I speak only two phrases of Spanish: "No comprendo espagñol" and "me gusto papas fritas." I know: ME STUPID AMERICAN. ME LIKE FRIED FOOD.So when I wanted to learn Mexican

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-42245127585936276872010-10-15T09:20:00.006-04:002010-10-15T10:02:41.426-04:00

O loyal reader, whoever you are (OK, I'm pretty sure it's my mom), I have some great news. Durham, North Carolina has begun a vegan challenge that runs all October! Read all about it here. In essence, 10 restaurants are competing to create the most mouth-watering vegan dish which does not involve "portabello mushrooms, hummus, veggie burgers or chocolate cake." SMIRK The contest creators are

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-73550002580013956092010-10-14T18:34:00.006-04:002010-10-14T19:03:36.423-04:00

To a vegetarian, a hummus wrap is one of the Boring Sandwiches of the Universe. At delis Vegetarians always get offered hummus wraps laden with poor-quality hummus and tasteless vegetables. And if the wraps are cold—and they're always cold because apparently vegetarians only care about health, not taste or texture—they crack and break. Cold flour tortillas taste like Styrofoam or sun-dried

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-26713607243310538612010-09-26T13:48:00.004-04:002010-09-26T14:21:35.645-04:00

The idea of Sunday brunch for me always involves eggs or dairy somehow. Bagels and cream cheese, pancakes, muffins, hash browns, French Toast, waffles, buttered toast, buttered biscuits, buttery grits, and of course eggs. But when a vegan ironically named Hambourger invited himself over to brunch, I knew I had consider the notorious meal anew.It's a stressful time in the semester—one of those

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-58769171382234233502010-09-23T18:22:00.004-04:002011-04-25T12:24:45.060-04:00

Guys, I have the most amazing news to share with you. I just invented a restaurant-level sandwich by accident! That is to say, this is a sandwich I would prominently feature at Sarah's Tasty Time Sandwich Shop along with…let's continue the fantasy…my Gourmet Artichoke Mushroom Sandwich of Love, Mom's Picnic Sandwich, and the always controversial Tempeh Reuben. Wow. I'm sad that I only have 4

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-81768563334882746982010-09-16T17:18:00.004-04:002010-09-16T17:51:32.935-04:00

While I wandered through Japan, bewildered, vegetarian, and alone, sometimes I came upon a fast food chain where all the pink and white fish cakes had a number 8 printed on them. Does anyone know the name of that chain? It also served vegetable fried rice. Honestly, I'm not sure if the rice was really vegetarian or not, but at least it wasn't sprinkled with tiny octopus corpses nor served with a

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-66877459458638452482010-09-10T14:41:00.013-04:002010-09-10T22:15:06.544-04:00

Oh ice cream, how you tempt me with your guilty pleasures. Packed with stolen milk, its excess fats and blended with G-d knows what thickeners... could ever there be a dessert so fair? Thus pondered the demoralized post dinner gathering. When along came Irreverent and said, "Never fear, for I am here! While your troubles are deep and beyond compare my vast stores of knowledge and endless

TheIrreverentCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144088603328227809noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-83718775885006964022010-09-09T12:34:00.006-04:002010-09-09T20:19:41.856-04:00

I know that we food bloggers are supposed to be ahead of the game and post recipes before our readers want to make them, but how can I tell you how it went if it hasn't went yet? And no one should eat honey cake more than once a year, not unless you want more cavities in your life.So yes, it's the first day of Rosh Hashanah and probably many observant Jews won't even check the computer until

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-58373240943192495302010-09-05T19:28:00.008-04:002010-09-09T12:34:08.771-04:00

Very exciting news, my faithful 9 readers (and recent Canadian and Singaporean visitors): I've finally, after a few attempts, been selected as part of the Foodie Blogroll! See the widget in my sidebar. This is a big deal for me as a Jewish vegetarian Japanese fusion food blogger because it helps other Jewish vegetarian Japanese fusion food lovers find me. And even plain old generic vegetarians

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-82908720224599115452010-08-30T21:30:00.009-04:002010-08-30T22:10:07.631-04:00

School has begun again, so I wanted to let you know my frenetic posting will slow down. You should slow down too. All that cooking's going to give you a crick in your neck. I'm going to pass on an easy to make recipe so you can cool your jets (ah, the clichés of the space-race era), grease your engines, and refill your wiper fluid… … …and the metaphor dies a horrible death.Anyway, if you have a

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-52197764883848491922010-08-21T11:54:00.004-04:002010-08-21T12:17:12.482-04:00

On his third try, George perfected his sourdough technique and delivered from the oven two loaves neither too dense nor too insubstantial: a sourdough rye. The guests gobbled down a loaf and a half during dinner and even cast longing glances back as we had a team of huskies haul them out the door. Having fulfilled the mission of Jews worldwide to overfeed each person who enters our home, we

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-15640716524961799632010-08-13T18:16:00.005-04:002010-08-13T18:41:25.935-04:00

What do vegetarians eat? To the uninitiated, this seems a constant source of anxiety. I absolutely cannot go out to a restaurant without an omnivore friend feeling compelled to tell me all the vegetarian food on the menu. And when some generous individual invites me over, she also expresses this anxiety about what on earth she can make that I can eat.Relax, I always tell them. American

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-66670258655519275572010-08-06T10:20:00.004-04:002010-08-06T11:15:25.689-04:00

This salad has accrued so many names—yes, there are many more—because it is a real no-brainer. If you tend even a modest garden, at some point you are likely to experience a flood of cucumbers and tomatoes. If you live in the Middle East or Mediterranean, you always have lemons and olive oil on hand. Hence this salad.Israeli Salad1 cucumber1 tomatooptional additions: 1 bell pepper, 1 member of

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-89249810116262835582010-08-05T12:58:00.006-04:002010-08-05T17:21:13.234-04:00

TheIrreverentCook is seeking shiso in the nearest Japanese or Korean market to make my Vegetarian Pasta Salad, so on his/her behalf I though I would post another recipe that calls for shiso. This potato salad is impossible to mess up. Never has anyone over the age of 10 scorned its rarified tasty goodness. My neighbors gobble it up; George has requested it frequently for the last 7 years, and as

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-26978494829094795412010-08-05T12:54:00.002-04:002010-08-05T13:51:03.686-04:00

Don't make it if you are hoping for a sourdough flavor.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730668696959561464.post-78612211088456964052010-07-30T12:45:00.004-04:002010-07-30T13:01:54.378-04:00

After the burning humiliation of my fluorescent curry, this quickly improvised pasta salad surprised us both with its improbable tastiness. "What's this?" asked George, eyeing the casserole dish in the refrigerator."It's a special dish I just made," I replied, not meeting his eyes.George shrugged and started forking pasta salad directly from the serving bowl into his mouth. His complete

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16727926854306433280noreply@blogger.com3