September 2009

I usually opt for leeks in many recipes where you may use onions. They’re sweeter and more delicate, and a great way to maximize flavor. Here’s a simple, no fuss-yet satisfying way to prepare them. The leeks should turn out very sweet and tender and practically melt in your mouth. I recommend using smaller leeks than the ones pictured here if they’re available at your market, they’ll be more tender and easier to cut.

I finally picked up some at the farmer’s market recently, with the singular intention of making leeks vinagrette. It’s such a simple dish but so flavorful, a nice accompaniment to a meal. I was craving them ever since I had them at Mama Shelter hotel in Paris this spring. I flipped through Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking, to see what she would do with leeks. Read the rest of this entry »

This is the time of year, when zucchini is very much on my mind.  I seem to be constantly brainstorming various uses for this ever present and abundant vegetable . Zucchini has a very subtle flavor so finding the perfect way to spruce it up can be challenging at times. How to get excited about zucchini, I ask?

Somehow, zucchini bread was a staple in my grandma’s kitchen, so naturally, it’s the first thing that comes to mind when conjuring up zucchini recipes. I wanted to dress it up a bit. My goal, to make it a suitable breakfast or afternoon snack option. So for an unpredictable, interesting and most importantly delicious twist, here’s what I came up with. First, I’m using a natural sweetener, maple sugar, and much less of it. I’m also using Amaranth, a nourishing whole grain flour. Read the rest of this entry »