I swear I don’t do it on purpose. But somehow, whenever John leaves town for a conference, I seem to end up cooking something I know he would love. Sometimes I feel guilty about this. He is in Recife, Brazil for 8 days. I will let you draw your own conclusions about my guilt level…
Broiled Chicken in Green Masala Paste with Saffron Mashed Cauliflower, Potatoes and Peas
First I wanted to say thanks to everyone who expressed concern about Sammy! She is doing wonderfully, despite all the swinging that first day after the surgery at recess. School is finally here and she is too over the moon about that to worry about any bruising around her teeth.
Spanish Inspired Soup of Cauliflower, Peas and Shrimp with Chorizo and Smoked Paprika
I have this recurring dilemma about summer food. I realize that for many people a soup or stew does not sound great during the summer. But a lot of soups and stews are traditionally made all over the world in hot climates. Sometimes I feel like it is only those of us who live in…
Saffron Rice with Meatballs; Quick Spiced Potatoes and Cauliflower with Baby Shrimp: A Review of The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles
One of the big perks of blogging is being given cookbooks to review (I know you are shocked to hear me say that!). I try to only accept books that I would be interested in at least some of the dishes. You can imagine that I often get offered baking books that I am super…
Vegetarian Biryani with Curried Creamy Tomato Sauce
I mentioned in my last post that Sammy was a good sport about having a Moroccan inspired bundt cake for her birthday cake when my in laws were visiting. She and Alex are both always good sports about the birthday meals I prepare for them when my in laws are here. Because I love creating…
Kheema with Cardamom and Curry Leaves
Given that many people think of vegetarian food when they think of India, it may surprise you to hear me say that I think ground beef (or any ground meat, your choice) reaches new heights in Indian cuisine. In my own personal repertoire of ground meat dishes, only chili comes close to as many exciting…
Indian Style Wok Cooked Shrimp Curry (Kadhai Jhinga)
I hope I translated the name of this dish accurately! It is from a pretty intimidating cookbook that John got me, called Prashad-Cooking with Indian Masters, by J Inder Singh Kalra, who is (was?) an Indian food writer. First published in 1986, the book is intended for an international audience, but either because it is…
Coconut Lentil Soup with Potatoes and Peas
The Spiced Life family just got back from a whirlwind trip to Disney World! John got invited to talk at a conference there and we said yes, please! 3 days nonstop parks with rides, princesses, food, princesses, fairies, princesses… So please forgive any typos or just plain incomprehensible sentences. My brain feels like Swiss cheese;…
Garlicky Angel Hair with Sausage & Peas
I was not initially planning to share this recipe. The never ending colds from hell continue to plague my family, which means I continue to be very lazy and uninspired about dinner. And picky. I am SO picky when I have a cold. All I want is starch. Which is more or less what inspired…