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Sauerkraut. It’s really easy!

Sauerkraut. It’s really easy!

Although they made a great many amazing foods at home that I feel regretful I didn’t ask about, I’m not sure if my Polish relatives ever made sauerkraut at home. They definitely ate a lot of it. Kielbasa, Polish sausages, simmering in sauerkraut is a childhood scent. My Dad, arriving home late from work, sat at the table tucking in to those sausages that snapped to the bite. He said to me recently that he … Read entire article »

Filed under: Condiments, Ferments, German, Polish, Vegan, Vegetarian

Cumin and Carrot Savoury Pancakes

Cumin and Carrot Savoury Pancakes

Although I haven’t had much time to write since becoming a Mum, I have spent many hours thinking up things a toddler will eat. There are plenty of things that a toddler will warm to, no doubt, but I want to do quicker than quick things that take very little prep so I can get on with building monster forts out of cushions in the living room or seeking out the best playground in the … Read entire article »

Filed under: Child-friendly, Drinks and Snacks, Inspired by..., Multicultural, Vegan, Vegetarian

Happy Christmas to all who celebrate

Happy Christmas to all who celebrate

…and spicy, sweet wishes for the New Year. … Read entire article »

Filed under: Drinks and Snacks, New Zealand

In Defence of Food: Book review

In Defence of Food: Book review

“The U.N. recently announced that the number of people suffering from the problems of “overnutrition” has for the first time exceeded the number suffering from undernutrition” (Pollan 2008:xiv) As the book sits here accruing library fines (Naughty blogger!) I am finally getting round to reading and reviewing In Defence of Food by Michael Pollan. Well, I loved it. It says all the things I have always believed about the food industry and how it affects what … Read entire article »

Filed under: Books, Healthy

Caveman Biscuits

Caveman Biscuits

While I’m not going to pretend that I have any sort of deep understanding of the Paleo Diet, I am interested in how people are trying to regain healthy lives by looking to what is or has been natural for our bodies. I am always searching for naturally sweetened desserts and snacks for my son so he feels like he is getting a treat and I feel happy he will not be doped up on … Read entire article »

Filed under: Child-friendly, Drinks and Snacks, Featured, Healthy, United States, Vegetarian

A Dashi of This and a Dashi of That

A Dashi of This and a Dashi of That

Dashi is the stock most used in Japanese cooking. The ingredients are simple, seaweed and shavings from a block of the dried fish known as bonito, and the method could not be simpler. Much of Japanese food is approachable like this and it’s a shame that so many people think that you need some sort of superskills in order to prepare Japanese food. Oh yes, there are Japanese masters! But there are also students who … Read entire article »

Filed under: Ingredients, Japanese

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bread

We’ve just had Halloween which used to be one of my favourite holidays as a child in the United States. Although the roots of the event lie in Ireland, North Americans have taken to idea and run with it. From the beginning of October lots of spooky and fun things start appearing in shops, on TV, in the press and pretty much everywhere. Since Halloween coincides with autumn harvests, there are lots of lovely veggies … Read entire article »

Filed under: United States, Vegetarian

Rugby World Cup 2011

Rugby World Cup 2011

Go the mighty All Blacks! And woo-hoo to New Zealand for hosting! … Read entire article »

Filed under: Inspired by...

Vegetarian Black Beans and Rice

Vegetarian Black Beans and Rice

I have not been to Cuba, but I have lived in South Florida, which has  a sizeable Cuban community, where you can get the most delicious black beans and rice ever. Well, OK, maybe not ever since I’ve already mentioned that I haven’t actually been to Cuba. Tucking into a steaming bowl of black beans and feeling the crunch of fresh onions on top is something I could do just about any day of the … Read entire article »

Filed under: Child-friendly, Narrative Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Easy Onigiri: Japanese rice cakes

Easy Onigiri: Japanese rice cakes

What I loved when we lived in Japan was that on the days I didn’t feel like making my lunch, I could stop by the local コンビニ, “conbini”, or convenience store, on the way to work for much nicer food than we’d find in our own equivalent shops. I’d park my bike out front in the bike park and then walk in to hear a loud “いらっしゃいませ!” or “Irasshaimase!” (Welcome, we are happy to serve … Read entire article »

Filed under: Child-friendly, Drinks and Snacks, Featured, Japanese, Vegetarian