Savory Sweet Living

Stuffed Summer Squash

2015-06-26T11:24:00.002-04:00

I enjoy strolling through the local farmers market to get recipes inspiration. I love that you could learn so much by the growers, and they are eager to answer your questions about their seasonal vegetables. In my recent trip to the Union Square Greenmarket, I was drawn to the abundant of summer squash available at Lani's Farm; specifically, the Asian Cousa Squash. They are the cutest as

Stuffed Squid with Mushroom, Shallots and Cellophane Noodles

2015-06-19T11:59:00.000-04:00

I felt in love with stuffed squid when I had my first at an Italian restaurant decades ago. It was stuffed with bread crumbs and herbs, cooked in a pomodoro sauce over linguine. It was really delicious, and I wandered at the time how to make that dish. Fast forward to decades later, I made that dish in culinary school. I learned that with squid, you either cook it in minutes or braise for

Ramp and Ginger Sauce

2015-06-03T12:08:00.001-04:00

I have become somewhat obsessed with ramps. I simply can't get enough of these wild leeks that are available in Spring. I visit the Berried Treasures Farm at the Union Square Greenmarket often to stock up on this sought after pungent vegetable. Other than using ramps in a variety of dishes as I did in my previous posts. I also want to use it in a versatile sauce that would go well with the

Beer-steamed Clams with Ramp and Goat Cheese Bruschetta

2015-05-29T10:31:00.001-04:00

Here's another delicious dish I made with ingredients I purchased at the Union Square Greenmarket. Once again it's being featured by The Feed Feed on its Grow NYC page. As mentioned on my last post, the page promotes green market eating, and recipes are shared within the community who shops at the green markets. The following are vendors from the Union Square

Skate with Spring

2015-05-21T15:51:00.002-04:00

As you may know, I post a lot of food photos on Instagram. I was recently notified by The Feed Feed that the above photo is selected to be featured on the Grow NYC page of its website. The page promotes green market eating, and recipes are shared within the community who shops at the green markets. The following is a list of vendors I got my ingredients from at the Union

Thai Style Chorizo and Tomato Nachos with Homemade Avocado Crema

2015-05-01T10:11:00.000-04:00

I can't believe May is finally here. Other than celebrating the arrival of Spring and the warmer weather, we also want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with lots of great Mexican eats and drinks. So when the good people at Food Should Taste Good reached out and asked me to share a recipe to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with their tortilla chips, I agreed since I am such a fan of their products. They

Hello, Good Morning!

2015-04-29T13:42:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted an entry. I have been working on some personal issues specifically in the past year. I haven't spoken about it here as I'm not one who could air my personal matters for the world to know. Even though, we live in a social media obsessed world, I included, we only tend to post things that are happy. We leave the ugly and unhappiness behind for ourselves

Top Ten Pastry Chefs in America 2014

2014-06-05T11:03:00.001-04:00

Photo by Niko Triantafillou On Monday, I attended the 2014 Top Ten Pastry Chefs in America awards selected by Dessert Professional Magazine presented by Guittard Chocolate, KitchenAid, Beurremont, Nielsen-Massey, and hosted by Institute of Culinary Education ("ICE"). Each year Dessert Professional Magazine crowns the top 10 pastry chefs in the

Circo - Bollito Misto Week

2014-01-23T11:28:00.001-05:00

Is it old man winter or return of polar vortex that is causing this unbearable weather? Another snow storm arrived Tuesday evening. As much as I don't like the bitter cold and threat of snow, I'm getting fed up with it. As the winter months grow longer, I'm feeling braver to venture out in a snow storm. I don't want the weather to stop me from enjoying a good meal with

Fennel Flower Crystals Dusted Shrimp, Roasted Fennel with Saffron Vanilla Sauce

2013-10-06T16:40:00.000-04:00

Sweet to Savory is the recipe contest that Marx Foods (a specialty fine food store based in Seattle) is hosting. They reached out to me to ask if I would like to participate. I have entered a few of their previous contests and always had a great time so naturally I said yes. Days later I received a box of ingredients. It contained vanilla beans, granulated honey,

Get Ready for Pig Island 2013

2013-09-05T12:12:00.002-04:00

25 chefs 80 local pigs is the theme of each year's Pig Island event. This year is no different. Yesterday, some of the chefs gathered once again at the Union Square Greenmarket to pick up their pigs from Flying Pigs Farm so they can start preparing for the event on Saturday. I am always excited to hear what the chefs will be making, and I'm eager to taste all of the dishes.

The Garden Restaurant at The Four Seasons Hotel, New York City

2013-07-25T10:28:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday, I was invited to brunch at The Garden at the Four Seasons Hotel in NYC. It was such a lovely way to spend the afternoon tasting delicious food with some of my food blogger friends. The brunch was organized by the Food and Beverage Director Simon de Swaan and Ken Leung. The Executive Chef John Johnson created a delicious and playful menu that highlights local

Apple Butter Bacon Doughnuts

2013-05-24T10:52:00.000-04:00

Apple Butter Bacon Doughnut Have I mentioned I love summer? Maybe it's because I was born in a summer month and grew up in a warm climate. I love the heat and the sun so I'm especially happy when summer is near. This weekend is Memorial Day weekend in the U.S., many will spend their long weekend outdoors. Your ovens may be taking a break from the heat too as many head

Spring Fever for a Worthy Cause - NYWC

2013-05-17T11:19:00.001-04:00

Last Friday night, I attended the Spring Fever fund raising party for the New York Writers Coalition. This wonderful non-profit organization was founded by a good friend Aaron Zimmerman. NYWC offers a wide range of free writing workshops throughout New York City. It provides a safe haven for those who normally don't have a voice in the society. To really understand

Weekend with My Culinary Hero - Susur Lee

2013-05-10T11:23:00.000-04:00