http://meredithandcarla.com/pages Just another WordPress weblog Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:21:30 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en I love to cook. Like many of you, I believe the time spent cutting, chopping, simmering, sauteeing and roasting to be the best part of the day.  But  it's the act of sharing that food with friends and family that makes me happiest. It seems like great tasting food always brings out the ... http://meredithandcarla.com/pages/2010/07/chop-cook-eat/ Cake. There is just something special about the word. It brings to mind images of parties and happy times. I'll never forget making my own birthday cake with my Grandma when I was seven. We made a tiered yellow cake with pink frosting and lots and lots of sprinkles. Looking ... http://meredithandcarla.com/pages/2010/06/german-chocolate-cake/   There are some dishes that actually scream, "I'm in season. Quick, eat me right now". In July, it's crunchy, creamy, corn on the cob. In August it's juice dripping down your chin tomatoes freshly plucked from the garden. And in June, tah dah...it's strawberries. Not strawberries as you know them from the ... http://meredithandcarla.com/pages/2010/06/strawberry-shortcakes-with-buttermilk-ice-cream/ I've never been, and never expect to be, a lady who lunches. It's not only the nap inducing glass of Sauvingnon Blanc and overdressed Caesar salad topped with either chicken or salmon that I shun. I don't even like to take the time to eat lunch when working at home. Sometimes ... http://meredithandcarla.com/pages/2010/06/barley-and-wild-grain-salad-with-fresh-herbs-dried-fruit-and-walnuts/   Farmer's markets often sell the tastiest vegetables and fruits, but fresh, local food isn't the only reason to seek them out. Lovely outdoor environments and knowledgeable, friendly people with colorful stories about the food they grow and sell are perks you definitely don't get at the A&P. So, even though ... http://meredithandcarla.com/pages/2010/05/arugula-and-goat-cheese-souffle/ Like most people, I crave something fried and spicy every now and then. So, yesterday I decided to make up a batch of one of my favorite foods, pakora...tasty little chick pea fritters flavored with Indian spices, grated potato and onion. There are times when firing up a pot of ... http://meredithandcarla.com/pages/2010/05/pakora-with-cilantro-chutney-and-tamarind-sauce/ I love to cook just for me. Not normal at all, I know, but when my husband is away for the night, I often turn on the Coltrane, Krall, Ray Charles, mix a cocktail and improvise dinner with whatever is in the house. The other night I had a yen ... http://meredithandcarla.com/pages/2010/04/cheese-ravioli-with-fried-sage-and-browned-butter/ One of life's little luxuries I enjoy the most is afternoon tea. There's almost nothing better and it's possibly the best part of being able to work at home. I might eat lunch on the run or at my desk, but I always make a concerted effort to sit down ... http://meredithandcarla.com/pages/2010/04/chocolate-orange-shortbreads/ I've been craving fish lately. Like my father before me, I have a tendency to cater to my body's cravings... not always healthy ones vis à vis Belvedere martinis and Vosges chocolate, but I do sometimes find the will to accommodate wholesome urges.  And so this morning I set off ... http://meredithandcarla.com/pages/2010/04/pan-fried-arctic-char-with-red-wine-sauce/ I pride myself on being a hardy soul. Someone that never gets the winter blues. But I have to admit, with the sun shining and warm weather on the way, I'm happier than usual that Spring has sprung. This is the time of year I'm ready to put away my ... http://meredithandcarla.com/pages/2010/03/fiery-thai-beef-salad/