Snacks

Homemade Corn Tortillas

- Amanda 2 Comments

I think most people could agree they hold a special place in their hearts for soft, pillowy tortillas. Whether it be corn or flour, tiny or big, delicately wrapped around a mound of tender carne asada, or smothered in a decadent mole- tortillas, good ones, can make the simplest meal perfect or steal the show in a festive feast. For me, tortillas as crazy as it sounds are “home” and such a big part of who I am.

Growing up in a family of 6 kids, often with teammates or neighbors at our table, a bean burrito was an easy and nutritious dinner my mom could get on the table fast and still put smiles on the faces of hungry kids with so many different likes and dislikes. Or a few dozen tacos picked up from King Taco and some horchata and we were really happy campers. Chorizo and egg burritos so often fit the bill for many mornings we were running out the door to various weekend practices and tournaments. Or one of my favorite ways to enjoy them, learned from my dad, is heated up directly over a gas flame with a schmear of butter or avocado. (You just can’t get that flavor heating it in a pan or skillet.)

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Sweet & Salty Rosemary Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

- Amanda

Halloween has come and gone and most people are probably done scooping out pumpkins for the year.  But if you happen to be roasting pumpkin for some fabulous Thanksgiving side or making fresh puree for your pie, I’ve got the perfect way to put those seeds to use and end up with a great little turkey day appetizer. Read more

Pumpkin Hummus

- Amanda 2 Comments

These days I feel like there’s constantly pumpkin roasting in my oven.  Without the ever-so-convenient can of pumpkin available here in Istanbul and my obsession with making all things pumpkin this time of year,  it seems my freezer stash runs out so fast.  I have found it helpful to roast a bunch at a time, puree it and then freeze in half cup portions to be able to pull out when I need.  Though I just can’t seem to cook enough.  Or maybe, I’m just making too many pumpkin recipes.

This Pumpkin Hummus is one of those recipes but it’s so worth using up my precious puree. Read more

Spiced Persimmon Bread

- Amanda

Have you ever eaten or made something with persimmons?

Growing up this fruit was pretty foreign to me.  I remember my first experience with one.  It was sometime during my college years and they were all over the markets in New York City.  The beautiful autumn-esque hue of orange was stunning and I couldn’t resist buying a few.  I picked some I thought were ripe and without much bruising.  Excited to try it when I arrived home, I cut right into it and ate a slice.  It. Was. Awful.  Not only was it pretty bitter.  It left this really unpleasant chalky sensation on my tongue that took what seemed like forever to go away.  Read more

Halloween Chocolate Bark w/ Pistachios, Candied Orange & Apricot

- Amanda

This Halloween Chocolate Bark with Pistachios, Candied Orange, & Apricot is a delicious, super quick, and fun treat you can whip up in no time to add a little something special to your holiday.  It’s so fast to put together and you can get your little ones involved with helping sprinkle everything on. Read more