What’s the first thing St. Patrick’s Day makes you think of? In Chicago, perhaps it’s a green river. In New York, maybe it’s green bagels or the rowdy parade down Fifth Avenue. Wherever you live, Irish whiskey or a pint of foamy Guinness almost certainly feature in thoughts of this day. The black beer with… Continue reading Guinness Pie
Some celebrations are remarkably similar across far-flung culture lines. And some, like Holi, are unique. A Hindu celebration of spring, Holi, known as the festival of colors, has become popular even in non-Hindu communities in recent years thanks to its unusual and, dare we say, Instagrammable tradition of throwing or smearing colored powders and paints… Continue reading Chana Saag & Mango Lassi
Rice dishes hold a place of honor in cultures across the globe, and they are also the kind of perfect, one-pot recipes we reach for when we’re pondering family dinner. Whether it’s Spanish paella, Indian biryani, or arroz con pollo, there’s no meal more satisfying than a bowl piled high with fragrant rice, sautéed vegetables, and… Continue reading Jambalaya
You might dispute whether the Superbowl is actually a holiday, but it indisputably unites people of all backgrounds on a winter Sunday to spend time together, watch football, and eat. In fact, other than Christmas and Thanksgiving, it might be the single most widely celebrated day nationwide–and its ecumenical flavor has a distinctly American appeal.… Continue reading Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings
Chinese New Year begins this weekend, so bring on the firecrackers, red envelopes, dragon dances, and delicious food. Last year, we made some delicious dumplings which were also super pretty, if we say so ourselves. Our second time around we’re loving crispy scallion pancakes and these irresistible chocolate dumplings inspired by the ones at the amazing Bao on St. Mark’s Place:… Continue reading Scallion Pancakes & Chocolate Banana Dumpling
One of our favorite days ever occurred several years ago when we gathered with a group at the home of our dear friend Gina–the most accomplished home cook and crafter we know–to learn how to make tamales, the delicious steamed bundles of corn flour dough that are traditional Mexican holiday treats. Wrapped individually in banana… Continue reading Tamale Party!
A holiday cookie plate is the jewel of Christmas time. Bring them out for a sweet ending to any holiday gathering, give some as an impromptu gift in a decorative tin, or just curl up with a plate of cookies, a steaming hot drink, and your favorite book. ‘Tis the season. Here are some of our favorites. Pistachio… Continue reading Cookie Plate
Here’s a traditional holiday feast that one of us grew up with and the other desperately wishes she did. There’s always something magical about the number seven, and any reason to make an exorbitant number of courses appeals to us as well. And how irresistible is the image of oceanic abundance, with enough leeway to… Continue reading Shrimp Marsala, Linguine with Clams, Calamari Stew and Mushroom Risotto with Scallops
We’re delighted to have Jodi Harris as our guest blogger for Hanukkah. She is a wonderful and fearless home cook and an especially excellent baker. Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, celebrates the rededication of the Temple in 165 B.C. by the Maccabees after the Syrians desecrated it. It is not one of the most important… Continue reading Sufganiyot
As we approach the end of our first year at the Festive Food Project, it’s fitting that we’ve also reached the Big One, the winter holiday season. Although lately it feels like Christmas decorations go up the day after Halloween, we’re never truly in the holiday mood until we’ve digested the Thanksgiving feast. And as… Continue reading Spaetzle with Mushrooms & Cranberry Gingerbread
Festive Food Project 