For those of us who grew up in the 1980s, the peanut butter and jelly sandwich was ubiquitous. It wasn’t just the default lunch option, but also the fall-back snack, playdate and birthday-party meal, so if you didn’t like it, you were badly out of luck. Zanthe is still haunted by the ghosts of all the PB&J sandwiches that defeated her with… Continue reading Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
There’s a gap between the terms “Persian” and “Iranian” in our country. For most Americans, “Iran” is inextricable from a host of politically fraught issues, whether it’s the hostage crisis of the 1970s, George W. Bush naming it as part of the “Axis of Evil” or our current administration’s attempts to bar its citizens from… Continue reading Crispy Turmeric Halibut with Herbed Rice & Cucumber, Radish Salad
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
Festive Food Project 