honey – Notes From a Messy Kitchen

Tahini Sweet Potato Casserole with Halvah Walnut Topping

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The holiday season is definitely upon us. On November 29th, I complained that December was almost over. Which isn’t the worst thing since we get to end our year in Copenhagen. But if you’re anything like me, the calendar is getting nutzzzzz. Speaking of nuts and the holidays. If you’re...

Johanna

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Garam Masala Honey Roast Carrots

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Last week we finally bit the bullet and went to a financial planner. I was forthright about the fact that I’m in the non-profit world and probably won’t be making more money any time soon (read: ever) + we like to travel and buy clothes and toys… but I’d love...

Johanna

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Russia: Pashka

Cooking Time: 30 minutes + at least 8 hours to chill

Asia
Europe

Russia

So, I was trying to decide what to make for Easter, and I started seeing all sorts of Facebook ads persuading me to make Paskha – a Russian Easter dessert typical across many Eastern Orthodox countries. It’s traditionally made during Holy Week using foods forbidden during Lent (dairy, eggs), and then brought to...

Johanna

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A Reverse New Years Resolution & Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites

Cooking Time: 10

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Yesterday I made a New Year’s resolution. “But it’s October!” you might be thinking. Yes, I’m keenly aware (although it really feels more like July here in D.C.). You see, I made a reverse New Year’s resolution. For at least 5 years, each January 1st I’ve considered making a resolution...

Johanna

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Chocolate Salty Balls

Cooking Time: 10

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Trying to figure out what to eat before a big race – or even a training session – can be tough. Especially if the race/workout is long, it can be tricky to get the calories you need to power through without causing yourself digestive distress. For the really long ones...

Johanna

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Azerbaijan: Lamb Plov

Cooking Time: 90 minutes

Azerbaijan

According to my cookbook, this fruit and lamb plov is a happy occasion dish, often served at Azerbaikani weddings. It’s definitely a luxury dish, with tender boneless lamb and rice flavored with saffron. The photo in my book immediately caught my eye, and it only seemed appropriate to serve a...

Johanna

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Bulgaria: Traditional Round Loaf

Cooking Time: 45 minutes + time to rise

Bulgaria

One of my favorite parts of cooking a recipe from every country in the world is learning a little bit about their culture and tradition. So when my good friend Adi reached out to invite me and some other lady friends to share in a Bulgarian tradition to celebrate Baby...

Johanna

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Algeria: Makroud Tmar

Cooking Time: 90 minutes

Algeria

Makroud (sometimes makrout, maqroud, or maqrout) means diamond, describing the shape of this semolina pastry, common across North Africa and the Middle East. You’ll find the most varieties in Algeria, and this one filled with dates (tmar) and dipped in a honey/orange blossom mixture is one of the most traditional. Orange...

Johanna

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Egypt: Om Ali

Cooking Time: 45

Africa

Egyptian

Om Ali (“mother of Ali”) is a traditional Egyptian take on bread pudding, made from phyllo (filo, fillo), dough layered with nuts, raisins and butter… lots of butter! Legend has it that Om Ali was the wife of an Egyptian sultan. When he died, his second wife had a dispute...

Johanna

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Morocco: Tagine of Lamb with Dates and Almonds

Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Africa

Morocco

Having been to Morocco and tried my hand before at making Pastilla (Moroccan pigeon pie), I decided to go with a Moroccan classic I’ve never maade before: tagine. While “tagine” is often used to describe a style of Moroccan stew comprised of braised meat, spices and often some sort of fruit, the...

Johanna

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Ingredient: honey