salt and pepper – Notes From a Messy Kitchen

I’ve enjoyed all 96 of the countries I’ve cooked from so far, but far and away the most fun experiences have been the ones where someone has come and shown me how to make a family recipe. A friend is always a better teacher than a blog or a cookbook,...

Johanna

Like 1

Comment

Argentina: Locro

Cooking Time: 3 hours

South America

Argentina

I had many ideas for what I might make from Argentina. I considered empanadas, such a delicious classic with a wide variety of fillings to choose from. And thought about making alfajores, a traditional sandwich cookie filled with dulce de leche. But ultimately I landed on locro: A thick, hearty stew comprised...

Johanna

Like 8

1 Comment

Tahini Sweet Potato Casserole with Halvah Walnut Topping

Uncategorized

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

Like

Comment

Garam Masala Honey Roast Carrots

Uncategorized

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

Like

Comment

Hungary: Chicken Paprikash

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Europe

Hungary

Some of my favorite gifts from abroad are those I can use in my kitchen. Cookbooks, herbs, spices – they allow me to experience a part of your trip by recreating the meals you enjoyed during your travels right at home. When a wonderful colleague brought me this Hungarian paprika...

Johanna

Like

Comment

Kuwait: Machboos Laham

Cooking Time: 2 hours

Asia

Kuwait

I’ve often been asked how I decide which country I’m going to cook from next. It’s usually fairly arbitrary. An ingredient I’m looking to use, a craving, a whim. This week I wanted to get back on the journey. I was researching recipes and discovered that February 25th is the...

Johanna

Like 6

Comment

Peru: Lomo Saltado

Cooking Time: 60 minutes + 30 for fries to soak

South America

Peru

If we could make some sort of deal to swap Valentine’s Day for a second Halloween, I would most definitely be on board. I think I liked the holiday back in the day when it was just another excuse to craft and get too much candy from my grandparents. Us...

Johanna

Like

Comment

Italian-Style Egg Skillet

Cooking Time: 35

Uncategorized

After finishing this dish last weekend, Courtney immediately demanded the recipe. He couldn’t stop talking about how awesome it was. Funny thing is, it has a heaping cup of “m word” in it. That’s right, MUSHROOMS. I said it – she who cannot be named. Thing is, we’ve had it...

Johanna

Like 1

Comment

Iceland: Christmas Grouse with Berry Sauce and Spiced Cabbage with Blueberries

Cooking Time: 2.5 hours

Europe

Iceland

I had two options in mind when I volunteered to make Christmas dinner this year. The safe, easy option was to make my tried and true salmon pot pie. The other was to venture into unknown territory and visit a couple more countries before the year is up. While the...