Strudel with Lamb, Apple and Prunes

Inspired by the recipes book of Dolomites region Until recently I’ve associated strudel with a sweet dessert: thin layers of warm rolled dough, apples and raisin or cherries inside, sugar powder on top and a scoop of ice cream on a side. How naive I were. Strudel goes way beyond its sweet version. Now I…

Siberian Style Pizza Bianca

Inspired by the memories of my grandma’s exceptional baking. Okay, the headline is misleading. This is not exactly a pizza recipe. But, wait, do no leave. Give me a chance to introduce  something good from the regions of Siberia and Ural in Russia. The real name of this baked flatbread with the topping is Shanezhki….

Focaccia with Sweet Potato and Cilantro

Inspired by Ligurian focaccia di Recco. You know how each region of Italy is proud of its very own cooking traditions and artisan dishes. (and if you don’t know, a trip to Italy is a must!).  Take a focaccia bread as an example. Its recipes and cooking techniques differ, sometimes so much, that you question why in the world these various dough-based dishes are all called focaccia. To…

Spinach Crepe Rolls with Smoked Salmon and Potato Cream

Inspired by a tempting smell of smoked food. Mashed potato, salmon, and spinach make a decent classical dinner plate for the fish lovers. The recipe you are about to explore has all three components, except that a dinner concept is transformed into an appetizer. The gorgeous look (forgive my pride) of the appetizer gets all…

Rye Bread Sandwich with a Calf Tongue and Italian Salsa Verde

Inspired by simple things. Would you like a rustic lunch, made from scratch, with very few ingredients so that you can taste every part of it without putting your palate in a jungle of flavors and textures? I am offering you a slice of fresh rye bread with a tender calf tongue and a tangy salsa…

Chickpea Parmesan Crackers with a Red Lentils Dip

Inspired by love for hummus, legume, and the mood for gastronomic explorations Remember a little story about Baba Ganoush, a Levantine dip that became a tasty highlight of Buckwheat Galettes with Eggplant Pâté? What is another ancient dip from the same region? Correct, hummus. Very famous, vastly widespread, loved by many.  Picture this: a large platter with…