Mjuk Pepparkaka - Swedish Spice Cake

Imagine my surprise, to do a little search on my little food diary blog and find all sorts of data about it through Google and some other blog research sites ... hmmm. I don't know how I feel about someone doing analytics on my little food diary.

Oh well, I suppose one should get used to being scrutinized if one puts oneself  'out there into the ether'. I guess I won't worry excessively. If people come occasionally to my little bit of Internet space and find some good food or commentary worth reading, so be it. On to other things !

Merry Christmas ! I thought I'd post a lovely little Swedish recipe for a spice cake that is worthy of a tea time treat or a light dessert after a special meal. My family shared it after our Christmas dinner last evening.

Shortbreads and Scones

Book club this month discussed Romantic Outlaws - The Extraordinary Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley , a worthy read about two of the finest minds of the Romantic Age. Our book club always has a nice little luncheon to celebrate our reads and whet the appetite for discussion of all manner of things. The books we read are sometimes superseded by what's going on in our lives and the world - talk being a spontaneous process. That being said, the food is always pretty darn good. Yesterday's lunch included chicken pot pie, light and airy cornbread, a spinach and almond salad, and cranberry sauce.

Hedy's German Potato Salad

Simple flavors combine to make a warm and tart take on potatoes, onions, ham, and parsley ... German Potato Salad. SB and I are just back from a visit with German friends and I'm feeling the nostalgia for all that German brauhaus food that we enjoyed while touring. Every small village has its little pub/restaurant that serves the local specialties and potato salads come a few different ways.

Spiced Zucchini Coconut Cake

Well, hello! It's been a while since my last food share ... and this is a nice way to return.  Our zucchini is doing what all zucchini does at this time of year. I'll bet your zucchini is taking way too much space on your counter tops also! My response was to make this wonderful spice cake. SB and I had it for dessert last evening and for breakfast this morning ... not that we're decadent or anything.

Greens and Pasta Salad

Yes, this salad has pasta in it, but the stars of the dish are the peas, asparagus, and arugula that really turn it into something much healthier and more complex than the typical summer pasta salad! The recipe comes from the a Food & Wine magazine that was kicking around the house. I'm so glad I browsed it one last time before passing it on! Not only did I get a great new pasta dish for summer picnics, but the dressing used would be terrific on mixed greens or used as a dipping sauce for crab or salmon cakes.

Springtime Soup

The devilishly hot days that taxed our bodies earlier this week have passed ... for the time being. We're back to cooler temperatures and possible rain showers. So I made soup with some of the vegetables and herbs that are coming from the garden and that have popped up at the farmer's markets.

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, Oh My !

Sometimes you just have to make a good old-fashioned pie. Strawberries and rhubarb combine to make a pie that feels like Aunt Bea just took it off the windowsill in Mayberry. It's such a vintage treat !

Roasted Butternut and White Bean Salad

A cool vegetarian option for a lazy evening in front of the ball game ... it's Red Sox season and we're timing meals around 'first pitch'. This easy supper was a way to have a meatless meal and work the fresh herbs that are coming on strong in the gardens. Paired with some of the first fresh lettuce greens, it made for a perfect springtime meal.

Seared Tuna with Anise Scented Tomatoes and Spinach

Sometimes I come upon a recipe that just feels right ... and this is one of them. How does one describe this dish? Subtle and lovely. This is a meal to make when you really don't want to fuss around too long, but really want to have something good on the plate in timely fashion.

Citrus Almond Torte with Almond Brittle

It's been a while since I've baked with any regularity, as both SB and I have been trying to limit sweets. Today, though, I missed our tea time treats, so I pulled out the spring form pan and made a lemon torte. While it baked, I found an easy recipe for sugared almonds that is reminiscent of peanut brittle. It has far less sugar though!

Hot Italian Chicken with Peppers

Anyone who knows me, knows that I absolutely adore Diana Henry's take on cooking - good basic ingredients, not a lot of fussing about, pairing side dishes that create a soul-satisfying meal. It seems to be her trademark. She also seems to be drawn to foods from the cultures that rim the Mediterranean Sea. In that respect, she is my soul sister, I swear to God.

Ahi Tuna and Caramelized Onions / Roasted Kabocha Squash

Sushi grade ahi tuna for a reasonable price! I happened into the fish market yesterday and got that pleasant surprise! It didn't take long for me to have two fat steaks cut, wrapped, and paid for.  Then it was home to decide just how I wanted to prepare them.

Hazelnut Coffee Ring

The house smells divine right now - like toasted nuts and chocolate and baking pastry! While this coffee ring cools just a bit, I'll tell you about this super easy four ingredient coffee break treat!

Two Words ... Crispy Waffles

Our friends and family in Florida are laughing this morning ...

Florida Citrus

Dill and Onion Bread

Over the years, I've collected almost all of Jeff Smith's cook books. He spent time on PBS back in the 70's and 80's doing cooking shows and I always liked his approach toward honoring old-time family recipes, ethnic roots, and cultural twists on ingredients. Then, he disappeared and newer trendier chefs and food writers came along ... and did some of the same things he'd been touting. Hmmm ... everything old is new again.

Minestrone and Savory Bread Pudding

Checking in after a long hiatus from food blogging ... not that I wasn't eating up a storm!