old-fashioned brownies

Old-Fashioned Brownies

Old-fashioned brownies are based on the recipe from the 1952 edition of “Joy of Cooking”. My family loves this cake and calls it “the best brownie we ever ate”. These “fudge squares” (as they were also called) are irresistibly chewy and delightfully chocolatey. This is as a result of the recipe using a significant amount of butter and real chocolate.  The preparation is very quick and the batter should be baked in a shallow (9×13 inch) pan.  The cake is not tall but it produces a natural crust. When it is cold, it needs to be cut into squares. The original recipe suggests 1 x 2 inch bars (54 in total).

Apple cake2

Apple Cake

This apple cake is so easy that a person with no baking experience will successfully make it. Additionally, this is a fast and delicious cake made with only a few ingredients. For me, this cake recipe serves as a last minute dessert or something I make when I have leftover apples that do not look too attractive anymore (the kind with wrinkled skin, etc.)

pumpkin muffin

Pumpkin Muffins

These pumpkin muffins are soft and full of flavor with just a hint of orange, cinnamon and nutmeg. They will lift your mood and will make you feel warm on a cold morning.

eggplant

Eggplant in Tomato Sauce

Eggplant in tomato sauce is uncomplicated and mouth-watering. This dish originates from Turkey and can be made ahead of time. It has a purely vegetarian taste and is light and flavorful. It is a family favorite.

gorbanzo bean salad

Chickpea Salad

This chickpea salad is loosely based on Mediterranean style of salad. It is light, healthy and full of flavor. The seasoning is very well balanced with just enough of it to coat the main ingredients and not overpower their natural flavor. It is lovely and delicate – definitely worth having in one’s cooking repertoire.

chicken2

Curried Chicken Salad

Curried chicken salad offers tasty variation on cold chicken salads. It is flavorful, yet delicate. Vegetables add texture and crunch without overpowering the taste. This is a crowd pleaser.

balsamic vinaigrette

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Balsamic Vinaigrette is one of the most used/versatile dressings. It pairs well with most greens and vegetables and the salad will complement meat or protein. My liking of this simple dressing started with a small lunch place I frequently visit. I noticed there that no matter what kind of salad plate I ordered, balsamic vinaigrette …