People say that change is the only constant in life, and I’m not going to lie: most of the time, change and the uncertainty that it often involves scare me. I’m the type of person who likes to have an hour-by-hour outline of my activities (plus an idea of what’s for dinner!) for the following day before I go to bed each night. These next few weeks will introduce an entirely new chapter in my life: ...
almond
Mediterranean Rice Pilaf
A few weeks ago, after passing his defense and going from Mr. Cake Pants to Dr. Cake Pants, the fiancé moved to California to start a new job. One of the biggest changes for both of us (in terms of practical matters, anyway) has been making the transition to meal planning and cooking for one. Since I’m finding myself busier than ever, I’m not terribly keen on the idea of making partial recipes and ...
Almond Poppy Seed Muffins
Have you ever realized that you like a particular food in one form but not in another? For instance, I eat oranges all the time but I don’t care much for orange juice; I find grapes perfectly pleasant but I generally avoid raisins (there are only two recipes on this site that involve raisins, and one of them calls for them in chocolate-covered form); and for years, I adored pickles but couldn’t ...
Strawberry Rhubarb Vinaigrette
It has been almost five years since I moved from California, and you know what I’m still not used to? Summer rainstorms and the staggering attendant humidity. Snow and the bitter cold I can handle – although I’ll gripe about it along with everyone else, for sure! At least I was mentally prepared for the cold. I mean, it’s all anyone talks about when you say that you’re moving to Michigan. ...
Mini Poppy Seed Chai Pumpkin Muffins
Although I’m always reluctant to let go of summer, I’m pleasantly surprised each year when I am reminded of how beautiful fall can be. Having spent my college years in southern California where seasons have all but ceased to exist, I was awestruck by the brilliance of fall colors the first year I spent on the east coast. For me, there’s something so powerful about those crisp, clear days when the ...
Halloumi Stuffed Peppers
Halloumi, where have you BEEN all of my life?! Besides, you know, Cyprus. Apparently. This was my second time using this glorious Cyprian cheese, and I have a feeling I'll be buying a lot more of it in the coming months. I’ve never been to Cyprus, but given its ties to the Greek world—trade networks between Cyprus and Greece existed even as far back as the fourteenth century BC—and the ...
Broccoli Couscous with Halloumi
I recently tried halloumi for the first time. I have to admit that the first time I heard the name, I wasn’t sure if it was a kind of cheese or fish. As I found out, halloumi is a cheese from Cyprus, and it has a texture somewhat similar to mozzarella (a bit squeakier, though) and a tang similar to feta. Together, the halloumi, tomatoes, and dill create a fresh Mediterranean flavor. I made this ...