Author: Jessica

Pesto of a lot of things

My CSA farm has a Facebook page for members to share recipes and ideas for how to use up what we get in our basket. Last week we got shiso, so I asked what everyone was making with theirs. The only two members who responded must have thought I meant shishitos because they said they roasted them, pickled them and ate them raw. Hrmph. (In all fairness, they probably get their baskets on a different delivery day and hadn’t gotten any shiso yet, but still…).

Then the farmer chimed in and said she made pesto with shiso, sorrel and basil. I knew I had to try it. Continue reading “Pesto of a lot of things” →

Christmas cookies: sandbakelse

I decided to attempt another tricky European cookie this Christmas: this time Norwegian sandbakelse (also “sandbakkels” or “sandkaker”). They are a crisp almond-flavored sugar cookie baked in special aluminum tart molds. I have probably only had them once or twice, over 30 years ago, and as far as I know, no one in my family makes them anymore. Although they are very tasty, they’re kind of a pain. I haven’t quite decided if they’re worth it yet. But when I took the first bite, I did think: “Oh yeah, I have definitely had these before.”

Continue reading “Christmas cookies: sandbakelse” →

Christmas cookies: Springerle

I’ve always hesitated to write about Christmas cookies because, honestly, they’re kind of boring to read about unless you’re specifically looking for a recipe. And everyone already has their favorites anyway. But I figured Springerle are different because they’re so pretty and old fashioned. I know Springerle as a Southern German cookie, but Wikipedia says they’re eaten in Switzerland, Alsace, parts of Austria and Hungary too. Although they basically taste like an anise-flavored sugar cookie, the process for making them is different than a standard sugar cookie. And not just because of the beautiful molds used to shape them.

Continue reading “Christmas cookies: Springerle” →

Kick-ass Kohlrouladen

I wasn’t planning on writing another post today but I found a recipe that was so good I just had to share. When I asked what I should make for supper tonight, the answer I got was some song about “gołąbki.” Sounded good to me, and I figured I already had all, or at least most, of the ingredients–tomatoes and onions from the garden, a cabbage from my CSA share, ground beef in the freezer. I just needed a recipe. Epicurious came through once again, and I used this one for Sweet and Sour Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Continue reading “Kick-ass Kohlrouladen” →