I bet you had no idea I’m part German. I used to think that’s where my love of apple strudel came from. But truth be told, strudel is not German. This iconic pastry is most often associated with Austrian cuisine and can be traced back to the 17th century. The first handwritten recipe for a […]
Potato samosas are one of my favorite comfort foods. I say comfort food as these tasty, typically savory, potato-stuffed, golden-fried pastries are by no means low-calorie, but they are delightful. Samosas have been popular in South Asian cuisine for the last eight centuries and have been said to be a food that transcends both class […]
The question is, where has apple butter been my entire life? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had apple butter before, but never the homemade kind. Total game-changer. And to be clear, the homemade version of freshly baked biscuits is almost too incredible to speak about. But what is apple butter exactly? Not sure about you, […]
My life was forever changed the first time I tried Japanese milk bread. I’m serious, there is nothing truly like it. Pillowy is the word that comes to mind. I’ve made many breads in my lifetime, but Japanese milk bread is in a category of its own and a worthy try if you enjoy baking. […]
Baby greens with manchego and quince vinaigrette, a lovely, simple salad with staying power. From the most basic to complex, for me, salads never get old. There are limitless combinations from basic to bold, and nothing is off-limits. This is a favorite elegant favorite of mine that hinges on the sweet-salty homemade quince vinaigrette that […]
This is my chocolate honey cake for the upcoming Jewish holiday, Rosh Hashanah. In Judaism, Rosh Hashanah means “head [of] the year“, and is the first of the Jewish High Holy Days, also known as the “Days of Awe“. According to the teachings of Judaism, Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the civil year and […]
This smoothie is not healthful, but it is a tasty one. This was a special request from my oldest son. This chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie is a copycat recipe of the Jamba Juice one my son has loved for years. I talk about my boys challenging me to cook things all the time. Often random, […]
My husband says I’m wordy. And while I hate to admit it, he’s right. But in fairness to me, he’s an attorney, his life is all about words, and being concise is critical to his success. I get that. For him, words are strategically selected. Arguments are won (and lost) on word selection. But after […]
A cherry cobbler is the perfect dessert for Labor Day, even if you, like me, will be home, without friends and extended family, doing nothing much at all. But let’s cut to the chase, and discuss the the subtle difference between a cobbler, a crisp, and a crumble, the three desserts that frequently get grouped. […]
Fresh tomato salsa is a favorite condiment of mine and one I’ve been making a ton lately. This often-overlooked side dip is easy, flavorful, and incredibly adaptable. Salsa is a simple combination of chilies, tomatoes, and other spices that have been around for centuries. Food historians can trace a form of salsa back to the […]
Golden beet carpaccio has been a favorite dish of mine this summer. To be honest, I’ve always been fond of beets and this dish merely reflects my love of this simple, yet incredibly flavorful, vegetable. Beetroot is the taproot portion of a beet plant. In Canada and the USA, they are referred to simply as “beets” […]
Calling it like it is, no one can ever have enough coffee cake recipes. And to be honest, I’m a sucker for banana bread as well, so this chocolate chip banana coffee cake blends two things I adore, in one. Total winner. If you ask my husband (who’s not typically a banana fan), this (like pie) […]
One of my closest friends hates chilled soup. I think of her every single time I make one. This is my chilled cucumber yogurt soup, a long-time favorite of my whole family, but especially my younger son. Like many memories, the years are a bit blurred, I can’t recall how old my son was when […]
This is my spicy salmon roll sushi bowl and one I’ve loved for some time, but I am just getting around to sharing it. Truthfully speaking, there is nothing complicated about this dish, but it’s the perfect one-bowl meal that’s easy to make and packed with nutrition. If you are a fish lover, this is […]
As with most classic cocktails, the origin of the mojito is widely debated but without question, its roots began in Cuba many years ago and the mojito continues to be a quintessential favorite around the globe. In the summer, truth be told, there is nothing more refreshing than a mojito. I’m a big fan of […]
Welcome to my blog Simmer + Sauce. I always thought I was going to be a lawyer, but going to culinary school was one of the best decisions I ever made. I’m a former professional chef from NYC who loves to eat, cook and talk about food. My focus is great food, with solid recipes and reasonable ingredient lists. Cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. Many of my recipes are family friendly and often on the healthy(ish) side.