No secret, I unabashedly adore Italian cuisine – I can’t wait to eat my way through to Italy again one day. Also, I have already pre-planned my earthly exit to include a week-long rager of olive oil, garlic, cheese and pasta. Wine will be served.
Author Archives: B. Armstrong Creative
episode vi: return of the Sous Chef
…and with him came a week of favorites in my kitchen. Most of the time it’s all me in the kitchen from start to finish. But every time a college break rolls around, my little sous chef jumps right back in and the kitchen dynamics change in the most wonderful way. Sous Chef is amenableContinue reading “episode vi: return of the Sous Chef”
Aruban beer was the one thing I didn’t know I needed…
…so naturally I’m going to talk all about Thailand. Sometimes as a recipe or life unfolds, I can feel my next post write itself in real time. Not this month. Lately I haven’t spent a lot of time in the kitchen so that space has been back-filled with a collage of oddly-matched ideas, exchanges andContinue reading “Aruban beer was the one thing I didn’t know I needed…”
a quick note about Venice…
…and those Afghani dumplings I love. On May 1st Searching for Italy, with my boyfriend Stanley Tucci, returned to television to explore the culinary delights of Venice. Tucked between the traditional cuttlefish risotto and duck ragout were a few unconventional surprises. However, what I found most fascinating was his observation that Italians mostly eat ItalianContinue reading “a quick note about Venice…”
pancakes for indulgence & redemption…
…an observation about vacation and recovery. It should come as no surprise that we have struggled through a silent pancake war in this family for over 25 years. I’m not sure why I’m fascinated with thick, fluffy, giant pancakes but it’s become one of those sacred, emblematic, Norman Rockwell, family meals. However, some people likeContinue reading “pancakes for indulgence & redemption…”
the humble, fickle cacio e pepe…
…3rd (or 30th) time’s the charm! For months, making one of Rome’s signature pasta dishes was elusive for me – Cacio e Pepe can be complicated beyond its station. With only a few simple ingredients – pepper, butter, pasta and a handful of both Parmesan and Pecorino cheese, why was it such a challenge? AfterContinue reading “the humble, fickle cacio e pepe…”
ambitious feasting…
…celebrating 3 spring holidays with a teensy bit of creative license. Let’s start with the premise that there is a big difference between honoring a holiday and observing one. That said, over the long weekend I set out to cook two feasts for two holidays for two religions. Somehow I ended up with three –Continue reading “ambitious feasting…”
cooking for fun & revenge…
Obviously I didn’t name my blog Cooking for Fun & Revenge, although in effect that’s what I had been doing for a year. I say “revenge” with a wink and a nod – creative spite is a better phrase because karma does not need my help.
lips on fire…
…kimchi as a secret weapon. Food Taster is one of the pickiest eaters I know, so when he begged for Kimchi Udon, I simply could not refuse. I was puzzled by such an unlikely request from the Crown Prince of macaroni & cheese, especially since he asked for the heat and voracity of authentic gochugaruContinue reading “lips on fire…”
leftovers: sin or salvation?
…a heartfelt defense of the well-thawed. Leftovers get a bad rap. They are unfairly maligned for being by-products of thrift, laziness and indifference. The very mention of the word can evoke universal disappointment and even disgust. We have all experienced leftover fails, especially with food that wasn’t really that great the first time around. NeitherContinue reading “leftovers: sin or salvation?”
Foodishness 