tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43115794994520725632024-03-05T23:07:44.567-08:00Edible OdysseyEdible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-60782442789650387272013-09-12T10:28:00.001-07:002013-09-12T10:28:56.964-07:00PUMPKIN BUNDT CAKE WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE AND PECANS With Fall just around the corner, pumpkins are already piled up at the markets. I have to say, this is one delicious cake--moist, spicy and sure to please everyone. This recipe uses the canned variety so you don't have to wait until the holidays to make it. It's a little known fact that there is more beta-carotene in pumpkin when it is cooked. Like many orange vegetables, pumpkin is loaded with vitamins and minerals as well as fiber. Save a spoon of pumpkin for your dogs since it's really good for them.
The recipe is from the award-winning <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Supernatural-Kids-Cookbook-Nancy-Mehagian/dp/0615437915">The Supernatural Kids Cookbook</a>, illustrated by Alexandra Conn and with a foreword by Bridget Fonda.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirP3vZ-wo6Qn6X8v1WowaQ00TkrBUu9etJ6fsegpgZxYoxwybJXkfz_BuLgrfSZxqsMpStDHKsy6DnMEqYI1iLRpZ8QQrVc4yfvDWgfbP9rYq4C0F4oQ0y-bLzTN_Wf9HNdKoL1-RsjUI/s1600/pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirP3vZ-wo6Qn6X8v1WowaQ00TkrBUu9etJ6fsegpgZxYoxwybJXkfz_BuLgrfSZxqsMpStDHKsy6DnMEqYI1iLRpZ8QQrVc4yfvDWgfbP9rYq4C0F4oQ0y-bLzTN_Wf9HNdKoL1-RsjUI/s320/pumpkin.jpg" /></a></div>
Preheat oven to 350 degrees<br />
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3 cups whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
2 teaspoons baking soda<br />
3 teaspoons cinnamon<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
4 eggs, beaten<br />
2 cups raw sugar<br />
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
1 15 oz can of pumpkin (approx. 2 cups cooked, mashed pumpkin)<br />
1 cup white chocolate chips<br />
1/2 cup chopped pecans (walnuts work well too)<br />
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Butter and flour a bundt pan.<br />
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Sift all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.<br />
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In another bowl beat the eggs and sugar together until light and creamy. Add the oil and pumpkin and continue beating. Slowly stir in the flour mixture a bit at a time. Finally fold in the chips and the nuts.<br />
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Pour batter into the bundt pan and bake for 60 minutes. Allow the cake to sit for at least 30 minutes before you turn it upside down onto a platter. Wait about half an hour more and then dig into your masterpiece.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlvuy0HP2mAKBAwOkWeOtIqK5CbntRPNDsxfNWiPc-tQMirTQe1nwijUqQmcnljuELmCFnzwWlvmI0cnZ5j0rdIZMYyNV3NHg88ovitCHfHiprCg-tcfpKCyUzUIfwwbRsxUXbOA6dQE/s1600/bundt+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlvuy0HP2mAKBAwOkWeOtIqK5CbntRPNDsxfNWiPc-tQMirTQe1nwijUqQmcnljuELmCFnzwWlvmI0cnZ5j0rdIZMYyNV3NHg88ovitCHfHiprCg-tcfpKCyUzUIfwwbRsxUXbOA6dQE/s320/bundt+cake.jpg" /></a></div>
Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-80455553205733367042011-10-16T15:26:00.000-07:002011-10-16T15:32:32.036-07:00Chow and Sunday Farmer's Market<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQaI_GW5UZ4MLCQLIf6PHzdph_VxC00zFh0MCMeE_8cjVVJ_i00XqcI5v3NrE_vjVF3hnKeQtzxtwr1o6XcHIgvenxM8mfoch7ORWxHAmviBmPHsydv6gQrymeZa4nctg74iuwvfM4j8/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQaI_GW5UZ4MLCQLIf6PHzdph_VxC00zFh0MCMeE_8cjVVJ_i00XqcI5v3NrE_vjVF3hnKeQtzxtwr1o6XcHIgvenxM8mfoch7ORWxHAmviBmPHsydv6gQrymeZa4nctg74iuwvfM4j8/s400/IMG_0444.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664221135909721346" /></a><br />I've decided to keep a log of what I buy at the Farmer's Market in Studio City every Sunday and how much I've spent.<br />$60 for a lot of food, including 2 croissants (I know, a real splurge) that smoked spicy skipjack tuna pate from the nice folks in Ventura County and the spicy tempha that Vedra likes so much (Not to be confused with tempeh.) <br /><br />We laid out our stash and Buddha wanted to be part of it.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-11661920305622630422011-09-15T08:11:00.000-07:002011-09-15T08:24:58.771-07:00Supernatural Kids are popping up everywhere!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMmB3pGbgFc9xTGezBsvjXxCAarzrEMRQyq55ad5O3LwRhex6D1JkGrEZIyiLiWOAVIlTsquiPToGh4B9YVdKiu0ne0x8xK-_8YCdaNr0Vr5BgEozJV0BoNcB800R8_o14_UfFoHpJYU/s1600/Swedish+pancakes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMmB3pGbgFc9xTGezBsvjXxCAarzrEMRQyq55ad5O3LwRhex6D1JkGrEZIyiLiWOAVIlTsquiPToGh4B9YVdKiu0ne0x8xK-_8YCdaNr0Vr5BgEozJV0BoNcB800R8_o14_UfFoHpJYU/s320/Swedish+pancakes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652606395802962866" /></a><br />Since the release of <a href="http://supernaturalkidscookbook.com/">The Supernatural Kids Cookbook</a> we've been noticing that teaching healthy cooking to kids is becoming more prevalent and it's about time. When I published the first natural foods cookbook in l977 (Supernatural) I couldn't even say it was vegetarian because vegetarians were considered fringey types. Not any more. Now even Oprah Winfrey calls herself "veganish." <br /><br />Here's my latest interview on a site( <a href="http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/supernatural-kids-cookbook-interview.html">Kids Cooking Activities</a>) that shares the same philosphy as all of us at The Supernatural Kids Cookbook.<br />At the last minute, I thought to send Debbie Madson, the amazing woman who runs several sites geared to everything that is good for kids, a photo of the Swedish Pancakes that I talk about. My Mom would have loved that her yummy recipe is being passed down the generations.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-64965642613421586632011-03-01T10:56:00.000-08:002011-03-01T12:27:57.307-08:00HERE AT LAST<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSLFY2RN2gwgQO0YmeBqN8oVAIqmGtFmp20X-JNgPI-rIT8btpLYPVdm_IWZMhpKhY9YEnReAUr5vu8jR4K634oerndjuxigREjEHtf5ItyxNrKu2jRS3sy2ZLW_gjQTSNM7dGaViwMw/s1600/COOKBOOK+COVER+FINAL.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSLFY2RN2gwgQO0YmeBqN8oVAIqmGtFmp20X-JNgPI-rIT8btpLYPVdm_IWZMhpKhY9YEnReAUr5vu8jR4K634oerndjuxigREjEHtf5ItyxNrKu2jRS3sy2ZLW_gjQTSNM7dGaViwMw/s320/COOKBOOK+COVER+FINAL.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579188950791598514" /></a><br /><br />My latest book, <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Supernatural-Kids-Cookbook-Nancy-Mehagian/dp/0615437915">THE SUPERNATURAL KIDS COOKBOOK,</a><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> is now available. It contains over 70 delicious and healthy recipes that the entire family will enjoy. Kid tested and Mother Earth Approved.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-86059860221151542762010-11-25T13:55:00.000-08:002010-11-25T14:01:38.264-08:00ONE BIG TABLE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JxnlGS1IzbPEhoJkOCwebvvltIxMZUDcDcrNwiEOzkzh8nmwgE6AVNyFoE5EwIODxdQVeWI0oc6rSRoJhtP58UnnavegKXQrsg4dbPg5axoST1dLlmiF8ZLV-Rj6XN8adG3V-4HRkoE/s1600/51Clk8sfGJL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JxnlGS1IzbPEhoJkOCwebvvltIxMZUDcDcrNwiEOzkzh8nmwgE6AVNyFoE5EwIODxdQVeWI0oc6rSRoJhtP58UnnavegKXQrsg4dbPg5axoST1dLlmiF8ZLV-Rj6XN8adG3V-4HRkoE/s400/51Clk8sfGJL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543610545435255394" /></a><br />How lovely to be included in Molly O'Neill's new cookbook, 10 years in the making. My Mom's recipe for Armenian Rice Pilaf is one of 600 recipes from the nation's best home cooks, farmers, fishermen, pit-masters, and chefs.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-28814128986502794612010-11-22T08:27:00.000-08:002010-11-22T08:34:26.200-08:00SuperNATURAL KIDS COOKBOOK - COMING SOON<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgjQGdWDO8FDsdLeVVVLBtu56rTy_Vi6VKtAzXBc-2uU6TCOUTwA7jQa1irlOsDnRjBgGHRgDERXeQEQM7K423da21kHbju-8RceR-lRnMBOAt-w2OoN2KHqxX4mnDsFznuAstInU0ig/s1600/kids+cooking.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgjQGdWDO8FDsdLeVVVLBtu56rTy_Vi6VKtAzXBc-2uU6TCOUTwA7jQa1irlOsDnRjBgGHRgDERXeQEQM7K423da21kHbju-8RceR-lRnMBOAt-w2OoN2KHqxX4mnDsFznuAstInU0ig/s400/kids+cooking.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542413227845144354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hD9Z8i1UYPekFZzNpd14KYX0nwgMOADCDiisc21_wWgeE1hjMAc6rA1rkD5XeXBnc8zEfjMJdCAwEDR5Cna6ae9djdaZu9opIe6CyWaeGrrMWwR1EplfhDcskweBnlHULCNa19_6MYo/s1600/COOKBOOK+COVER+FINAL.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hD9Z8i1UYPekFZzNpd14KYX0nwgMOADCDiisc21_wWgeE1hjMAc6rA1rkD5XeXBnc8zEfjMJdCAwEDR5Cna6ae9djdaZu9opIe6CyWaeGrrMWwR1EplfhDcskweBnlHULCNa19_6MYo/s400/COOKBOOK+COVER+FINAL.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542412047420343938" /></a><br /><br />The recipes are all winners and the illustrations are gorgeous. I'm looking forward to more cooking classes--one of the best ways to build confidence and self-sufficiency in kids.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-61668653876143329092010-11-21T15:33:00.000-08:002010-11-21T15:41:55.415-08:00SUPERNATURAL KIDS COOKBOOK - COMING SOON<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb_bH1Uha-4Y5ANDv0KKzLKt8pqUtqHCESTtTVDCkM9Crwun8ZI04qClfpaOyZA3RElk0_BkYgnKIY_CWnw_D_lVl9lWarWHvDbIomGttf1-4Ja4qui4v9Wn4alzMp83bG0g1dA2KvB0/s1600/73783_453294889411_554809411_5464442_3336351_s.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 114px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb_bH1Uha-4Y5ANDv0KKzLKt8pqUtqHCESTtTVDCkM9Crwun8ZI04qClfpaOyZA3RElk0_BkYgnKIY_CWnw_D_lVl9lWarWHvDbIomGttf1-4Ja4qui4v9Wn4alzMp83bG0g1dA2KvB0/s400/73783_453294889411_554809411_5464442_3336351_s.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542151521327095426" /></a><br /><br />In 1977, I published what I believe to be the first vegetarian natural foods cookbook on the market - SUPERNATURAL. Even though it was picked up by an educational publishing company and used in California schools, it was a bit ahead of its time. It was time for an update. Recipes have been tested, Alexandra Conn, my goddaughter did the most gorgeous illustrations, Bridget Fonda wrote the Foreword, and it's ready to go to press. Can't wait to share it.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-85915192242564373502010-06-10T06:58:00.000-07:002010-06-10T07:55:41.951-07:00Women Who Write<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Bde8Hh_EvI8x22jvHZM2eK8N1e_JPvRq-mJkcDr59sxrlqEY9SZkSlF6kFeR0uc7cXGOBCp1V9iKHod8tzHeNFkcxpk8ZCfaRClBmbx_FUv8XiXa4xyPyCeQg9YM53Ls_VJ_-ZQc0es/s1600/CIMG1963.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Bde8Hh_EvI8x22jvHZM2eK8N1e_JPvRq-mJkcDr59sxrlqEY9SZkSlF6kFeR0uc7cXGOBCp1V9iKHod8tzHeNFkcxpk8ZCfaRClBmbx_FUv8XiXa4xyPyCeQg9YM53Ls_VJ_-ZQc0es/s320/CIMG1963.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481144525988454786" /></a><br /><br /> On May 25th, 60 dynamic women gathered in Vicki Abelson's living room for the fun-filled fest called Women Who Write. Yours truly was one of the authors invited to read. I was in wonderful company--<a href="http://www.smacksy.com">Lisa Rae Page Rosenberg</a>, <a href="http://www.vickiabelson.com/site/Home.html">Vicki Abelson</a> herself, <a href="http://www.regretsy.com/">April Winchell</a> &<a href="http://www.betsyhammer.com/"> Betsy Hammer</a>--and it was the kind of experience authors live for. WWW is also a potluck brunch so we were treated to an array of delicious cuisine. I brought my "famous" tabbouli and this group of enthusiastic women bought a load of copies of<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sirens-Feast-Edible-Odyssey-Mehagian/dp/0979930502"> Siren's Feast</a>. I have to say that April Winchell is one of the funniest women I've ever encountered. What a day! I can't wait until next month to see who Vicki has put together.<br /><br />For a taste of Women Who Write, check out the<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXlPzvofyXQ"> YouTube</a> video.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-68767556806794300432010-03-27T08:00:00.000-07:002010-03-27T10:01:27.926-07:00New York State of Mind<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLz4BWFkSTFB8VAbXKNt9gFPdIzMuSGN2_BGufFQenzQQvo9Yx_gS0wg5Wi35gaUZEshpJzaIPzM2HrNYpA2oHj-y_NtOueLU-40A-RGlMZ0GCk-OBptzk7xS3WJmYehYiqtF_tYY9Hs/s1600/CIMG1868.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLz4BWFkSTFB8VAbXKNt9gFPdIzMuSGN2_BGufFQenzQQvo9Yx_gS0wg5Wi35gaUZEshpJzaIPzM2HrNYpA2oHj-y_NtOueLU-40A-RGlMZ0GCk-OBptzk7xS3WJmYehYiqtF_tYY9Hs/s200/CIMG1868.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453359136054251666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNd5o0EZWrPHAerixxZir9SirpNJrxF_CAWXVn_F9YoM5SJfQvFB-tH5r5N8UdfGJGhteHNbO_jtzHYL6f26xD_6mh_tJY2Q-JridgWgN_gPU1fz0RYTFTpOo5vSqdrWKNAmmDFI6OblA/s1600/CIMG1853.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNd5o0EZWrPHAerixxZir9SirpNJrxF_CAWXVn_F9YoM5SJfQvFB-tH5r5N8UdfGJGhteHNbO_jtzHYL6f26xD_6mh_tJY2Q-JridgWgN_gPU1fz0RYTFTpOo5vSqdrWKNAmmDFI6OblA/s200/CIMG1853.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453358931692607122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrj6uvhhDjqOPpajDPY52JekUaFUJ_WEuzmeoLZprhSs0uSGRyTcgE2C8pVg41Kdt5_B2TjfF2T35F_3Mkcj7vCUd9Zp_V4XXTAVSk7MBTP7lojKzCcIoT9RKvTyVNKuil8vaLu2K0f4/s1600/CIMG1876.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrj6uvhhDjqOPpajDPY52JekUaFUJ_WEuzmeoLZprhSs0uSGRyTcgE2C8pVg41Kdt5_B2TjfF2T35F_3Mkcj7vCUd9Zp_V4XXTAVSk7MBTP7lojKzCcIoT9RKvTyVNKuil8vaLu2K0f4/s320/CIMG1876.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453355927166957570" /></a><br /> Even though the weather was mostly lousy, I love New York. After a brief stop in the city, to catch Herman Leonard's show at Jazz At Lincoln Center,<a href="http://www.hermanleonard.com/default_news.htm"> In The Best Possible Light</a>, I headed out to Woodstock with long time friend Lola Cohen. What a great place to wait out the storm. In Woodstock I met <a href="http://www.marthafrankel.com/">Martha Frankel</a>, fellow author of one of the best memoirs I've ever read, Hats and Eyeglasses. Martha runs the Woodstock Writer's Festival and I'm invited next year!<br /><br /> My trip ended with one of the main reasons I was there, Lola's book launch party at Elaine's. The party was packed with well-wishers, actors, acting students and friends. Lola edited the definitive book on Lee Strasberg and the Method, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Strasberg-Notes-Lola-Cohen/dp/0415551862">The Lee Strasberg Notes</a>. Now, when Lola and I get together, we compare our Amazon listings. Of course, on my last day in NY, the weather was spectacular, perfect for a stroll through Central Park.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-70679131220566733372010-02-13T07:52:00.000-08:002010-02-13T08:12:18.766-08:00Memoir Nights<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMMctYaAYkDYaOJp8sQBghuaaHjxzmyLf-RZzviglZ3gvQynIrR5271IPxsOejlDWstsA5vgI2RcrIKnp9BUfGJS1R0Y_AHYPmvTIpAsWm6brx7e7XkwbAxeOgSv2eR7HH5JKAt39Gjg/s1600-h/DSCF2495.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMMctYaAYkDYaOJp8sQBghuaaHjxzmyLf-RZzviglZ3gvQynIrR5271IPxsOejlDWstsA5vgI2RcrIKnp9BUfGJS1R0Y_AHYPmvTIpAsWm6brx7e7XkwbAxeOgSv2eR7HH5JKAt39Gjg/s320/DSCF2495.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437761438452714898" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYcRBwbrvBDcNy5Bx8pzE4SnoozHH8zZi0pCzLVqUd_7rIXA_iQPm38oSj_560Hei_fMkLJgeaq2uBjSnES_YnxLIcDszJqtYlMHmfWFtAH4fQYAOTy6ZfA06uhx9HI-u9WnQ8hcZAYg/s1600-h/CIMG1698.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYcRBwbrvBDcNy5Bx8pzE4SnoozHH8zZi0pCzLVqUd_7rIXA_iQPm38oSj_560Hei_fMkLJgeaq2uBjSnES_YnxLIcDszJqtYlMHmfWFtAH4fQYAOTy6ZfA06uhx9HI-u9WnQ8hcZAYg/s200/CIMG1698.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437760702787559122" /></a><br /><br /> Everyone has a story to tell. With that in mind, Tristine Rainer, author of YOUR LIFE AS STORY, Ray Elizondo, author of THE LAST PACHUCO, Paul Krehbiel, author of SHADES OF JUSTICE, and yours truly with SIREN'S FEAST, AN EDIBLE ODYSSEY have been appearing at libraries around Los Angeles, offering tools for creating the structure of one's own story along with tales of our own literary journeys and the world of self-publishing. <br /><br /> Judging from the turnouts and from the interest from our audiences, everyone does have a story to tell and many are eager to do so.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-23127858281080274092010-01-05T09:14:00.000-08:002010-01-05T09:45:10.324-08:00Revolutionary Mama Meets B'steeya<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3m50BgNCH_wwZWW2gaigpHKDPKnfLnfz90LmE0NqgFDwmhM7Bt3lh61frUIOMhgVSRUwX2e50rKVHzjye5lQv2q_j8E9l_QispVxUg9w1oAQKq3R0RC0Kaj9kNFom1flf39uCHrJEhk/s1600-h/DSC_0092.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3m50BgNCH_wwZWW2gaigpHKDPKnfLnfz90LmE0NqgFDwmhM7Bt3lh61frUIOMhgVSRUwX2e50rKVHzjye5lQv2q_j8E9l_QispVxUg9w1oAQKq3R0RC0Kaj9kNFom1flf39uCHrJEhk/s320/DSC_0092.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423312352182307826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCM0K8k0_cAvmBMmx37II8BK5C9fJ49pL7yEALrxJMJtChQQa2wWW2ZB1k3FGj-KyTC9IKEOL_0-2Ch4Q25hFNdlftiM32dw9pNTfQcJZaKF-f2wIGiLORffzON64AldDQhCM7WvWoSK8/s1600-h/DSC_0064.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCM0K8k0_cAvmBMmx37II8BK5C9fJ49pL7yEALrxJMJtChQQa2wWW2ZB1k3FGj-KyTC9IKEOL_0-2Ch4Q25hFNdlftiM32dw9pNTfQcJZaKF-f2wIGiLORffzON64AldDQhCM7WvWoSK8/s320/DSC_0064.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423307924832514114" /></a><br /><br />I was delighted to get an email from Layla Rose, gorgeous, enchanting Hollywood Mom and life coach extraordinaire, telling me she loved Siren's Feast and asking if I would consider being Revolutionary Mama of the Month, a feature of her website <a href="http://www.revolutionary-mama.com/">Revolutionary Mama</a>. When Layla told me she was going to attempt to make one of my recipes from Siren's Feast, B'steeya, I insisted she come for dinner and we'd make one together. The result: a fabulous evening and a perfect b'steeya. Layla posted the recipe on <a href="http://www.revolutionary-mama.com/">Revolutionary Mama</a>. And I now have a new little soul sister.<br /><br />I've said it before, B'steeya has to be one of the world's best dishes and only someone stoned on hashish could create an extravaganza like it.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-70645902594038282112009-12-11T10:55:00.000-08:002009-12-11T11:31:11.799-08:00Encino Park Book Club<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sYEK7_Lg1vobQcOJpoa30QxVeCpNkn5hl5xb9dI5s-Uc3EpNNFv6DSD1U89qMrYencE4VIsYB5OVuZOYpSLnLvSBRyuzaJJkWA_NYalSLQrlsNPci2MfHGPm8ufaacF95u9CQRvM4tI/s1600-h/CIMG1695.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sYEK7_Lg1vobQcOJpoa30QxVeCpNkn5hl5xb9dI5s-Uc3EpNNFv6DSD1U89qMrYencE4VIsYB5OVuZOYpSLnLvSBRyuzaJJkWA_NYalSLQrlsNPci2MfHGPm8ufaacF95u9CQRvM4tI/s320/CIMG1695.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414055132298910850" /></a><br /> Another month, another book club. I didn't have to go far since it was close to my neighborhood. The Encino Park Book Club is a group of dynamic young women who all became friends when they were neighbors and meet every month to share food and books. I was honored to be chosen to participate with them. Everyone brought a recipe from Siren's Feast and we shared some good laughs and some good food. <br /><br />Janet Billig Rich, producer of the Tony winning musical <a href="http://www.rockofagesmusical.com/">Rock of Ages</a>, found Siren's Feast and brought it to Alegre Ramos, owner of the "green" store <a href="http://store.green-and-greener.com/servlet/StoreFront">Green and Greener</a> in Valley Village, who was already a friend and Jin Shin Jyutsu client I have known for several years. Another "small world" story. And Voila! I was able to attend another book club. I have enjoyed myself at every single one. What could be better for an author to meet readers over food and spirits?Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-31063728866837277762009-12-07T15:13:00.000-08:002009-12-07T15:35:55.039-08:00Sur La Table<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRox4uPdJwsEhW9AJINAxaEmWzoj2IrRT52XyPiJcPY1OZnX4YYnAN98jFvj52_-aVq3bmR_DKAA3bv1Flo6g-gp2u4ydWtEXxMNdPXKFdkfYDem7g6IR7y2ue2Ypi6fvM-Ezn5aO-MIk/s1600-h/CIMG1745.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRox4uPdJwsEhW9AJINAxaEmWzoj2IrRT52XyPiJcPY1OZnX4YYnAN98jFvj52_-aVq3bmR_DKAA3bv1Flo6g-gp2u4ydWtEXxMNdPXKFdkfYDem7g6IR7y2ue2Ypi6fvM-Ezn5aO-MIk/s200/CIMG1745.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412641880035800610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5XO809f-gcuy5VbQrXnzfwin0PT161tTFT3RKdpmcuTn-07jRZnI-jqL5ibCcKaCy22IX12ngYrjx7hO2n7Po9SeU2PuDdN2kx8RAr7DR_o_TxUk-6x0oqVKA5RdO_oAis9N-kObq1Y/s1600-h/CIMG1729.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5XO809f-gcuy5VbQrXnzfwin0PT161tTFT3RKdpmcuTn-07jRZnI-jqL5ibCcKaCy22IX12ngYrjx7hO2n7Po9SeU2PuDdN2kx8RAr7DR_o_TxUk-6x0oqVKA5RdO_oAis9N-kObq1Y/s200/CIMG1729.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412641701081926002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMgayqJr6foeO7WNHR93Qit9joRxHYLIMjbgLCPMPfwtf2RbkWT-JsFtReVxts7FYkCqjsak2rfd0AlvN4to0OwB97ChQneaCqXSCnHNEbfH7nvVWhovrYaOBVC2MUKEkc5Ve1Mq0vug/s1600-h/CIMG1732.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMgayqJr6foeO7WNHR93Qit9joRxHYLIMjbgLCPMPfwtf2RbkWT-JsFtReVxts7FYkCqjsak2rfd0AlvN4to0OwB97ChQneaCqXSCnHNEbfH7nvVWhovrYaOBVC2MUKEkc5Ve1Mq0vug/s320/CIMG1732.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412640861381577650" /></a><br />I took the Feast on the road again, this time to my home turf of Phoenix, Arizona where I had been asked to be guest chef at <a href="http://cookingclasses.surlatable.com/browse/classDetailPage1.jsp?classId=2191120">Sur La Table</a>, the fabulous cookware stores located all over the country. Their Scottsdale location had a kitchen big enough for the 16 students who participated (a sell-out) and nearly everyone bought a copy of Siren's Feast. Morocco Memories was the theme, even though I snuck in one of my Armenian specialties, Cheese Beorag. I had a blast and didn't realize beforehand that the students did all the cooking, while I supervised.<br /><br />Carol Blonder, quite the chef herself, is the culinary director in Scottsdale and she loved the copy of Siren's Feast I sent her so much it was chosen for her culinary book club, a true honor. Two members of her book club were also participants in a fun-filled afternoon.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-10596340996973459132009-10-12T12:02:00.001-07:002009-10-12T12:11:52.929-07:00Westside Ararat Guild Luncheon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mUrFPH-wQx0s79Ks53GQrJOADjcuz35xy-Lfrg3ZKGaFW0cUyH_kgHeGePR_SIgoDqygUBibX1MDsft3x01Dujw8JsjwcdSrBEbqDVG5Hnmto9APNSK3UbW7gFqoOpMxvQcWSBEeZhM/s1600-h/Food+shotJPG.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mUrFPH-wQx0s79Ks53GQrJOADjcuz35xy-Lfrg3ZKGaFW0cUyH_kgHeGePR_SIgoDqygUBibX1MDsft3x01Dujw8JsjwcdSrBEbqDVG5Hnmto9APNSK3UbW7gFqoOpMxvQcWSBEeZhM/s320/Food+shotJPG.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391792986243452210" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ufBtsrEaxFf6aZWllTuWDms4W4JX3zPecMuyKfS4-DHwStVyAOykCTvt5rU_gROZni4ypxi7RBnpoiJUxsNPkOSpowDSuoI6uEBvnnT5wZ-7ToAVtMdEYUybXALPnsa5zhK2e-zolRg/s1600-h/talk.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ufBtsrEaxFf6aZWllTuWDms4W4JX3zPecMuyKfS4-DHwStVyAOykCTvt5rU_gROZni4ypxi7RBnpoiJUxsNPkOSpowDSuoI6uEBvnnT5wZ-7ToAVtMdEYUybXALPnsa5zhK2e-zolRg/s320/talk.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391791546108094338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNlJxpJ7miVM4cqjfuN_AP9yVT7ltjzLZwUNScKjte_CvpWNqVKFt94qMXqdvU1G78YOkZ2P5rBKOY4GSHciJFIyVlCvQXNZQ2rjd6Frt52w-nMJ01Mc_RY6-ip1I04ppvmOtCoWSP9o/s1600-h/Westside+luncheon.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNlJxpJ7miVM4cqjfuN_AP9yVT7ltjzLZwUNScKjte_CvpWNqVKFt94qMXqdvU1G78YOkZ2P5rBKOY4GSHciJFIyVlCvQXNZQ2rjd6Frt52w-nMJ01Mc_RY6-ip1I04ppvmOtCoWSP9o/s200/Westside+luncheon.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391791271290254818" /></a><br /><br /><br />The afternoon could not have been more beautiful in Granada Hills and I have to admit to being delighted that so many Armenian women showed up to hear me talk about my family, my wild childhood and food at the Westside Ararat Guild luncheon. Not only did the event raise money for the Ararat Home but I managed to sell nearly 50 copies of Siren's Feast, An Edible Odyssey, while warning some of the older women about the content. And talk about food!!! The food, as usual, was truly divine, prepared by many of the women who attended, including myself. I rolled another 150 grape leaves for the occasion.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-75550515729271908102009-09-25T20:53:00.000-07:002009-09-25T20:56:36.537-07:00Cheese Beorag RecipeCHEESE BEORAG<br /><br /> A tradition Armenian delicacy made with an old family twist. As an h’ors d’oeuvres it cannot be matched.<br /><br />1 pound filo dough (if dough is frozen, thaw over night in the refrigerator)<br />½ cup butter, melted<br /><br />Filling:<br /><br />½ lb. feta cheese (I prefer French or Bulgarian as they are less salty)<br />½ lb. jack cheese, grated<br />1 bunch parsley, chopped very finely<br />½ tsp. black pepper<br />2 eggs, beaten<br /><br />Custard:<br /><br />1 cup milk<br />1 egg<br /><br />Preheat oven to 375 degrees<br /><br /> In a mixing bowl, crumble feat cheese. Add grated jack cheese. Next add the eggs, parley and black pepper. Blend well and set aside.<br /><br /> Set up a workspace. Filo dough is paper-thin and dries out when exposed to air so it will be necessary to work quickly. Have enough room on counter top for dough, melted butter and baking dish. I use a clay baking dish approximately 10” x 14” x 2”. Glass and stainless steel are also good. Open filo dough and lay sheets of filo on a piece of wax paper or foil. Place two sheets of filo at a time in the baking dish. Using a pastry brush, brush dough with the melted butter. Continue layering the dough in this manner, two sheets at a time, brushing every two sheets with melted butter until half of the dough is used.<br /><br /> Next spread the cheese mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Then continue layering dough and brushing with butter until all the dough is used.<br /><br /> Place baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to harden the butter. Using a sharp knife cut the unbaked beorag into serving-sized pieces (about 2 in. squares.) Blend milk and egg together and pour over the top so that the liquid goes down inside the cuts.<br /><br /> Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until pastry rises and turns golden brown. Remove from oven and serve hot.<br /><br /> Serves 12 or moreEdible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-89678910043521524452009-09-25T08:28:00.000-07:002009-09-25T08:46:54.887-07:00A TRAVELING FEAST<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuXC_-1waimF65rONMSQfcBqHH3092lVk5jTEWv3O4NER_37lFgmfRsEctBYLfnEOTxz0dCzR-BmobUJr9oMQK-em-00Cl1WtpGjgqel6pEcAMdaaHsIfnrnjjdDUG908TJqEFMD1OTQ/s1600-h/CIMG1674.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuXC_-1waimF65rONMSQfcBqHH3092lVk5jTEWv3O4NER_37lFgmfRsEctBYLfnEOTxz0dCzR-BmobUJr9oMQK-em-00Cl1WtpGjgqel6pEcAMdaaHsIfnrnjjdDUG908TJqEFMD1OTQ/s320/CIMG1674.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385430525885857746" /></a>
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<br />I rediscovered the charming neighborhood of Noe Valley during my book signing at<a href="http://www.omnivorebooks.com/"> Omnivore Books on Food</a>. Samantha served as hostess for the event which drew some old friends, including the parents of some old friends. Merrill Conn wrote me after reading Siren's Feast and said he couldn't eat dinner or watch TV until he had finished the book. He's 86. His email was worth the whole trip. I also had a chance to wander the neighborhood and discovered <a href="http://www.lovejoystearoom.com/">Lovejoy's Tearoom</a> which absolutely charmed me as a lover of high tea. The petit fours were scrumptious.</div>Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-25824804475893434922009-08-25T08:20:00.000-07:002009-08-25T08:26:49.777-07:00Back to the Feast (September events)Now that my slipped disc has slipped back into place, I'm back after a long absence and excited about the upcoming events for Siren's Feast. For anyone in Northern California, I'll be doing a book signing at Omnivore Books in San Francisco on Sept. 13.<br /><a href="http://www.omnivorebooks.com/events.html">Omnivore Books</a> is a charming store in Noe Valley that not only has top-notch authors visiting but also a collection of antiquarian and collectible cookbooks. Please stop by.<br /><br />Two days later, I'll be at the <a href="http://www.alliedartsguild.org/">Allied Arts Guild</a> in beautiful Menlo Park. That is on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 1-2 pm.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-6569133037770362342009-06-26T09:10:00.000-07:002009-06-26T09:13:43.018-07:00Siren's Feast Recipe Index<span style="font-style:italic;"></span><br /><br />SIREN’S FEAST RECIPE INDEX<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Appetizers and Salads</span><br /><br /> Armenian Eggplant Salad – 14<br /> Baba Ghanouj – 196-197<br /> Carrot & Beet Salad – 54-55<br /> Cheese Beorag – 306-307<br /> Fattoush (Syrian Bread Salad) – 206<br /> Muhammara (Lebanese Walnut Dip) – 197<br /> Orange Salad – 49<br /> Salade Des Lentilles Vertes – 118<br /> Tabbouli – 198<br /> Yalanchi Sarma (stuffed grape leaves) – 304-306<br /> Yogurt – 261<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Side Dishes</span><br /><br /> Armenian Rice Pilaf – 13-14<br /> Bulghur Pilaf – 208<br /> Couscous – 49<br /> Daddy’s Fassoulia (green bean stew) – 21<br /> Dal (spiced lentils) – 168<br /> Kubisa (Moroccan greens) – 40<br /> Midya Dolma (rice-stuffed mussels) – 328-329<br /> Red Beans and Rice – 288<br /> Preserved Lemons – 40<br /> Vosp Kufta (red lentil patties) – 207<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Soups and Sauces </span><br /><br /> Cilantro-Mint Chutney – 169<br /> Gazpacho Andalusian – 113-114<br /> Sweet Salad Dressing – 126<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Main Courses</span><br /><br /> B’Steeya – 55-57<br /> Baby Feast – 289-290<br /> Nigerian Pepper Stew – 288-289<br /> Shish Kebab – 13<br /> Stuffed Baked Fish Fillets with Spicy Tomato Sauce – 51-52<br /> Tortilla Espanola – 112-113<br /> Vegetable Shai Korma – 154<br /> Vegetable Tajine – 50<br /> Vegetarian Curry – 167<br /> Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie – 243-244<br /> Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini – 134-135<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Breakfast</span><br /><br /> Keta (sweet Armenian breakfast rolls) – 23-25<br /> Wiggle Worms (Armenian donuts) – 19<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Desserts</span><br /><br /> Christmas Trifle – 275-276<br /> Fresh Peach and Hazelnut Tart – 94<br /> Kataif (Honeyed Shredded Dough Pastry) – 199-200<br /> Paklava Rosettes – 329-330<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Beverages</span><br /><br /> Chai – 155<br /> Mango Lassi – 142<br /> Moroccan Mint Tea – 37Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-91480614177283926422009-06-26T07:52:00.000-07:002009-06-26T09:08:48.767-07:00Silicon Valley and Beyond<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIdibyUKo-9opdoew4T-sPqpDXOPs9Rs4JGn2Y0ILPSxNaFdA8Kszzkc2Cbnder1NCYTS6PvKQNUuSFNpPr5P6s28XpfbK4YtS7jvQ2lsaA9M4JSoWfdSxazLxVDemisybNa19PzT2ow/s200/CIMG1611.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351667321216860578" /></a>
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<br /> Siren's Feast hit the trail recently with a road trip to Northern California, reminding me why I live in California. The drive was beautiful, through fields of artichokes, past orchards of almond and cherry trees and on through Gilroy, the garlic capital. I couldn't wait to get to Silicon Valley, where the first of two Siren's Feast events took place, and start cooking, loaded with fresh walnuts, Vidalia onions and all the spices I procured on my last trip to Morocco. My hostess, Lisette Derouaux, spared no expense to introduce me to the dynamic ladies of Silicon Valley. I can't wait to return to Menlo Park.
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<br />Then it was on to Marin County to attend a Siren's Feast book club potluck and meet yet another group of fabulous women. My hostess, Karin Conn, publicist extraordinaire, has a divine circle of friends who love to read and eat and I am always thrilled to have people prepare my recipes. It was hard to leave, but another visit awaited me, further down the road.
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<br />I had a fantastic visit with my old Ibiza friends Simma and Jeffrey. I loved their vegetable garden and <a href="http://www.simmachester.com/">Simma</a> has a beautiful line of jewelry. I always say, you can't make new old friends.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-66955921628937322352009-05-16T15:54:00.000-07:002009-05-22T10:18:46.402-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWY19NBbz8XpP6tmhi8lQXt1lStUPMtX4230wf-sUPGu-Jjoosc1FEn8rlBIzec3RU-qaVG35i78ICa_7WWaBJgWKbQ8qO65tjAsvfO-_TgNpNByL6rw12EebAQTT1SHUqLUlZ1mqeAM4/s1600-h/medals-closeup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWY19NBbz8XpP6tmhi8lQXt1lStUPMtX4230wf-sUPGu-Jjoosc1FEn8rlBIzec3RU-qaVG35i78ICa_7WWaBJgWKbQ8qO65tjAsvfO-_TgNpNByL6rw12EebAQTT1SHUqLUlZ1mqeAM4/s320/medals-closeup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338698926545473794" /></a><br />I received some great news yesterday. My culinary memoir Siren's Feast, An Edible Odyssey has just been named the Winner in the Autobiography/Memoir category of the<a href="http://www.indiebookawards.com/"> 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards</a>. It was also named Finalist for Best Cover Design in the Non-Fiction category. That is due to the beautiful work of Shawn "Blue" Bayer, artiste extraordinaire. I'm over the moon. Recognition is a good thing.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-63974000272293183132009-05-03T09:35:00.001-07:002009-05-16T17:51:19.172-07:00Saturday Afternoon on Mt. Washington<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1KN-NMHxsx25Y9Mpp8Fus2sRBjf48Jh-VlIrytd5vNeEwxzn9kG9OBmXeB34mH0FSTSFQKNjznI4oXm9ikE00qkv64N2QElQHmi10cuRy58JhyH-I4tv3ABu02zaPsV5nsy8Ni2zvPs/s1600-h/NANCY_5220.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1KN-NMHxsx25Y9Mpp8Fus2sRBjf48Jh-VlIrytd5vNeEwxzn9kG9OBmXeB34mH0FSTSFQKNjznI4oXm9ikE00qkv64N2QElQHmi10cuRy58JhyH-I4tv3ABu02zaPsV5nsy8Ni2zvPs/s320/NANCY_5220.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336588894370875794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OyPrQ5gPuFyb5UTCWySI9Xsjw_d0gxRX6xHt7YNQ7-vzOyCGRMeC5xcRAlLA1ybXlAhS74LUKfwpr-myQUBFuRqn5F97HuS4BDdByrtuonECrrP72Jpm6l-bhfwKwr1o8wxbUUEjv1o/s1600-h/3bags_salad_rec.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OyPrQ5gPuFyb5UTCWySI9Xsjw_d0gxRX6xHt7YNQ7-vzOyCGRMeC5xcRAlLA1ybXlAhS74LUKfwpr-myQUBFuRqn5F97HuS4BDdByrtuonECrrP72Jpm6l-bhfwKwr1o8wxbUUEjv1o/s320/3bags_salad_rec.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331641702250414450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCV5njjFQ6Z-Uta7XzzDTkHd9D4K_7ksWqMBzdC2LuJJc0ui8lvrIJ2rt_lDjGY9mHx1-ROBZOa-04oS9OraTJgc6TWv5n9XTGRrMTdhFWfTCDvvq6zb-Rur-lN0N3dhyh3epa28SSis/s1600-h/CIMG1542.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCV5njjFQ6Z-Uta7XzzDTkHd9D4K_7ksWqMBzdC2LuJJc0ui8lvrIJ2rt_lDjGY9mHx1-ROBZOa-04oS9OraTJgc6TWv5n9XTGRrMTdhFWfTCDvvq6zb-Rur-lN0N3dhyh3epa28SSis/s200/CIMG1542.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331641134643043090" /></a><br />It is so rare these days, especially in LA, to meet new foodie friends at a party, decide to get together for a feast, then actually do it. I had a divine afternoon with my new friends at the home of Aussie chef Ben Johnson and actor Mark Espinoza, along with Denise Daclan who creates the most divine artisan infused sea salts. I baked my Armenian cheese beorag (pg. 306 of Siren's Feast) and made some Muhammara (pg. 197) Ben( Mannix of <a href="http://www.thelovebite.com">TheLoveBite.com)</a> made his Wombat Salad of roasted root vegetables, goat cheese, watercress and pistachios which had me in ecstasy and Denise brought along a sampling from <a href="http://www.saltistry.us/">Saltistry</a>. Wine, sunshine, and a view of Los Angeles from the deck completed our fabulous feast.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-9268334911056972012009-04-27T07:59:00.000-07:002009-04-27T08:59:01.175-07:00LA Times Festival of Books<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpJrlMaYKRLHV_Tv8juU43FZCceByXtQiaDp_X8YMO-P9clknowTKBAzjmu195zBRj1uGrfIBZOdJeHwNPYunJNZtk_FLTu3i-sNcduJnamLSc-NHshXUqrG32L-fpN0UUD_fSUWLRNc/s1600-h/DSC06795.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpJrlMaYKRLHV_Tv8juU43FZCceByXtQiaDp_X8YMO-P9clknowTKBAzjmu195zBRj1uGrfIBZOdJeHwNPYunJNZtk_FLTu3i-sNcduJnamLSc-NHshXUqrG32L-fpN0UUD_fSUWLRNc/s200/DSC06795.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329400703479179714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzmsLo3UghgScAdymWNuGg8Vja9R4trfUQG10bf3zI24U7bocLI_9ME1EYJf5drL1VyIdGiZHYDZtBdlVNKzbERbwvYq4Vw67N8rt8VvBRFUgG_6-hfiwqX8bi-_1It9aAn_Pm8dGke0/s1600-h/DSC06780.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzmsLo3UghgScAdymWNuGg8Vja9R4trfUQG10bf3zI24U7bocLI_9ME1EYJf5drL1VyIdGiZHYDZtBdlVNKzbERbwvYq4Vw67N8rt8VvBRFUgG_6-hfiwqX8bi-_1It9aAn_Pm8dGke0/s200/DSC06780.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329400135047982658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq1DodVBBDuQd6xWB0ihX_87R4PY0J9Wzv7cfI5b-U0ERmRhyu7Gr4tEEHOxveh0UkJrJdTopkOgQigokpKbEgGlycZkpBDpP3aFs6HWUEoNGi9n9IGZi3eqFFV2ApwPe4dr1aLClUE8/s1600-h/DSC06781.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq1DodVBBDuQd6xWB0ihX_87R4PY0J9Wzv7cfI5b-U0ERmRhyu7Gr4tEEHOxveh0UkJrJdTopkOgQigokpKbEgGlycZkpBDpP3aFs6HWUEoNGi9n9IGZi3eqFFV2ApwPe4dr1aLClUE8/s200/DSC06781.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329393302959564146" /></a><br /> Los Angeles does some things right. The LA Times Festival of Books (April 25 & 26) was a huge success, except for the three unfortunate people who were injured by flying scaffolding. Saturday was so windy. I was extremely fortunate to be signing books on Sunday, which was a gloriously beautiful day, at the popular <a href="http://www.booksoup.com/">Book Soup</a> booth, right after the ever so popular T. C. Boyle and Candy Spelling, widow of Aaron, mother of Tori. This is LA, after all. <br /><br /> My yalanchi sarma (stuffed grape leaves) were a hit and worth the labor involved. And I met some fantastic people.<br />I stopped by the Heifer Booth (<a href="http://www.heiferfoundation.org">The Heifer Foundation</a>'s mission is to end hunger and poverty by giving people the means to feed themselves) to meet Kim, whose mission is to review and promote independent bookstores through her <a href="http://www.bookstorepeople.com/">blog</a> as well as supporting the Heifer Foundation and just generally being fabulous. And to my surprise and joy, copies of Siren's Feast, An Edible Odyssey, were flying out of my hands. <br /><br /> With the spate of independent bookstore closings, it was truly a thrill to see thousands of people who are enamored with reading and meeting authors.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-19459081034219789002009-04-18T07:27:00.000-07:002009-04-19T19:16:02.438-07:00Aztec Soup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgh5qxekKBkJ_Ndkv7uyKkvYeVsBd6SuVi_Ld9c7MerjDBqZZs1zS6Zp-EGBUsoWwRDrCOw-OBE5YgKJozVjDlNov-J0LRBtxk1YcErF32DZLmO686oHushTv9892JI_F3ll80yprYYQ/s1600-h/CIMG0964.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgh5qxekKBkJ_Ndkv7uyKkvYeVsBd6SuVi_Ld9c7MerjDBqZZs1zS6Zp-EGBUsoWwRDrCOw-OBE5YgKJozVjDlNov-J0LRBtxk1YcErF32DZLmO686oHushTv9892JI_F3ll80yprYYQ/s200/CIMG0964.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326043186998888386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLi6f-z1oMUMnsBYgP8-LrpC8ClqTI8BoSUpp1c41EGLnYJP6K-NkcbB0fzjjtUXq4mErbWnHhcKHepjqJumIAzNik8EdBpo07Uu0UjE4Y3qcyseD4n5O1s6CQfSXNEk4BWmKnKhLVpk/s1600-h/CIMG0949.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLi6f-z1oMUMnsBYgP8-LrpC8ClqTI8BoSUpp1c41EGLnYJP6K-NkcbB0fzjjtUXq4mErbWnHhcKHepjqJumIAzNik8EdBpo07Uu0UjE4Y3qcyseD4n5O1s6CQfSXNEk4BWmKnKhLVpk/s200/CIMG0949.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326042877850980562" /></a><br />A while back, after I'd returned from the wedding on Isla Holbox, I promised to post a recipe for the amazing soup I ate several times while there. Everyone loved this soup and I've done my best to recreate it. In honor of my lovely young friend, Kate Puzey, I decided it was high time to revisit the wonderful memories of the time we spent together. Knowing that Kate had an exciting life and the support and love of such an amazing family is some consolation over the loss of her.<br /><br />AZTEC SOUP<br /><br />2 tbsp. olive oil<br />1 onion, sliced thin<br />1 red bell pepper, sliced thin<br />2 cloves garlic, minced<br />1 tomato, chopped<br />1 lb. ground chicken<br />1 tsp. oregano<br />2 ears fresh corn, with kernels removed<br />salt/black pepper to taste<br />4 cups chicken broth<br /><br />Garnish:<br />chopped fresh cilantro<br />sour cream<br />crumbled Queso Fresco (Mexican cheese)<br />sliced avocado<br /><br />In a stock pot, begin by sauteing the onion, then the bell pepper and garlic in olive oil, until softened. Stir in the chopped tomato and saute a few minutes more. Add the ground chicken and continue sauteing. Finally add the oregano, corn kernels, chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.<br /><br />Garnish each bowl of soup with chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp. sour cream, crumbled Queso Fresco and avocado slices and serve.<br />DEELISH! And so easy.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-29480508597928957782009-04-17T09:14:00.000-07:002009-04-17T10:16:18.390-07:00Good news and more truly sad news<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzjtofFTJTYFfiNlaI7-zJGWqnbfsUkeabuK7SLsyIV3yx5tOTe1XgmxUCGN2EVUWDX28H_SRK87pyQF7YxQ1OeMqa9x2dhAVgVowu5Zl0lHcdooPZsT_tagrndeMVHuO5aeCSXUiJSs/s1600-h/PC081444.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzjtofFTJTYFfiNlaI7-zJGWqnbfsUkeabuK7SLsyIV3yx5tOTe1XgmxUCGN2EVUWDX28H_SRK87pyQF7YxQ1OeMqa9x2dhAVgVowu5Zl0lHcdooPZsT_tagrndeMVHuO5aeCSXUiJSs/s200/PC081444.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325709802231897042" /></a><br />I've been so busy with Mom, who at 94 has had to recover from a broken hip, full-time book promotion, working on my next book, keeping up with the garden, the dogs and friends, I just realized I hadn't written a post in a long while. I'm excited about appearing at the <a href="http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/">LA Times Festival of Books</a>, signing books at the Book Soup booth (#330), which is one of the hippest bookstores in the West and thrilled about all the latest great reviews of Siren's Feast. All that info is posted on my website.<br /><br />The truly sad news I received was about the passing of a young woman I met last summer at the beautiful wedding I attended on Isla Holbox, off the coast of the Yucatan. Kate Puzey from Georgia, cousin of the bride, who had been a Peace Corps volunteer in Benin, was found murdered outside her hut in the village where she had been living. I am still devastated. I pored over her blog and photos for days. She was a beautiful, brilliant and spirited soul and my heart is broken since I know how close she was to her entire extended family. You can read from her <a href="http://beinginbenin.blogspot.com/">blog</a> and see some of her photos through another <a href="http://www.boingboing.net/2009/03/14/xeni-on-the-road-in-1.html">site</a><br /><br />Some things are just incomprehensible.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311579499452072563.post-7386583122856773562009-03-26T16:10:00.000-07:002009-03-26T16:19:41.080-07:00So sadWhat a shame that another Los Angeles landmark bookstore is closing. I love Amazon as much as anyone, but nothing can compare to spending time in a brick and mortar bookstore, browsing the shelves, picking up books and chatting with the knowledgeable people who work there. So I was heartbroken yesterday when I read in the LA Times that one of my favorites, <a href="http://www.cookslibrary.com/">The Cook's Library</a> in West Hollywood, will end its 20 year run the end of April. For cooks, chefs and foodies there was nothing like it. It was even listed in Gourmet magazine as one of the ten best best cookbook stores in the country. <br /><br />Until April 30 their entire stock of cookbooks, including my own culinary memoir, will be on sale until all the merchandise has been sold. I visited yesterday and took along a plate of stuffed grape leaves and left with a fabulous Thai cookbook - Spirit House Thai Cooking.Edible Odysseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255173712245619829noreply@blogger.com1