The kitchen archive

10 Easy Frozen Treats to Cool You Down

This weekend, we’ll hit the first day of the last month of summer. It’s that time of year when we all should really, really take it easy. Try to go slow. Savor the long days of sunshine.

10 Kitchen Counter Decor Ideas you Can Try Now

10 Kitchen Counter Decor Ideas you Can Try Now.

Homemade High Fiber Light Pumpernickel Bread (No Need to Knead!)

I have so much reverence for the craft of making bread and have utter respect for the talented artisans that make them. To me, it seems like the most meditative baking ritual, and only those blessed with the innate intuition would know how

Where’s the Broccolli Lobby?

Interesting graphic from Good Magazine that shows the changing prices of the food we eat.

Seeing double.

(L) Photo of hospital food taken recently by my husband (R) Photo of school food taken by the Underground School Lunch Blogger.

Quinoa Kasha Pilaf with Tamari Maple Tempeh

Trust me on tempeh. I know tempeh is one of those great dividers — that qualifier in your head that puts people left of the crunchy left. I must confess that this recipe was my rite of passage. I made tempeh once, years ago, to horrific res

Raw Fetzucchini Alfredo

Time and again, my body would crave for food that is fresh and alive. In the summer, we try to have raw food as much as we can. In the winter, when warming food is most attractive to me and I have it constantly — after a long stretch, I get

It IS Easy Being Green….If You’re Green Lemonade

As you can see that is a picture of my 5-year old son, juicing. Now, this is not some staged photo-op. He asks to juice. He loves it. Granted, his Green Lemonade is less green than orange, although, everyday his tolerance for the “green par

Don’t hate me because I’m good for you (a.k.a The REAL No-Guilt Chocolate Pudding)

I guess that belies my age. Although I have never seen the commercial, I must confess I’ve seen enough Steven Segal movies to know who Kelly LeBrock is. Blame it on the fact that I grew up with my brothers and cousins whom together added up

Spaghetti with Garlicky White Beans, Roasted Beets and Asparagus

I don’t think that “haste makes waste” is always necessarily true. I think sometimes, it becomes an opportunity for unplanned efficiencies. That’s what happened to me the other day. Distracted by a conversation of cascading causalities fixa

Fall Fritters

October. The first real breath of fall. The air is crisp. The leaves are starting to turn. Summer’s bright white hue changes to a spectrum of browns, reds, rust, orange and yellow…And I start to yearn for winter squash.

Carrot Spice Cake with Coconut Cream Frosting

Cinnamon. Nutmeg. Cloves. It seems like as soon as fall season hits, these spices find their way to the front of my spice rack. It’s the delicious aroma of fall.

Easy as Pie Blueberry Crumble with Cashew Cream (if you’re so inclined)

I don’t know about you but I think “easy as pie” makes as much sense as “working like a dog.” All my dog ever did was lay down, cuddle, wait to be fed and played with. I never saw her work a day in her life. And that’s nothing compared to d

Quinoa Cornmeal Skillet Bread

I haven’t posted in a while. Temporary single-parenting stints and multiple travel bouts in succession have resulted in what feels like a perpetual game of catch-up with routine. Now that summer has started in full force, I feel like I’m fi

Poor kid.

Yeah. My kids have gotten that look. From strangers. From friends. From relatives. Each time they are not allowed that second piece of party cake. Each time the m&m’s people hand out to them are substituted with Sunspire Dots…And that time,

Love + Food: Raw Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache

It is very easy to create metaphors between love and food. Food is divine – an appetizing allegory for love – which is definitely and infinitely delectable. Both are visceral, encompassing and intellectually impossible to reduce down to the

Guacaboule

This recipe was an accident. I declare that because — while tempting — it would be absolutely disingenuous to take full culinary credit. It is dangerous. I can eat this whole thing in one sitting.

Garlicky Linguine with Maple Tempeh

I know. I know. I promised I would be gentle. And here I go, not even a month along and I’m already posting about tempeh. Wait, wait. Before you throw your hands up in “I-knew-she-was-going-to-go-all-vegan-granola-on-me” disbelief and close

Brazen Bites: A Weekly Parfait of Food News

I love GOOD Magazine. The illustration above is by Will Etling, one of Good’s regular contributors. I LOVE IT. I want a poster of it. Someone get it for me. It kind of encapsulates the magazine’s aesthetic and approach. I always say between

Brazen Bites: A Weekly Parfait of Food News 4.25

This week was a tough one. Literally wall-to-wall meetings — and I say that without exaggeration. I lived on green smoothies that I boldly took to meetings in clear mason jars. Naked for everyone to see. There was no hiding it. “Is that pai

Lentil Chili with Chocolate

Its Cinco de Mayo. And this recipe has nothing to do with it. I say that because I fear the Mexican equivalent of the A.O.C. if I claim otherwise. While this is not in any way, shape, or form, claiming to be a version of Oaxacan mole, consi

Brazen Bites 5.9: A Weekly Parfait of Food News

Last week was a bust. But it ended with a splash (of icing) at The Midwife Center‘s Let Them Eat Cake fundraiser. About 300 people lined up to admire and taste 40 delicious cakes. I have never seen so many adults on a sugar high. Made for a

Purple Pancakes (Blue Cornmeal Blueberry Pancakes)

Sunday at our house is Pancake Day. And there is nothing better (or at least we think so!) than our house pancakes. This is one of the two I always make.

Clean and Soba

Went to the library this past weekend and took out three books: Everyday Harumi, The Japanese Kitchen and Momofuku. Everyday Harumi and Momofuku are making the transition to my Amazon shopping cart.

Brazen Bites 5.23: Getting harder to be elitist, letting clowns feed our kids, local rationale

Don’t believe the hype. It IS easy being green. Start by eating local once a week and reduce plastic packaging, CO2 emissions, fuel consumption….and that poor carrot had to travel over 1800 miles to get to your plate! Instead, go to your fa

Grown-Up Iced Tea

NO. This is not about those kinds served in Long Island and don’t say “Arizona” and “Iced Tea” in one sentence in my presence. Unless you are actually enduring heat in Arizona, drinking iced tea, and not the kind from a gas station grocery

Pittsburgh’s Local Food Movement on Our Region’s Business

Bill Flanagan takes a moment to chat with me and Leah Smith of the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) on the region’s local food movement.

Slowfood Cooking Demo @ Farmers at the Firehouse

Cookito Ergo Saxum. I cook therefore I rock. Descartes be damned.

Persephone’s Revenge

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Persephone’s Revenge

We’ve all had our revenge fantasies. From the “involuntary” schadenfreude to the out and out Sesame Street-style “what would happen if I pop this balloon..?” But the best revenge is always the sweet kind. Which brings me to this cake. I can

Brazen Bites 6.21: 2030 is the new 2012. Maybe there is such a thing as a free lunch. And other stories.

If I weren’t so lazy, I would consult AP Style on the best way to write that title. But does it really matter in the post-modern blog writing world? Does a Creative Commons License impute a creative license? And while we’re asking such exis

Am I Hot or Not?

If you are old enough to have lived through Tech Bubble 1.0 (a.k.a. “the dot-com bubble” – who even uses the word dot-com anymore?!), you know what I’m talking about (and you also know what hampsterdance is).

Cornography and Collaborative Consumption

This is a thinly disguised gratuitous declaration of love for my food exchange group. And a case for YOU to start one.

Brazen Bites 09.04: First World Problems

First World Problems: It May Not Be What You Think It Is

The Last Plate of Summer

And there it is. And I didn’t know it at the time. Like so many “lasts.” The next thing I knew, I needed a sweater in the early morning. Its dark at 7:30. Hot baths feel good again. I start to smell cinnamon and nutmeg in the air.

I love Plov

I’m a fan of one pot meals. Who isn’t?

Crispy Caramelized Brussels Sprouts over Miso Lime Noodles

In a Facebook exchange asking my friends for fiction recommendations, (I fear that reading fiction has been elevated/relegated(?) to “bucket list” level for me) a few people could not help but recommend a nonfiction book, Seabiscuit. It got

School Lunch Program: Bought and Sold

ACCORDING TO CONGRESS, THERE ARE TWO VEGETABLES ON THIS PLATE.

No Bake Pumpkin Pie {Silky Smooth}

Its almost Thanksgiving Eve. Your friends are posting about baking marathons, turkey frying woes and “the best stuffing” wars on Facebook. You? You still haven’t decided on what to bring to your potluck and Homer Simpson’s “You don’t win fr

Celery Root Soup {Antidote for Alleged Chinese Curses}

“May you live in interesting times.” So goes the [allegedly] Chinese curse. This adage leaves me constantly vacillating between clarity and skepticism. Is it really a curse? Is it truly better to live a life of measured mellowness? Or will

Cleansing Comforting Miso Noodle Soup with Seaweed

Now that the seemingly unending bacchanalia that started on Thanksgiving is over, I am ready for a break. And this weather has me craving for my favorite cleansing soup. It is effortless to prepare. And like a great mathematical construct,

Chickpea Fries with Garlic Mayo

I know. I know. I just posted about a cleansing soup and now I turn around and post this chickpea fry atrocity. I am not trying to sabotage you. I’m trying to help you. The fact is, when you are transitioning to a more healthful way of life

My Top 5 Films on "Food & Love"

I have three vices: food, romance and movies. Chances are you like all three too!

Valentine’s Day Pancakes

Pink and fluffy and…”rustic” (if you don’t have fancy heart molds). These pancakes, while yummy, started out quite “empty” in my book until the impending arrival of Valentine’s Day pushed for pinkness to please the kids. Eschewing food colo

Harira {Hey. Hot stuff.}

Valentine’s Day is over but the love doesn’t have to end. In fact, the embers should have been stoked and this soup is perfect for keeping the fire going. Traditionally served after Ramadan to break the fast, I think Harira (or Moroccan Chi

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What?! 3 inches from Oprah?

Pardon my lack of sophisticated nonchalance…but I’m three inches away from Oprah! Well. That’s technically true (see? proof above.) Its a nice little way to commemorate the first blogaversary of The Brazen Kitchen. One of my favorite recipe

{The Last Plate of Winter} Red Cabbage and Arame with Caramelized Radishes

I figured I can’t pay a straight up St. Patrick’s Day homage without putting some “fusion” into the mix. Really, the extent of this tribute is that it uses cabbage — more often associated with Irish cooking than anything I know of except ma

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Its that time of year! My oven starts to take a break and I get more and more into un-cooking. I also like to spend more time outdoors so “quick and easy” are paramount. And I would like to share with you one of my family’s favorite spring/

Chia Pudding Show

Spring Cupcakes | Easter Cupcakes. {Lemon Poppyseed with Lemon Buttercream Cupcakes}

My friend Christine commented that Pinterest made her realize that people really, really, REALLY love cupcakes. I mean, REALLY. And she’s not off the mark. Here’s a picture of the search results for “cupcakes” (well hello there chicken potp

Tina’s Dressing

The Brazen Kitchen Cinco de Mayo Menu

Cinco de Mayo es manana (how do you do an en-ye, looks like I’m saying something altogether different, hmmm). Here’s your menu to beat out all other menus in existence. A taco like you’ve never had it, a chili with chocolate (yep) and the m

“I Love Me” Smoothie

May is So Delicious SO MUCH TO LOVE Month! What does that mean? So Delicious is having a weekly contest with each week themed Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack/Dessert. My recipes are finalists in three categories and I will post them as they

I love me smoothie

Chickpea Fries (Part 2. It deserves a sequel.)

I know I posted a recipe for these already but I love these so much I had to write about it on Pittsburgh Magazine. In this post, I give you a great NEW variation: Curried Chickpea Fries with Chili Mayo. #drool.

The Best Veggie Burger Ever. {Bonus Miso Mayo Recipe)

Ah, just in time for Memorial Day weekend! Your new favorite veggie burger – packed with as much umami as I can think of and so worth the gamut of ingredients (make a double, triple batch — the whole summer is ahead of us!)

A Fortnight of Food, Filming and Fun

Pardon my quiet last week as I recupped from a couple of weeks of…too much fun. :) Not complaining! I packed a trip to NYC, taped a podcast with Chef Tom Totin at the Waffle Shop, a few days of filming a Pittsburgh episode of a travel serie

Vegan Spinach Pie {Yes It Can Be Done} + GIVEAWAY! {Read ON}

Yum….here’s a spin on spinach pie that uses no dairy. How can that be??? It uses — hold your breath — tofu! I know. I know. How dare I. But one bite of this puff pastry-enrobed nibble and you’ll understand why. I will never let you down.

How to Make Coconut Whipped Cream

Today I bought a hand blender. I’ve never owned one and have always made do with my KitchenAid. Or my stick blender. Never really had a pressing need for a hand blender. Until today. My trip to the Farmers’ Market yesterday required me to m

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Pineapple Coconut Mint Slush

Here’s reason number 1 why I love this recipe – you can use things you may otherwise just throw out: the pineapple core and the water leftover from making coconut whipped cream. Heck, you can TOP this with coconut whipped cream!

Best Word Ever: GIVEAWAY!

September is a bittersweet month for me. The peak of harvest makes me giddy but it also signals the end of summer. I miss the long sunny days, going to the pool, smoothies and slushies, tomatoes and all manner of freshness. Having grown up

Whiskey: Taking Pennsylvania’s Heritage Back from Kentucky!

I first posted about Wigle Whiskey over a year ago before they officially opened. The stills weren’t even delivered yet but Eric Meyer gave me a tour and described the vision. I was sold. I was happy. It made my day. Fast forward one year l

The Last Brazen Kitchen Cooking Demo of the Year at Farmers @ the Firehouse

Hello everyone! Join me this Saturday, September 15th at Slow Food Pittsburgh‘s Farmers @ the Firehouse for my last cooking demo for the year (taking a demo hiatus for the rest of the year as I take care of my newest “project” :) I love coo

Fearless Female Farmers: Maggie Robertson {A Brazen Kitchen Short Order Short Video}

The first woman who ever got me interested in farming is Barb Kline. She was the farmer who cared for the last zoned agricultural land in the City of Pittsburgh, right in Stanton Heights, right in my backyard. In fact, we bought our house s

Pardon Me While I Make Milk

So here’s why my last post was September 27th! A “project” I’ve been cooking up for 9 months decided the time has come on September 30th :) Soooooo, I’ve been busy making milk :)

The Brazen Kitchen Awarded Top 50 Vegetarian Blog!

I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it, I don’t wanna lose control but I think I like it! Is that how it goes? Well, I am. Excited that is. How cool is this?

Happy New Year and The Top 5 of 2012!

Hello everyone! A belated Happy New Year! (or a very early one if you celebrate other “New Year” dates — because you know, it happens all year!)

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Five-Minute Fudge Brownies

Its 10 o’clock. Do you know where your brownies are? That’s the question that confronted me last night as I bolted to the kitchen, hyperventilating, realizing, that NO, I didn’t know where my brownies are. And I had an excruciating craving

Five-Minute Fudge Brownies

It’s a Birthday Month!!!

It’s going to be so much fun! Are you ready? Read on…

A Berry Good Smoothie

“Winter fashion” may be an oxymoron but this “healthy treat” is not! Head on over to Pittsburgh Magazine to get the skinny on spring cleaning (not with a broom – with The Clean Plate Cleanse) and FREE tickets to the Farm to Table Conference

{From the Archives} Garlic Mustard and Stinging Nettle Pesto

I can’t believe The Brazen Kitchen is two years old and The Brazen Kitchen ON Pittsburgh Magazine is a year old! Yes, I will say it. Time flies!

How to Make Avocado Sandwiches (Thug Kitchen-Approved!)

Its not every week that I swoon over a tweet. But last week I did. Thug Kitchen tweeted me. You know it. I favorited and retweeted that thing quick. And its all because of these avocado sandwiches.

Why I Am Not Going to “Live Below The Line” {The BK on GOOD Magazine}

This week, more than 20,000 people are expected to participate in the campaign to raise money and awareness for global poverty by “living below the line.” That is, they will take on the challenge of spending no more than $1.50 day on food –

Roasted Asparagus and Ramps, Ramp Crepes, Ramp Macadamia Nut Pesto

Originally published on Pittsburgh Magazine

The Brazen Kitchen on POPCity

Photo by Brian Cohen for Pop City

How to be a Locavore Lush

It was 1:00 p.m. on a Tuesday, and I needed a designated driver. One of the benefits hazards of my job is that indulging shamelessly is a midday necessity from time to time. This week, I had an appointment with my friend, Elizabeth Gilgunn,

Chocolate Banana Bread

Originally published on Pittsburgh Magazine

How To Make One Ingredient Ice Cream

Wait. Wait. Wait. I swear, everyone would be happier if they had one of these. Just read the reviews!

Jackfruit Carnitas and Your Summer Party Menu

Originally published on Pittsburgh Magazine

Three Summer Smoothies

Originally published on Pittsburgh Magazine

Haitian Food 101 {Say “Yes, pikliz!”}

Originally published on Pittsburgh Magazine

Farmstand Corn Chowder

Originally published on Pittsburgh Magazine

How to Take the Headache Out of Packing School Lunches (and Weekday Breakfasts)

Here it is. My OC, AR solution to taking the headache out of packing school lunches and deciding what is for breakfast during weekdays.

The House Special: How to Make Caldo Verde with Gisele Fetterman

Originally published on Pittsburgh Magazine

Cashew Lime Kale Chips for National Kale Day

It’s National Kale Day and what better day to get on the kale chip bandwagon?

The New Breakfast of Champions

Yes, you can have greens in your breakfast!

Quick and Slow Winter Squash Risotto

A pressure cooker and slow cooker version of an old favorite

The 8 I Ate: My Favorite Cookbooks (An Evolving List)

I’ve always wanted to post this list. Even though its a moving target. Like any “list,” this will invariably leave out many definitive ones. To wit, I did not include anything from the legendary Moosewood Collective nor any from Mark Bittma

We Need Your Help!

I am working on a new project. This a long(er) term project that has been in the thinking/planning stages for some time, now. Together with my dear friend and colleague, Jayda from Eat Whole Be Vital, we are asking for your help. We want to

Join me at the Whole Foods Healthy Living Conference! (Plus free tix!)

Hello everyone! I hope you had a good summer!

5 Reasons You Need a Food Processor

Sometimes we feel like we need a helping hand in the kitchen, then we consider our choices. But, the best option is always to get a food processor to help you out when preparing food.

6 Quick and Creative Recipes to Make in a Food Processor

There are far more interesting things you can make with a food processor rather than beating egg whites for a sponge cake or grinding meat for lasagna bolognese.

7 Best Blenders for Ice in 2021

Of all the ingredients someone might want to throw inside their blender, ice has to be the most problematic. This is because ice is pretty tough to break down and blend into a drinkable mixture, which would require a blender with specific q

8 Easy Food Blender Tips

A blender is the unsung hero that exists in every kitchen and plays an essential role in our daily lives.

Aloo Gobi {Cauliflower Curry}

A quick post to share one of my favorite Indian dishes Aloo Gobi {Cauliflower Curry}. It goes so well with another favorite: Rajma Masala. Read all about Indian food and how to make it at home on Pittsburgh Magazine.

Asian-Style Peaches and Cream

Wonder Woman. That’s who your friends will think you are after you make this mind-bending dessert.

Best Blenders For Green Smoothies In The Market

Unlike any and every blender in the market, investing your money in a blender for green smoothies is a great investment for your health. The best blenders for green smoothies will be adept in crushing and chopping all types of veggies with

Best Commercial Food Processor

Food processors are, without a doubt, the handiest appliance that you can have in your kitchen.

Magical Evening: The BK Churchview Farm Dinner

This past winter, when Tara Rockacy asked me to take on one of the upcoming season’s super popular Churchview Farm Dinners, I said “hell yeah!”

The BK Churchview Farm Dinner and MORE events for June and July

Yay!! Summer is finally HERE–my favorite season through and through. I don’t want to hear complaints about the humidity! There is nothing better than sunset at 9pm and so. much. fresh. produce. Best part of all? Time with kids. I love carvi

Black-eyed Pea Fritters with Bayou Marinara

Finally! The recipes for the vegan entree at last week’s Bar Marco No Menu Monday!

Blender vs. Food Processor: Here’s How You Decide

A motor and a rotating knife. That’s how we’d vaguely describe a food processor or a blender, but what’s really the difference? And which one do you need?

Caramelized Cabbage and Onion Soup Recipe

This soup ain’t fancy pretty but it sure is yummy.

Caramelized Cabbage and Onion Soup

This soup ain’t fancy pretty but it sure is yummy.

Celery Root Soup Recipe

“May you live in interesting times.” So goes the [allegedly] Chinese curse. This adage leaves me constantly vacillating between clarity and skepticism. Is it really a curse? Is it truly better to live a life of measured mellowness? Or will

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Pudding Parfait Recipe

Quelle horreur! Am I really asking you to eat seeds that we know germinate into inanimate pets? Us Gen-X’ers have all seen this infomercial enough to ensure that it is forever seared in our brains.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Pudding Parfait

Dessert for breakfast was never this good (for you). And fancy parfaits make it look like its all complicated. Ssssh. It’s not. Which makes it perfect for Back-to-School Breakfasts!

Changes! And my Top 10 favorite posts of all time on Pittsburgh Magazine.

Last night, some of you may have seen my post on Facebook about Changes. Its a new season–school has started, so yes, summer is over, stop arguing–and I’m excited to start new things!

Chickpea Fries with Garlic Mayo Recipe

I know. I know. I just posted about a cleansing soup and now I turn around and post this chickpea fry atrocity. I am not trying to sabotage you. I’m trying to help you. The fact is, when you are transitioning to a more healthful way of life

Chickpea Plov Recipe

I’m a fan of one pot meals. Who isn’t? This is one heck of a one-pot meal from my friend, of the Easy Access Cookies fame). I am jealous that she’s done what I have not been able to bring myself to do – veganize a dish I grew up with. I’m c

Chilled Raw Avocado Cucumber Soup

Raw Avocado Cucumber Soup is going to be one of my summer staples. Deeeeelicious!!!

Cleansing Comforting Miso Noodle Soup with Seaweed Recipe

Now that the seemingly unending bacchanalia that started on Thanksgiving is over, I am ready for a break. And this weather has me craving for my favorite cleansing soup. It is effortless to prepare. And like a great mathematical construct,

Corn and Quinoa Fritters Recipe

And there it is. And I didn’t know it at the time. Like so many “lasts.”

Crispy Caramelized Brussels Sprouts over Miso Lime Noodles Recipe

Now my experience has shown me that appetizers and starters are almost always more interesting than entrees. And once again, it is true in this case. I love cucumber soda. A mix of cucumber juice (not through a juicer, but pureed in a Vitam

Easy-Access Cookies

My friend Jennet, who loves food and loves to talk about food (makes you wonder why we’re friends) brought these cookies to a potluck once. My other friend, and I, immediately pounced on them, repeatedly, unable to marshall the strength to

Easy Japanese Noodles Recipe

The recipe below is really about the sauce. It’s a simple basic Japanese Noodles base called Mentsuyu. It is a mixture of konbu broth, soy sauce, mirin and sugar. You can make this sauce in bulk and store it in your fridge to dress any vege

Everything You Didn’t Know About Juicing Beet Greens

If you’ve ever bought beets in the market, you would have noticed their little green leafy tops. These are called beet greens. What can you do with beet greens? If you’ve been treating them as waste, think again. Beet greens are a nutrition

Fed Up: The Movie – Join me for a screening on January 17!

Join me and an esteemed panel for a screening and discussion of FedUp on Saturday, January 17 at 1:30 PM at the Carnegie Library in Homewood.

Dessert

Satisfy your sweet tooth with dessert recipes from Food Network, including cookies, cupcakes and pies.

Garlicky Linguine with Maple Tempeh Recipe

I know. I know. I promised I would be gentle. And here I go, not even a month along and I’m already posting about tempeh. Wait, wait. Before you throw your hands up in “I-knew-she-was-going-to-go-all-vegan-granola-on-me” disbelief and close

Grown-Up Iced Tea Recipes

This is not about those kinds served in Long Island and don’t say “Arizona” and “Iced Tea” in one sentence in my presence. Unless you are actually enduring heat in Arizona, drinking iced tea, and not the kind from a gas station grocery stor

Harira {Moroccan Chickpea Soup} Recipe

Traditionally served after Ramadan to break the fast, I think Harira (or Moroccan Chickpea Soup) is the sexiest soup ever. That’s right. I suppose all the metaphors I impute to this soup is naturally subjective but I’m confident you’ll unde

Here it is! The BK 2015 ReBOOT!

The Brazen Kitchen 2015 ReBOOT. Health is not about crash diets or the latest fitness fad Health is about understanding your body, educating yourself about food, and learning how to make good habits fit into your everyday life. YOUR life. W

Hot Blistered Shisito Peppers

These peppers are Shisito peppers and if that question’s answer was in Scoville units, this would be a 0 or 1. (Answer: NOT). The Scoville is an organoleptic test that measures the heat or capsaicin content of peppers. (Really, I just wante

How Celery Juice Can Reduce Acne [2022]

Have you tried every trick in the book but still suffer from acne? Although there is no single solution to this widespread problem, there are small things you can change in your daily life that will gradually clear up your skin.

How Long Does Juice Last?

You would love a glass of fresh juice, won’t you? The juice is one such drink that can comply with your hunger while surpassing the nutritional value. Although you might want to choose between a glass of fresh juice or a packed, preserved o

How to Choose a Food Processor

Tired of the slice and dice routine that you have to do every time you cook? Want to have perfect dressings for your salads? Then a food processor is just for you.

How to Clean a Food Processor

A food processor saves you a tremendous amount of time and effort, slicing brick-hard vegetables, mixing stubborn doughs, and chopping wild garlic cloves that jump every time you come down on them with a knife.

How to Cleanse in a HeartBEET

Its that season! This arctic cold and the illnesses going around is pushing me to support my immune system with some nutrition-packed vegetables. One of the easiest ways to boost your immunity is to actually gently “cleanse” with vegetables

“I Love Me” Smoothie Recipe

May is So Delicious SO MUCH TO LOVE Month!

I mince no words: fracking threatens our food system.

This is as close to home as it has ever gotten. I’ve known this for a while but have not had such a visceral reaction until now. Maybe because with tragic events, our emotional reaction often correlates with how much we identify with the re

Juicer vs Blender

Let’s be honest, when was the last time you cooked yourself a vegetable-rich meal or remembered to add an apple or a handful of grapes to your breakfast? You can’t remember, right?

Lemon Poppy seed with Lemon Buttercream Cupcakes Recipe

My friend commented that Pinterest made her realize that people really, really, REALLY love cupcakes. I mean, REALLY. And she’s not off the mark.

Lentil Chili with Chocolate Recipe

While this is not in any way, shape, or form, claiming to be a version of Oaxacan mole, consider it a good first foray into the flavor possibilities that chocolate-as-savory presents.

Love Nuggets: Frozen Chocolate Banana Bites

Just wanted to share something I saw over at Pinterest — among the plethora of other pinteresting things. This isn’t even really a recipe — it takes so little to make this and the rewards are so great.

Magic Bullet Vs. Ninja Nutri Pro: Multi-Purpose Appliance Vs. High-End Blender

Bullet blenders have become all the rage with fitness enthusiasts looking for convenient ways to eat healthily. They are easy and quick to use for a variety of domestic purposes, like blending baby food or making smoothies. Not to mention,

Magic Bullet vs Nutribullet: Which Blender To Choose?

f you’re wondering whether you should buy the Magic Bullet or Nutribullet blender, this article about Magic Bullet vs Nutribullet should help you decide. While both make healthy shakes, natural home-made baby food, sauces, and smoothies, th

Mashed Potato Quinoa Puffs with Sriracha Mayo Recipe

Fiddling with mashed potatoes sounds like a Rube Goldberg exercise, but, dear reader, to come up with a way to liberate it from the confines of a table and fork setting, to be enjoyed wherever we please – this is a necessary complication.

Mashed Potato Quinoa Puffs with Sriracha Mayo

Fiddling with mashed potatoes sounds like a Rube Goldberg exercise, but, dear reader, to come up with a way to liberate it from the confines of a table and fork setting, to be enjoyed wherever we please – this is a necessary complication.

Masticating Juicer Vs. Centrifugal Juicer: Which One Is Best?

Masticating and Centrifugal juicers both have their uses and get utilized for specific purposes.

My Cookbook Wishlist (and Cookbooks I Loved This Year)

You know how there are people who are hard to buy presents for? Not me. I’m super easy. Buy me a good cookbook. In fact, don’t buy me flowers. Ever. Buy me a cookbook.

No Bake Pumpkin Pie {Silky Smooth} Recipe

Its almost Thanksgiving Eve. Your friends are posting about baking marathons, turkey frying woes and “the best stuffing” wars on Facebook. You? You still haven’t decided on what to bring to your potluck and Homer Simpson’s “You don’t win fr

Nutribullet or Nutri Ninja—The Ultimate Battle!

Do you love smoothies but do not know which bullet blender will be the best pick for you? Are you confused between the top-rated Nutribullet or Nutri Ninja?

Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Raspberry Maple Glaze and Spring Flowers Recipe

We’ve all had our revenge fantasies. From the “involuntary” schadenfreude to the out and out Sesame Street-style “what would happen if I pop this balloon..?” But the best revenge is always the sweet kind. Which brings me to this cake. I can

Peak-of-the-Season Peach, Zucchini and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Let’s talk peaches. Are you thinking dessert? Think again, buster.

Peak-of-the-Season Peach, Zucchini and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Let’s talk peaches. Are you thinking dessert? Think again, buster.

Pizza Stuffed French Toast

I promised my kids I would always make either pancakes or French toast every Sunday. But last weekend, I had none of the ingredients for either one. And I hate breaking promises. So I improvised.

Preparing for the season of plenty.

It’s that time of year. It starts with Halloween and then its downhill (or uphill, maybe?) from there. The season of celebrations, cocktail parties, and holiday gatherings. The season of food. Lots of it. And drink. Lots of it.

Quick & Rustic Peach Tart Recipe

All of my friends know I’m a lazy baker. And I declare this almost every time I post a baked good. Which you should find encouraging because you can be quite assured that everything I post, took as little effort as possible to achieve maxim

Quick & Rustic Peach Tart

Originally published on Pittsburgh Magazine

Quinoa Cornmeal Skillet Bread Recipe

Herbes de Provence and Cornbread. Definitely an unexpected and unlikely coupling but I assure you are the most suprisingly compatible things.

Ramp Crepes Recipe

Ramps Crepes (or wild leeks) are perennials whose flavor is the best “2-in-1” of the sauté world: garlic and onion together. How can one resist that magic coupling? Ramps Crepes grow early in the spring for a brief period of time and their

Raw Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

It is very easy to create metaphors between love and food. Food is divine – an appetizing allegory for love – which is definitely and infinitely delectable. Both are visceral, encompassing and intellectually impossible to reduce down to the

Chilled Raw Avocado Cucumber Soup

Originally published on Pittsburgh Magazine

Reboot Breakfast: Start the day (start the year) right!

I’ve wanted to do this roundup for so long and what better time than now? Let’s take advantage of our new year’s resolve and truly head toward the path to a healthier you!

Red Cabbage and Arame with Caramelized Radishes Recipe

I figured I can’t pay a straight up St. Patrick’s Day homage without putting some “fusion” into the mix. Really, the extent of this tribute is that it uses cabbage — more often associated with Irish cooking than anything I know of except ma

Savory Oatmeal

I have a confession. I’m a member of a group with a certain, um, proclivity. It’s not unique. Everyone has these particular fantasies. We just go one step further and make these fantasies reality. Then we take photos and share it with every

6 Easy Ways Celery Juice Can Help Fight Acne!

Have you tried every trick in the book but still suffer from acne? Although there is no single solution to this widespread problem, there are small things you can change in your daily life that will gradually clear up your skin.

8 Soups to Warm Your Bones This Winter

Record low temps are upon us and this tropical fish is planning to spend those days in her super thermal pajamas under an arctic-grade comforter. This weekend, I am cooking up a few batches of soup and getting ready. Here are my 8 go-to’s i

Start The Year Right Salad

The mother of all Mondays is the first day back at work in January. That day has two sides. The glass-half-empty side is like, “Ugh, I can’t believe the food bender that started at Thanksgiving has to end.” (Suuuure, you can soften the blow

Strawberries in Balsamic Vinegar and Black Pepper {with Coconut Whipped Cream}

During the season, I tend to like my fruits with as little embellishment as possible. When I say embellishment, I mean sugar. They are so fresh and sparklingly pretty that its a pleasure enough to enjoy them unadorned. But of course, it hel

TEDx Talk: Why the Farm is Not Getting to the Table

I am happy to share that the video for the TEDxGrandview Ave. talk is now online!

Thank you, iDavid Studios for sharing my voice.

I am not a “chef” (I say this in reverence to all the great chefs I have had the honor to know) but I am passionate about food education and advocacy.

The 7 Events You CANNOT Miss

There’s not much preamble required to this post except to say that THIS WEEKEND will trigger the start of a deluge of fantastic events! I’m beside myself with excitement — Pittsburgh is truly hoppin’!

The Best Choices For Cordless Blenders

Blenders are among one of the all-rounder kitchen appliances that are an inevitable part of the modern kitchen. As people and families become more and more health-conscious every passing day, kitchen equipment takes a more central role in t

The Best Juicers Under $100 for 2021 (How to Buy and Reviews)

Have you been looking for an affordable juicer for all your juicing needs at home? The right juicer can give you fresh, nutritious, and delicious juices that add significantly to your overall health. For many families, juicing is the most c

The Best Salad Dressing Ever… Recipe

I know that sounds hyperbolic but take it from someone who thinks salad is anathema in the cold months. And here in Pittsburgh, that would be 3/4 of the year — in this tropical girl’s definition of “cold”.

The best salad dressing ever.

I know that sounds hyperbolic but take it from someone who thinks salad is anathema in the cold months. And here in Pittsburgh, that would be 3/4 of the year — in this tropical girl’s definition of “cold”.

The Best Veggie Burger Ever Recipe

Ah, just in time for Memorial Day weekend! Your new favorite veggie burger – packed with as much umami as I can think of and so worth the gamut of ingredients (make a double, triple batch — the whole summer is ahead of us!)

The BK updates and where you can find Leah this May

Photo by Brian Cohen for NEXTpittsburgh

The Brazen Kitchen on NPR (and a recipe for Vegan Potato Latkes with Wild Greens)

I hope you enjoyed the Girl Gone Wild post on Pittsburgh Magazine. If you haven’t seen it click on this! The pesto recipe was also featured on NPR Weekend Edition, on a segment by our very own Larkin Page-Jacobs of Essential Public Radio. I

The Drunken Sandwich {Avocado Sandwich with a Bang} Recipe

I finally found my go-to sandwich. And it is NOT for the faint of heart. Its for the pregnant maybe. For the drunk, DEFINITELY. But seriously, I can eat this for breakfast any day.

The Drunken Sandwich {Avocado Sandwich with a Bangarang}

This post was prompted by a meeting with Jason Bittel as he was interviewing me about Awesome Pittsburgh for the Fitting Group’s Brand Spanking Newsletter.

The Easiest Butternut Squash Soup from The 52 New Foods Challenge

Raise your hands if you have picky kids!

Hack the Mac!

I don’t think I need to write a long preamble to mac and cheese.

The Holy Grail Mac and Cheese

I don’t think I need to write a long preamble to Holy Grail mac and cheese.

The House Special: Drunken Pirouettes with Julia Erickson (Best Homemade Present!)

So happy to get together with Julia Erickson, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Principal Dancer and Co-Founder of Barre (one of my favorite energy bars!)

The Ultimate Brazen Kitchen Holiday Gift Guide

Hey yinz, last minute folks (like me!) here is The Brazen Kitchen Ulitmate Holiday Gift Guide — all the gifting ideas you need in one place!

This is Me on Drugs

I can’t believe how long ago this was. I have to look at this picture from time to time to remind myself how far I’ve gone. This was me in my 20’s. After years of going to doctors trying to figure out why I was having chronic pain, reflux,

Two-Minute Blackberry Ice Cream

Before I hear one word out of you about the heat and humidity, let’s take a moment to remind ourselves where we came from. We are a mere five months removed from The Polar Vortex. Remember?

Fake Bake

Apologies if your search engine mistakenly led you here as you were looking to beat George Hamilton at his own game. But, don’t fret, it is a fortunate misdirection. Because now you can enjoy cookies without dealing with a hot oven. A feat

Types of Blenders: How to Choose a Blender

Blenders, regardless of the type, are a must-have for every kitchen. What’s better than an appliance that lets you put a lot of edible things in, and gives them back in a homogenized form?

Valentine’s Day Pancakes Recipe

Pink and fluffy and…”rustic” (if you don’t have fancy heart molds). These pancakes, while yummy, started out quite “empty” in my book until the impending arrival of Valentine’s Day pushed for pinkness to please the kids. Eschewing food colo

Vegan and Paleo Caramel Sauce

Could it be true? A vegan AND paleo-friendly* caramel sauce? Move over olive branch, I think this may bring peace on Earth.

Vegan Potato Latkes with Wild Greens Recipe

These vegan potato latkes are simple to make, and you can easily add ANY wild green such as dandelion (tastes like watercress or arugula), chickweed, lamb’s quarters etc. It gives your latke an unexpected twist (AND a nutrient boost).

Veghacker Dinner at Verde Tomorrow!

It’s happening tomorrow! Verde is going all-vegan! And its going to be amazing!

Vitamix 5200 Vs. Vitamix 7500: Which One is Better and Why?

The Vitamix blenders are known for their supreme performance. They are well-reputed for launching high-quality blenders with unsurpassed efficiency. However, the scenario can get a little troublesome when it comes to choosing between some o

Vitamix 6300 Review: Is the Vitamix 6300 Good? You’ll see.

Are you wondering whether the Vitamix 6300 is a good fit for your kitchen? Great health and a happy life are all about what you consume. The secret to feeling and looking great lies in the kitchen, after all!

Vitamix 6500 vs. Vitamix 7500: Which is Better?

Vitamix is a popular company when it comes to manufacturing A-grade blenders, and two of its best models are the Vitamix C-series 6500 and G-series 7500.

What Does Trevett Hooper Eat at Home?

Among many other things – including the flawless flavors coming from his kitchen at Legume that garnered his prestigious James Beard Award nomination in 2013 – Chef Trevett Hooper has been known for his vision of sustainability that tends t

Which Oranges are the Best for Juicing?

Do you want to prepare delicious orange juice at home? Are you confused among the multiple varieties of oranges in the market? Do you want to know which oranges are the best for juicing? This article has the answers to all your questions re

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Chocolate Avocado Pudding Print Recipe Pin Recipe Equipment Food Processor Ingredients 2 large avocados 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder ½ cup melted chocolate 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ cup coconut milk 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1

Basil and Parsley Pesto

Basil and Parsley Pesto Print Recipe Pin Recipe Equipment Food Processor Ingredients 2 cups packed basil leaves 1 cup packed Italian parsley 2 garlic cloves 4 teaspoons lemon zest 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds 1/3 cup lemon juice 2 table

Sweet Shortcrust Pastry

Sweet Shortcrust Pastry Print Recipe Pin Recipe Equipment Food Processor Ingredients 1 ½ cups plain flour 125-gram chilled unsalted butter 1 ½ tablespoon chilled water ¼ cup pure icing sugar Instructions Add the flour, cold butter, and suga

Cool as a Cucumber

Kick me for the cliche. My writing teacher would circle it and write C-L-I-C-H-E in big red letters. My writer friends would flinch. Groupon will never hire me. But its late and I want to post this before I go to bed. It was either that or

Roasted Cauliflower Salad: Post-Catharsis Peace on a Plate

Sometimes it all gets a little bit much. And we’ve all felt that way. I have found, during these times, the drive towards catharsis escalates.

Klassy HoHos

And such is my loving relationship with that word. Come on. Have you heard anyone who was actually, truly what “classy” aspires to describe say that word? As Guy Kawasaki said, its like bragging that you’re modest. There you have it. As soo

Whiskey is Vegan. And Now, Local. Now, Give Me a #%^& Drink

[Warning: This dives deep into my tech strategy consulting psyche so if you just want the whiskey recipe – it is Friday after all - command-down arrow]

Comfort Me With Pancakes (and Why Sundays Are Sacred)

I write this on a Sunday, on a plane ride back home from a business trip that overtook my weekend. A Sunday I begrudgingly gave to “work.”

Missed Connections – P4F

When I was living in NY, my train was the F train, which rivals only the L train on mentions in Missed Connections. The “Flirty Train” it was known then {gag}. And urban legend had it that if you want some 15 minutes of blind ad fame on Cra

Girl Crushes and Bars

Come on. You have one. Me? I don’t have one. Not at all….I’m a playa. I have a lot of them. And let me say that Leah H. is one of them. Check out this bad ass photo and let me hear you say “no doubt.” (Let’s pretend that that’s a toothpick

Chocolate Hazelnut Eggnog Pie {Nuff Said}

CHOCOLATE! HAZELNUT! EGGNOG! PIE! You need no more words. Chocolate Hazelnut Eggnog Pie Adapted from Bryant Terry Ingredients Your favorite pie crust – I used vegan puff pastry Filling ¾ cup So Delicious Coconut Nog (I cannot get enough of

Turkmen Tacos {Beet Tacos with Arugula and Crunchy Tofu}

If greens are the new black then tacos are the new cupcakes. You remember. That seminal “Sex and the City” episode with Magnolia Bakery was an auspicious moment in cupcake history. Spawning ultra-expensive designer cupcake stores culminatin

Uzbek Tacos {Beet Tacos with Arugula and Crunchy Tofu}

If greens are the new black then tacos are the new cupcakes. You remember. That seminal “Sex and the City” episode with Magnolia Bakery was an auspicious moment in cupcake history. Spawning ultra-expensive designer cupcake stores culminatin

Posh Nosh: Your Superbowl Menu

Ooooh, game day is coming! But first, try this I.Q. Test = Gowns:Academy Awards as _____________:Superbowl. Hint: its the only time I await these interruptions. That’s right. Notwithstanding GoDaddy commercials, its the only time of year th

Farm to Table Conference 2012 {and FREE TIX!}

It’s that time of year! Spring is in the air. Flowers and early spring crops are starting to peek out of the ground (making us smile everytime we pass them). Daylight Savings Time is about to take an hour from our weekend but give us a much

The BK on Pittsburgh Magazine Launches!

Did you see? Did you hear? I am so excited to share that The Brazen Kitchen on Pittsburgh Magazine Online launched this week! The BK on PghMag will be a weekly online column that will feature recipes the BK way – shamelessly good for you. I

Cereal Milk Panna Cotta with Caramelized Cornflakes and Strawberry Puree

Here’s an homage to Momofuku and mommy. And a kudos to the imagination of Milk Bar‘s brilliant Christina Tosi – James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year! A wonderful reimagining of your favorite childhood breakfast. Just in time for mother’

Easy Summer Rolls

We’ve hit it. Summer Solstice. 93 degrees. Heat index 100. Cooking is a bad word. RAW is good. Now while these rolls are technically not 100% raw (the rice had to be turned into paper rolls at some point!), let’s not split hairs. You will n

Kale and Pineapple Stew with Peanut Sauce in THE HOUSE SPECIAL with Kate Stoltzfus

I would say the first seeds of this video project were planted 15 years ago during my first summer in Brooklyn. I had a mile walk from the subway to my apartment and I looked forward to it every evening. I walked a long stretch under the ca

Chef-for-a-Night to Raise Funds for Food Revolution!

Last week, I played restaurant at Bar Marco to raise funds for the Obama High School Cooking Club — a Food Revolution Pittsburgh project. Working in the restaurant kitchen was one of the best times I’ve ever had. Read all about it on Pittsb

Cashew Vinaigrette Inspired by Kevin Sousa (and Alain Passard) PLUS a Giveaway!

“Here we are in a situation approaching fantasy…in agreeing to a rendezvous, the two accomplices lead us to an unexpected pleasure garden…The scent is ravishing… the duo throb(s) with life.” What? No. I’m not reading a “novel” with Fabio on

The Best Summer Cocktails (or Mocktails, if you will)

Originally published on Pittsburgh Magazine Virgin is not a pejorative term. I’m talking about food and drink here, people. Now “mocktail” – don’t even get me started. No one ever says, “I think I’m going to have a mocktail.” If I’m wrong,

Raise the {Taco} Bar!

Originally published on Pittsburgh Magazine En fuego! Is what everyone will think you’re in because you will be the hottest ticket on this last weekend of summer. Why? Because you will be making the baddest a$$ taco bar for miles around. Ho

How to Fancify Your Everyday Pasta

Beat that weekday dinner rush with some amped up pantry staples! Originally published on Pittsburgh Magazine We all have our personal “high–risk” stores. These are the stores that you go to where you go in with an efficient little list and

The Last Plate of Summer 2013: Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Quinoa, Greens and Pesto

Originally published on Pittsburgh Magazine “Clearly, the sun loosened morals and melted minds. Then the Germans got naked and changed everything.” No. Not nudist biergarten. Close. An article in The Atlantic about the healing power of the

Friday Giveaway! Farm to Table Pittsburgh Harvest Tasting on Nov. 16

This time of year makes me happy and anxious at the same time. Happy because of the abundance of fresh, local food available. Happy because the weather is cool enough so that I can cook and bake without making my house’s ambient temperature

What kitchenware do you need?

A food processor, a few useful attachments, and a world of possibilities. Start with the tools that suit your cooking.