Jun 10
It’s technically still spring, so I spent most of yesterday cleaning out my closet. Storage is always a problem in my apartment, so I’m pretty good at throwing things away a little at a time – or so I thought. I was putting something away, looked up at a stack of t-shirts, and realized I could easily give half of them away – then one stack led to another. A few months ago, my friend sent me an article from organizational consultant, Marie Kondo. Read more
Mar 3
It has been a long time since I’ve written one of these catch up posts. It’s probably only because we’re deep into the snow-globe months that I’m able to now. Seeing the links I’ve flagged over the last few weeks, it’s clear that each one has been an escape from black and white (or blue) days: Read more
Now that it’s almost over, I can admit that this winter has been hard. It wasn’t the severity but the unpredictability that had me – and almost everyone else I know – on edge. Desperate for any lasting sign of spring, I wrote this short piece on getting through the final weeks for Devour. Last week, in a fit of spring induced optimism, I brought an armful of herbs home from the farmer’s market. I’ve never been great with plants, but seeing them lined up along the windowsill, I’m hopeful that these will be different. Read more
Jan 1
I find myself in this position every year -unable to move forward until I take a quick look back. Though one post leads to another, I can’t say that a theme or pattern emerges now that I see my favorites lined up. What I do see, are moments where I loved being in the kitchen, working out something new, and figuring out the best way to share it. Can’t wait for more of the same in 2013. Happy New Year! Read more
Dec 8
How did it get so late so soon? It’s night before it’s afternoon. December is here before it’s June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?
~ Dr Seuss
At first I thought this quote perfectly captured the short day anxiety I’ve been feeling this winter, but really, it sums up my whole year. Case in point – this should have been my catching-up post for November. Not that I’ve been wasting time. This month, I was thrilled to be part of SAVEUR’s 2012 Cookie Advent Calendar. It’s full of amazing recipes, and I loved flipping through the cabinets and looking under the lampshades for more suggestions. If you prefer musical advent experience, the New York Magazine Les Miserable Advent Calendar is a second (albeit close) favorite. Here’s a quick list of links that may tell you where the rest of my time has gone. Read more
Oct 28
October was a whirlwind even before there was a Frankenstorm on the way. While we wait to wait it out, I thought it was a good time to catch-up for October. To start, I was thrilled to be part of an article written by Rachel Swarns – In the Kitchen, Holding on to Heritage Before It Slips Away – for the New York Times. I’ve also been spending a lot of time at The Latin Kitchen – building up a virtual spice rack both sweet and savory. To top it all, my sister Carmen (also my partner at La Filosofia) were included in a travel story for New York Magazine that metaphorically sent us to Norway. Read more
Most people referred to last weekend as the “official” end of summer. I did too though I talked myself into believing it was just the beginning of the inevitable fade-out, and there would still be a few more weeks of bursting markets and warm days. That’s why it was a shock when I woke up on Monday to a complete costume change – outside it was still hot and humid but skies were grey and the leaves were orange. Read more
Aug 5
Every time I sit down to write my catch-up posts, the more practical how-to/technique links get pushed down the list or drop off altogether. I thought the last one of the summer was as good a time to finally get them in. With the markets bursting, it’s easy to over-buy, so this post from the Kitchn on small batch canning will help you keep it in a jar. I also love their quick guide to ingredient substitutions for near kitchen emergencies. This low-tech ice cream post from Saveur will get you through the worst of the heat, with out without the gadgets. For basics, Food Republic offers a 5 Crucial Kitchen Techniques, and How To Use Them and a general Word of the Day Guide. If you want to put it all together for the perfect dinner party, the Cooking from Every Angle section on Food 52 gets it down. Finally, for awhile I’ve been flagging Tar-Tyrin’ post with plans to make polka dot utensil jars, copper dipped flatware, cake stands, and even stenciled area rugs. Full disclosure, it hasn’t happened yet but there are still a few weeks left of summer to get to it.
Jun 12
I was reorganizing my kitchen a few weeks ago when I came across the Portuguese weather cock I’d picked up in Soho at Kiosk. It’s lived on my kitchen shelves for a couple of years, and was supposed to change colors with the weather but stayed a resolute, all-clear blue. I assumed it was one-season rooster but a move to the window ledge has brought it to life. Each day I check its feathers to confirm what I can see for myself in shades of aqua, pink, and purple. I absolutely love it. Read more
Finalist for the 2015 James Beard Foundation Award in the International Cookbook Category for The Cuban Table
hungry sofia 