Sides | Mommie Cooks!

Congrats to my Friend Faith on her Published Cookbook!

November 9, 2012 By Julie 14 Comments

I know I’ve been a bit lax with blog posting these past couple months. Pregnancy with an unplanned fourth boy has a crazy way of doing that to you. Despite all the excuses, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to share the accomplishments of a very special friend. My friend Faith Gorsky from An Edible Mosaic just had her first cookbook released: An Edible Mosaic: Middle Eastern Fare with Extraordinary Flair. I’ve pretty much known Faith since I first began blogging. We’ve supported each other, shared opportunities and just generally lifted each other up throughout the process that is food writing. I can’t tell you how proud I am to help her introduce and promote her first published work.

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Summertime Bean and Corn Salad

May 18, 2012 By Julie 14 Comments

It’s no secret that I love my oven. Breads, cakes, casseroles you name it. So many tasty foods were just meant to be placed into that insulated metal box and heated to 350 degrees. Unfortunately, higher outside temps and oven use don’t always mix, so as springtime weather comes to a close, I find myself looking for alternative ways to create dishes that don’t involve baking.

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Mexi-Slaw: An Exotic Dish to Honor Adventurous Spirits

April 30, 2012 By Julie 11 Comments

Every time I put together a Mexican dish, I can’t help but think of my Aunt and Uncle living down in Baja Mexico doing exactly what they were meant to be doing.

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Shrimp Pasta with Strawberry Champagne Vinaigrette

April 26, 2012 By Julie 14 Comments

I was perusing through the pages of Cooking Light online the other day when I came across this column discussing the art of creating a radically simple vinaigrette. Vinaigrette, in my most humble of opinions, is a seriously powerful tool to have in your kitchen arsenal. Simply grab some oil, add in a bit of acid and you’ve done it. Want an Asian salad dressing? Use sesame oil and rice vinegar. Add in a little soy sauce and lime juice and you’re ready to dress. Looking for a more classical Italian? Change the sesame oil to olive, the rice vinegar to white wine vinegar and throw in a basil leaf or two and some mustard. Presto chango, you’re ready to dress. It kind of makes you wonder why you’d ever buy a bottle at the grocery store when it’s so easy to put one together in your own kitchen.

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Irish Inspired Boxty

March 8, 2012 By Julie 15 Comments

Raggmunk, kartoffelpuffer, boxty. What do all these words have in common? Grab your appetite and a drum roll because I’m about to pull back the culinary curtain…..

They’re all variations on a favorite Northern European dish – potato pancakes.

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Hearty Lentils and Beans

February 10, 2012 By Julie 13 Comments

First off, I want to give a heart felt thank you for all the incredible comments and emails that people sent with regards to Alex. The fact that you took the time to share your experiences, support and love really touched my heart. I was especially stirred by the tribute that my friend Julie from Willow Bird Baking did over at her site. If you haven’t had a chance to stop by and check it out, you should definitely do so. Her class of 7th graders is one amazing clan of kids. I had a hard time seeing clearly through all my blubbering and tears, but I know it involved teenage boys dressed in pink and a rainbow tribute from the entire class to Alex. THIS is why the internet is so incredibly amazing. People you’ve never even met can lift your spirit and make a difference in your life with the single touch of a button. Thank you so very much.

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