“Do we really want to travel in hermetically sealed pope mobiles through the rural provinces of France, Mexico and the Far East, eating only in Hard Rock Cafes and McDonalds? Or do we want to eat without fear, tearing into the local stew, the humble taqueria's mystery meat, the sincerely offered gift of a lightly grilled fish head? I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything once.” ―Anthony Bourdain, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly

Travel

Food

Hello Green 8/24/20 Hello Green 8/24/20

Vicenzina’s Biscotti

My ex-husband’s mother, Vincenzina (Vini, as she liked to be called), passed away last April. She wasn’t perfect. Old-school Italian from Verbicaro, a small town in Cosenza, she was stubborn, lied with enviable polish, and was a talented cook.

Micaela and John 6/3/20 Micaela and John 6/3/20

Devil’s Food Cupcakes

My son in law has a severe dairy allergy. He’s a really nice young man, a musician, that we’ve known since he and my daughter were 16! I love to cook with butter, and have always been a little squirmy about using food substitutes because, in my mind, there is nothing like the real thing. But I love this young man and wanted to make him a chocolate cupcake that was yummy! I think this is it. Do try it and let me know your thoughts in the comment section. XOXO, M

Micaela and John 5/28/20 Micaela and John 5/28/20

Blueberry Muffins for Connie

My friend Connie is generous, kind, and loyal. We have been friends since our daughters were babies. Now they’re 37. And it’s her birthday today. Because of COVID19, we can’t celebrate like we used to, and I know she loves blueberry muffins, so I made these for her.

Hello Green 5/20/20 Hello Green 5/20/20

Ginger Cookie by Liz

My friend, Liz, and I, love ginger cookies. This recipe was handed down to her by her mother.

Micaela and John 5/4/20 Micaela and John 5/4/20

My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie

My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie is full of dark semi-sweet chocolate, buttery, chewy, and has crispy edges. It's also not too sweet, but sweet enough to make you want another.

Micaela and John 4/28/20 Micaela and John 4/28/20

Inspired by Katrina Rozelle Ginger Cookies

When Katrina Rozelle closed her bakery doors to retire, I thought I was going to lose my mind. So I bought as many of my favorite cookies from her to try to recreate her recipe for her Ginger Cookies.

Micaela and John 4/6/20 Micaela and John 4/6/20

Micaela's Paella

Growing up in Europe and Asia meant growing up with a diverse palate. In Andalusia, Spain, my mother’s favorite dish was Paella. It’s a rice dish that made her feel at home because she was Asian and grew up with rice at every meal, she missed it very much. Here is a basic Paella recipe.

Micaela and John 4/1/20 Micaela and John 4/1/20

Can't Sleep Peanut Butter Cookies

I was inspired by Chef Josh Heiskell’s recipe for Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies to make this recipe.

Micaela and John 3/31/20 Micaela and John 3/31/20

Chef Josh Heiskell's Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies

“These are stupid delicious!” Chef Josh Heiskell (https://www.instagram.com/chefjoshheiskell/)

Micaela and John 3/27/20 Micaela and John 3/27/20

Chicken and Pork Adobo

Chicken and pork adobo is a traditional Filipino comfort food, always paired with rice to balance the rich sauce and give it body.