Tag Archives: Potatoes

The Brick-Bringing an Eastern Market Favorite Home

21 Feb

Oh, Eastern Market, how I love thee.  No, really I do, it’s probably one of the best outdoor (and indoor) farmer’s markets in the area.  Problem is, it’s about a 30 – 45 minute drive from my house, and I won’t even begin to talk about parking.  If I could I would go every day, just to pick up some fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables from local farmers.  Maybe even eat a crepe, or stand in line at Market Lunch, on a Saturday morning. Well, if I could skip the line, in a VIP kind of way, I would totally do it.  However, I don’t see that happening anytime soon, so I’ll just wait like everyone else.

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Breaking Bad Habits, One Meal at a Time

16 Feb

Last night was the ultimate test.  I was tempted to drop by the grocery store on my lunch break and pick up a few things for dinner.  Luckily, I got busy at work and did not have a chance to go.  If you have been reading my blog then you’ll know that I am trying to cook more, and use the foods I already have stocked in my fridge and pantry.  I have developed a habit of going to the grocery store and not using the foods I buy.  I attribute this horrible habit to my indecisive nature.  I can say I want spaghetti for dinner, but end up making meatloaf.  Seriously, it’s ridiculous, and I’ve wasted way too much money and food because of it.

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30 Minute Sweet Potato Gratin

24 Jan

This is probably one of my favorite sides to make because it combines some of my favorite vegetables.  About two years ago, I found this great recipe for a potato and sweet potato gratin and thought it would be perfect for a potluck I was invited to.  Logistically, it turned out to be a nightmare.  First, potatoes turn a grayish-brown color (become oxidized) if they are not cooked right away (within 15-30 minutes) after being peeled.  Also, if you don’t cut the potatoes thinly then they will take forever to cook.  The gratin came out okay, but I’m a bit impatient and I knew I had to do something to cut down on the cooking time.  I came up with this recipe by accident because I ran out of potatoes, and just used what I had stocked in the fridge.  Did I mention it cooks in about 30-45 minutes?  That’s right, this dish is table ready in less than an hour.  Not too bad when you’re talking about a potato gratin.

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Tortilla Española

9 Nov

This picture was taken in Parque Güell, (Güell Park) with the beautiful city of Barcelona, Spain, as its backdrop.  I was visiting the city over the summer, and I was fortunate enough to have a guided tour of the park by my cousin Karina.  Not only was it my first time in Barcelona, but it was the first time I’d ever met my cousin.  I did not know what to expect as she spoke no English and I speak Spanglish.  After giving a tour of the park she asked, “Tienes hambre?” (Are you hungry?) After a long, hot day in Barcelona I said, “Claro, que si!” (Of course!)  Then the most amazing thing happened.  Karina said she was going to make an authentic Spanish dinner.  I had to hold my composure, I was too excited to finally get a home cooked meal.

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