It’s been an uninspiring period and I haven’t been feeling well but now that my tum tum is better, I feel like cooking and baking again. Comfort food on the menu, so I made this Ukrainian-style Potato Cabbage + Leek Tart as my weekend lunch food. The pan was actually the inspiration — I found it at a thrift store and just said “Ukraine” to me (go figure, with those colors!) What came first — the recipe or the pan? Sort of like what came first — the chicken or the egg!
Appetizers/Starters
One more for the cheesy bit! The other day, I made these Smoked Gouda Mac + Cheese Poppers and I wasn’t sure that I was going to post about them, because they didn’t come out perfect (almost every one “leaked” some cheese whilst frying) but then I thought that that was stupid because not everything has to be perfect. And they were actually delicious, and the “leaky cheese” made them rustic anyway. I made them with smoked Gouda as a change of pace, but you could certainly make them with a sharp Gruyere or Cheddar as well. Dipping sauces are endless: this was a hot chili crisp, but a curry ketchup or spicy marinara or even an olive tapenade would be nice.
Cheddar Parmesan + Hot Red Pepper Linzer “Cookies”
These Cheddar Parmesan + Hot Red Pepper Linzer “Cookies” are actually great, except that they are pretty fragile and they fall apart easily. You can put them on a charcuterie platter, but can’t put them in a bag or box to mail. Delicious, but a little impractical. Oh well, guess I’ll just have to eat them myself.
Switching gears, the cabbage family. Big and diverse and super healthy, I decided to start off this week with a swiss chard, part of the cabbage family, taking center stage. This slab-style pie makes a great light lunch, a snack or even an appetizer. I personally also think it would be a great thing to bring to a picnic or a potluck as it can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature.
Sometimes, when it is cold like it has been this January and February — I mean, disproportionately cold! — you just want some hearty soup and this one fits the bill. Hearty, a little bit spicy (and easy to bump up the spice with additional jalapeños or hot sauce). It’s nutritious and kept me warm all evening.