Monica Saigal Bhide's Blog, page 26

Eat Your Vegetables!

So I have to admit that I am love to eat lamb, chicken and fish but when someone like Joe Yonan writes a book about vegetables, even meat-lovers like me have to take a serious look. And, I have to say, that I am glad I did. What a treasure! Eat Your Vegetables is NOT what I was expecting. I don’t usually go ga-ga over vegetarian cookbooks. Don’t get me wrong, I love eggplants and okra just as much as the next gal but most vegetarian cookbooks (there are exceptions) focus on the same old BORING recipes again and again.. just with prettier pictures each time.

But, no, not this book. Eat Your Vegetables made me take another look at the vegetables in my life (!) and how I was using them. The first recipe I read and fell in love with was Kimchi Deviled Eggs. See what I mean now? How many vegetarian cookbooks have a recipe like this? It is bold and exciting and just so very delicious. I had some Kimchi in the fridge that I had purchased from the FRESHFARM market at the White House and the recipe could not have been easier. I actually made it and ate it all in one sitting. Yep, did not leave a single one for my husband or my kids.

Another recipe that I tried (and yes, this one I shared) was the marinated and baked tofu. This has become quite a hit in our house. The tofu is marinated in a superb marinade of ginger, sesame oil, Sriracha (need I say more?) and other ingredients. It is simple terrific and you should buy the book to get the recipe. Trust me on this, it is worth every penny.

**** BUY NOW****

Kimchi Deviled Eggs

So I have to admit that I am love to eat lamb, chicken and fish but when someone like Joe Yonan writes a book about vegetables, even meat-lovers like me have to take a serious look. And, I have to say, that I am glad I did. What a treasure! Eat Your Vegetables is NOT [...]

Jobs for food lovers

I think I get at least 10 letters a week if not more from people who say they love food. The letters are usually long and detail their love of food, their childhood dreams of cooking, of traveling to see the food culture of the world. Some letters are emotional, some are business-like, some letters [...]

Baking by hand (yes, it can be done!)

I am not a baker. Baking is just not something I grew up with. Now combine this lack of baking talent with a slew of baking appliances that look and sound intimidating and you have me – the intimidated baker! (I usually stay away from anything that requires high-flying appliances anyway so I know any [...]

This year: it is all about getting- Diwali 2013

Each year I write about Diwali, the glorious Indian festival of Lights, and mention the legend behind the festival, the meaning of the festival and, of course, how it is about celebrating the win of good over evil. I always tell my kids how fortunate we are and that for Diwali, we should practice giving. [...]

Spooky Spices

I love Lisa Rogak and when she told me she was bringing back her book,Death Warmed Over: Funeral Food, Rituals, and Customs From Around the World, I had to ask for a guest post. Her new e-book teams up two subjects that fascinate almost everyone: food and death. “Filled with historical background and recipes for 75 [...]

Behind the book: Latin American Street Food

I have always admired  Sandra Gutierrez for her books, her recipes and her style. I have talked about her first book to everyone I know. Sandra is full of great information and her books are a delight to read. I was thrilled when I received her new book in the mail a few weeks ago. [...]

Where in the world is Monica?

Come join me! NEW EVENTS ADDED 1. Sept 17-21 — Coach in residence at AFJ conference in Utah. 2. October 9th at 7:00 pm – Signing copies of Modern Spice and cooking up samples in Arlington One More Page Books 2200 N. Westmoreland Street #101 Arlington, VA 22213 703-300-9746 www.onemorepagebooks.com 3. October 26th –  Teaching [...]

Fasting (or not) for love

Growing up, this is the woman I wanted to be: newly married, draped in a red saree sparkling with gold and silver, heart full of love, stomach full of nothing. Once a year, married Hindu women from northern India observe a religious ritual called Karva Chauth. They fast all day, taking no food or even [...]

Behind the book: Bong Mom’s Cookbook

This post is late and it is my fault! I was just leaving for India when Bong Mom sent me her new book – Bong Mom’s Cookbook.  (Well, she not only sent me her book but a small collection of her home-made spice mixes. To say that they smelled divine would be an understatement!) I [...]