peppercorns – Notes From a Messy Kitchen

Spain: Paella

Cooking Time: 2 hours

Europe

Spain

If I were on death row and given the opportunity to request one last meal, it would be paella. My dad’s paella, to be precise. So you can imagine the pressure to try to recreate it just so. In fact, the pressure was such that I waited until he was...

Johanna

Like 1

Comment

Romania: Sarmale with Mamaliga

Europe

Romania

There are many varieties of cabbage rolls popular across Eastern Europe, varying primarily by filling and sauce. You may remember, for instance, the balandeliai I made from Lithuania. Romanian sarmale aren’t all that different, although the pickled sauerkraut, bacon and dill makes it slightly more tangy and savory. This time I used...

Johanna

Like 1

Comment

Kuwait: Machboos Laham

Cooking Time: 2 hours

Asia

Kuwait

I’ve often been asked how I decide which country I’m going to cook from next. It’s usually fairly arbitrary. An ingredient I’m looking to use, a craving, a whim. This week I wanted to get back on the journey. I was researching recipes and discovered that February 25th is the...

Johanna

Like 6

Comment

Canada: Tourtière

Cooking Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Canada

You can imagine how excited I was when our Diversity & Inclusion Committee circulated an invitation for a potluck to learn more about the culture and traditions of our coworkers. You know how some people are visual learners, while others learn by reading or doing? Food is my learning style. As...

Johanna

Like

Comment

North Korea: Mul Naengmyeon

Cooking Time: 90 minutes + time for broth to chill

North Korean

We’re starting our culinary journey in North Korea, where I’d venture to guess you haven’t eaten a meal. Since foreign visitation is strictly limited, so is our insight on their cuisine. Technically speaking, I actually have been to North Korea, but we stayed within the strict limits of the DMZ and...

Johanna

Like

Comment

Ingredient: peppercorns