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Serbian Easter Traditions: Eggs and Beyond, A Rose-Shaped Bread
The days approaching Easter were filled with excitement and anticipation for us while we were growing up in Serbia. As soon as we noticed the envelopes of different dyes and cartons of eggs waiting in...
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The Magic of Miniatures: Sauteed Kale Sprouts with New Potatoes and Garlic
A long time ago I read that baby animals are cute on purpose, to make us like them and protect them. I can’t say that I loved our several cats and dogs any less when they became fully grown, but I...
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Sweet, Crispy Puffs of Air: Basic Meringues
When I look back in time of my childhood, I have to be in awe of Mother and Njanja for all the baking they did, almost on daily basis. I cannot remember a single day that we did not have something...
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It’s Time for Bunco: Fast and Easy Cheddar Cheese Crackers
Once a month I play Bunco with a very diverse group of women. In my previous life across the ocean, I enjoyed playing cards and board games with my friends and I am still very passionate about sharing...
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Grateful for a Stocked Pantry: Couscous Tabbouleh
For a few years, we have been facing some tough times. At moments, the panic would strike and I would not be able to breathe from anxiety, helpless, ambushed by an existential crisis that completely...
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Do You Want to Cook in Italy? Introducing Vamoos Travel
Bella Italia! (photo by Vamoos Travel) If I ever win lottery, I will spend the rest of my life traveling. That is, after I donate a large sum to juvenile diabetes research, fight against cancer,...
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It’s Worth It to Me: Pan-Fried Zucchini Salad
It’s a sweltering July afternoon and even though the back door is open wide, only the scorching dry summer heat comes into the kitchen. Mother is standing by the gas stove, flipping thinly sliced...
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This One Time, at Camp Blogaway…
Happy campers! Thanks Christina and Joel for this beautiful photo! I spent the last weekend in the San Bernardino Mountains, just on the other side of Big Bear where the Technicolor blue sky meets...
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When Memories Come Alive: Butter Cookies
Ever since I started elementary school, my family spent two weeks of winter break in the mountains, where we had an adorable, miniature, and very rustic cabin. Everything we needed, we had to pack...
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The First Time Without You: Happy Birthday, Mother!
For years, June was one of my favorite months. June was like Friday for the working people, marking the beginning of a long-awaited break. Linden trees lining the streets in the neighborhood blossomed...
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Summer Fun: Chili at the Beach
Last Saturday morning, I grabbed my camera and shades, and drove south on PCH towards Huntington Beach and their 6th Annual Chili and Salsa cook-off. With the windows down, the wind tussling my hair,...
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Mother Knows Best: Words of Wisdom
Mother and Nina My blog has been alive for a little over three years, and I don’t think I have written more than a couple posts without mentioning Mother at least once. In a way, my site is a...
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Ghosts of Summers Past: Boozy Peach Compote
My sister was born toward the end of July, when the Earth spews forth its abundance, making the stalls at the markets sag under the weight of fruits and vegetables in all primary colors, throwing at...
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The Stage Is Set: Hatch Chile Season Opens
Hatch chile season is just around the corner and I cannot wait to fill my house with smoky smell of these meaty roasted New Mexico peppers. I still pursue every sale my local grocery stores have for...
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Hatch Chiles Challenge: Chile Verde with Pork
I pride myself on being an organized person who writes endless lists and plans ahead for even the smallest events. I like to know what lies ahead if I can control it, and to prepare for any...
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Bristol Farms Opening in Santa Monica
Wednesday morning, I dared the rush hour traffic on PCH heading north to Santa Monica. It was my day off and I decided to spend a part of it with a few of my blogger friends at the opening of a new...
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East to West Side Story: LA Welcomes Ramen Burger
I don’t like standing in lines. Not for a premiere movie tickets, not for the newest techie gadget, not for the sales on Friday after Thanksgiving. (Having to spend hours away from classes while...
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Summer Games: Greek Salad with Watermelon Cucumbers
I planted seven heirloom tomato plants in April. They were all different shape, color, and size. I staked them, watered them, and watched them grow and bloom to be strong, healthy, and fragrant. Some...
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Carpaccio and Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
First time I tasted carpaccio was at an upscale Italian restaurant in one of the western suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, our home town for more than a decade. It was presented on a big, narrow,...
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Dominique’s Kitchen: A Home Away From French Home
I traveled to France only vicariously, first through my parents, then through my sister and my friends, and most recently through my oldest daughter, Nina. They all brought me presents from the land...
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