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Mary

Washington, DC

I grew up on canned vegetables and processed foods. I'm trying to kick the habit by visiting the farmers market more often and cooking with whole ingredients. Basically, I'm learning to cook and learning to eat better. I'm not saying that I'll be free of preservatives, processed, or fried foods (my favorite downfall). The point is, I should be eating more arugula and other green vegetables, especially when I cook at home. We'll see how that goes. <p> This blog is about good food. I write about my experiences learning to cook, eating out, collecting cookbooks, my addiction to the food network, and how I manage to cook anything in my tiny kitchen.<br><br>Check out the arugula files in the <a href="http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/people/capitalcomment/13280.html">Washingtonian</a> and on <a href="http://amandamc.blogspot.com/2009/08/five-bites-on-friday_14.html">Metrocurean</a>.

Interests: cheese, david sedaris, macs, salt, this american life, ben folds, cooking, photography, blogging, shoes, the ocean, arugula, the new yorker, flickr, tegan and sara, farmer's markets, life of pi, purple, get your war on, malcolm gladwell, peaches, old cookbooks, vince vaughn, brussels sprouts, canning, julia child, crabcakes, mushrooms, lemons, ginger, basil, shrimp, olive oil, alice waters, ina garten, andrew bird, kale, santogold, eagle vs. shark, central, clam shacks, the splendid table, the moth podcast, my pillow, hank's oyster bar, black squirrel, lalibela, parchment paper, pyo, assateague, walking places, eatonville, dino, flight of the conchords., nava thai, fine cooking magazine, little ms. sunshine, sweet green, baja fresh, dupont circle, adams morgan, salty meats, cream pasta, big loopy earrings, glee, jade plants, jemaine clement, fried calamari, zatinya, oyamel, rasika, the city paper, tweetdeck, scallops, net news wire lite, onion dip, bedroom fans, what is the what, bastard out of carolina, jane lynch, lemon poppy seed donuts from birch and barley, canon rebel, fine cooking magazine, antique ball jars, seedlings...

Recent Activity

Radish, Chimichurri, and Butter Toast

Let's see, what do I have to say about radishes? Not much really. They are nice to throw on top of salads for a little crunch. Radish and butter toasts are delightful, but let's all admit that it has more to do with the butter, not the radishes. I've never actually purchased radishes from the farmer's market or a super market. Not even once. So last week when a bunch of radishes came in my CSA box I had to look around for radish recipes. You know what I found? Not much really. I ended up making radish and butter... Continue reading

Posted 3 days ago at the arugula files

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When it comes to herbs, I've never been that impressed by parsley. That was until I started making Chimichurri, the most addictive form of this otherwise underperforming herb. Chimichurri sauce takes minutes to make. No chopping required, just toss everything into your food processor. Make it at the beginning of the week and then add it to anything you aim to transform from bland to delicious. I've used it to top grilled hanger steak, roasted sweet potatoes, or raviolis. Careful, chimichurri – or crack parsley as I like to call it – is habit forming, and could result in periods... Continue reading

Posted 6 days ago at the arugula files

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Spring CSA: All this for $18.20 From Lancaster Fresh Farm Cooperative

My spring CSA started this week. Hopefully it will give me a bit of a push to start cooking again. I have to admit, I've been relying a lot on what I call gathering dinner: hummus, pita, left over take-out rice, a baked sweet potato. Basically, whatever is in the refrigerator. Oh look, there's a lone pickle, left in that jar. Let's eat that. Dip it in hummus. That's what's for dinner. Here's what I got this week for $18.20, a crazy bargain. 1 Bunch Green Asparagus- Creek Side Acres 1 Bunch Red Radishes- Chiques Roc Organics 1 Bunch White... Continue reading

Posted May 12, 2013 at the arugula files

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My Ugly Kitchen Floor

Modern Kitchen by Vancouver General Contractor JL Construction I know, that kitchen floor is not ugly. That's because it's not my kitchen. It's one of the dream kitchens I've recently pinned. Isn't it gorgeous and bright? Maybe I'm dreaming of a yellow kitchen? My ugly kitchen floor after the jump. Gah! It's a retro horror show. Are your eyes burning? Continue reading

Posted Apr 14, 2013 at the arugula files

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I'm Dreaming of a White Kitchen

When we first moved into our house about three years ago the orange and brown linoleum floor really bothered me. Every time I walked into the kitchen I avoided looking down. When I had friends over I would mention my disdain for the floor immediately, as if to say, yes, I know this floor is heinous looking. I had big plans to rip it up and replace it with something else. It's amazing how fast I forgot about my ugly kitchen floor when confronted with the reality of actually removing it and laying something down in its place. I moved... Continue reading

Posted Mar 25, 2013 at the arugula files

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Italian Wedding Soup

This soup is a keeper. It's light, but filling. Full of flavor (thanks to adding more dill and spinach then the recipe calls for). It can be made on Sunday and eaten throughout the week (for lunch or dinner). Word to the wise, though, if you are planning on eating this throughout the week, wait to add the orzo. Otherwise, it soaks up the liquid and your soup becomes a dish of wet orzo. The recipe is here. Continue reading

Posted Feb 17, 2013 at the arugula files

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Cooking for Josie (Oh What, Your Kid Doesn't Love Kale?)

I've thought about writing this post for a while and resisted for a few reasons. First, I'm not a Mommy blogger. This blog is my space; my hobby. But obviously Josie is a big part of my life, and these days she takes up a lot of my culinary attention. So I'm giving in by writing an occasional post about what she's eating. Secondly, I find that while I love reading Mommy blogs, especially ones that share what they feed their children (I need ideas, people!), some of them come across as judge-y. For example, a few lines from Mommy... Continue reading

Posted Feb 10, 2013 at the arugula files

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Culinary Resolutions 2013

Culinary resolutions in February? It's of a little late, I know. I realize that it doesn't speak very well of my ability to complete the list, does it? It seems from my 2010, 2011, and 2012 lists that I usually finish between 13 to 15 of my "resolutions." What does that mean for this year's list? Well, I'm only going to name 15 (instead of 25), of course. 1. Experience Omakasse (for Olga) 2. Spend the day in Frederick and eat at Family Meal 3. Stick with my CSA 4. Save enough money to buy a 5D 5. Master the... Continue reading

Posted Feb 8, 2013 at the arugula files

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Morris Kitchen Ginger Syrup Makes Delicious Moscow Mules

Woodberry Kitchen, the tastiest restaurant in Baltimore, makes a drink that's a spin on the Moscow Mule. Dubbed the Gov't Mule, it uses house made ginger beer, lime-ginger syrup, and Prairie organic vodka. I would love to recreate this drink. What's their secret? From what I've gleaned online from the mixologist at Woodberry Kitchen, "We make a spicy and citrus-y ginger beer for the drink, which sets it apart and makes it our own." Well I'm not making my own ginger beer any time soon, so instead I bought this Morris Kitchen ginger syrup and followed a recipe from Bon... Continue reading

Posted Jan 31, 2013 at the arugula files

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Elevation Burger: Grass Fed Cows and Diet Coke Options Galore

It's January. Resolution time. Cleanse time. Winter citrus time. Burger time? Probably not, but, pssst, want to go get some burgers? If you do, I highly recommend Elevation Burger. The burgers are grass fed, ground on location, cooked on a griddle, dressed with real cheese, and tucked in your choice of a soft bun (690 calories) or crisp lettuce (550 calories). There are diet coke options galore from a new age soda machine: cherry, vanilla, and many others that I can't remember. Mandarin oranges (or french fries cooked in olive oil), on the side. For vegetarians, Elevation offers a standard... Continue reading

Posted Jan 22, 2013 at the arugula files

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Delicious DC: Top Ten Bites of 2012

I must admit, I haven't eaten at every new restaurant around town, but I did make my way to a few tasty places this year. Union Market is officially my favorite place to nosh and where you can find #1, #7, and #8. Expecting expensive and boring Italian, Fiola surprised me (#2). Pearl Dive Oyster Palace offers a delicious dinner, but an even better brunch (#4). Curry Mantra is worth the drive to Fairfax (#9). I can see Rasika West End from my office window (delicious danger zone) (#10)! Craving a fast food burger, head for Elevation Burger where the... Continue reading

Posted Jan 2, 2013 at the arugula files

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Merry Christmas!

Hope you are enjoying a relaxing and delicious day with friends and family. Photo Credit: My So Called Craft Life Continue reading

Posted Dec 25, 2012 at the arugula files

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Sweet Potato and Lemon Drenched Kale Tacos

A winter CSA means I have more sweet potatoes and greens than I know what to do with. The easy solution is to roast the tubers and saute the greens and then put them in (or on) something, like this taco, for example. I'm not sure what makes a taco a taco. As I see it, if food is placed in some type of tortilla (flour, corn, wheat) then it's a taco (especially if it's sprinkled with cheese). I like to describe this dish as a taco rather than the alternative description, wrap, because a wrap sounds like bland health... Continue reading

Posted Dec 22, 2012 at the arugula files

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Styer's Garden Cafe at Terrain

A few weekends ago, Josie and I spent the night with her aunties in Baltimore. On Saturday, we had lunch at Artifact, Woodberry Kitchen's new coffee and sandwich shop and and then we shopped around our of my favorite stores in Hampden. On Sunday, we woke up and decided to take a 90 minute drive to Terrain, a stunning home and garden shop just outside Philadelphia. I have spent some serious hours pinning some of Terrain's xmas cheer and thought, yes, it's time. We need to go. So we did. I bought some napkins, a few weck jars, some fancy... Continue reading

Posted Dec 9, 2012 at the arugula files

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Foodie Xmas Gift} Homemade Granola

Handmade holiday gifts sound like a good idea until you find yourself in Santa's workshop, covered in glue and glitter, with a jewelry box that looks as if a six year old made it. Here's a gift that won't result in your DIY downfall: homemade granola. Making granola is easy. In less than an hour, with hardly any work, you will have a tasty treat to gift to your lovelies. Bonus: packaging doesn't require a hellish trip to a strip mall to wait in a long line at Michael's. All you need is an old glass jar and the new... Continue reading

Posted Dec 2, 2012 at the arugula files

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The Pontchartrain at Pearl Dive Oyster Palace is Super Tasty

One of my favorite restaurants, right now, is Pearl Oyster Dive Palace. I mean Pearl Dive Oyster Palace. I've had breakfast, lunch, and dinner there. One of my favorites plates comes from the brunch menu--The Pontchartrain. It's basically eggs benedict cajun style: poached eggs, english muffin, blue crab, tasso ham, crawfish, cayenne and hollandaise. I ask for Benton's bacon instead of the ham because when I see Benton's on a menu I must have it. It is perhaps the best brunch place in the city. You heard it here first. Thank goodness it's the weekend. Time for brunchin' So tell... Continue reading

Posted Nov 30, 2012 at the arugula files

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Lauren, You used to be able to order copperpot jams online, but the site is under construction. I will look around for you and find out!

Commented Nov 30, 2012 on Foodie Gift Guide at the arugula files

1 reply

Foodie Gift Guide

I'm addicted to Pinterest. I find everything on the internet pin-interesting. I start a board for everything. From clothes for Josie, to hip wedding hair styles for my sister. From planning my fall wardrobe, to dreaming of house remodeling ideas. Here's my foodie gift guide. {Photo: Merchant #4} Continue reading

Posted Nov 28, 2012 at the arugula files

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Foodie Xmas Gift} Grandpa Goode's Homemade Kahlua

"Careful, man, there's a beverage here!" --The Dude protecting his drink of choice, the White Russian If there is any time to indulge in The Dude's favorite drink, it's the holidays. And if you are mixing a White Russian with anything but Grandpa Goode's homemade kahlua, then you are missing out. Seriously. Who is this Grandpa Goode? My sister-in-law Denise's grandpa. That's who. According to his granddaughter, Roy Goode was a talented chemist who invented liquid soap, worked to save elephants from African poachers, won the best garden in Louisville, sang in his church choir, was a member of the... Continue reading

Posted Nov 26, 2012 at the arugula files

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Tina, My Uncle Sonny will be so happy to hear this! Thanks for commenting and check back. Mary

Commented Nov 26, 2012 on Uncle Sonny's Baked Eggplant Parmesan at the arugula files

1 reply

Halupki (Stuffed Napa Cabbage with Sweet and Sour Sauce)

Thanksgiving is over. Now it's time to plan for Christmas! First comes the decor. Have you decorated your tree yet? Marcus and I are trying to figure out how to put up a tree and protect it from Josie. All our beautiful glass ornaments. Disaster! Then comes travel? My family lives in Boston and Marcus' family lives on the eastern shore of Maryland. With a one year old, we decided not to travel on the 25th, so this year, as a way to bring our family together, we are celebrating Marcus' boyhood tradition of Ukrainian Christmas on January 7. Everyone... Continue reading

Posted Nov 25, 2012 at the arugula files

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CSA} Meal Planning

My challenge moving forward, which I don't think I achieved in the recipe selection below, is figuring out how to turn winter's best vegetables, i.e., roots and tubes, into something light, rather than heavy. If you have any ideas, please drop me a comment. Here's what I received this week on Tuesday: 1 Bag Gold Beets - Windy Hollow Organics 1 Head Baby Romanesco Cauliflower - Maple Lawn Organics 1 Bunch Celery - Organic Willow Acres 1 Bag Sweet Hakurei Turnips - Echo Valley Organics 1 Bag Purple Carrots - Elm Tree 1 Bag Watermelon Radishes - Friends Road Organics... Continue reading

Posted Nov 24, 2012 at the arugula files

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Things I'm Thankful For: Onion Dip and Oyster Dressing

My family has one dish that is always part of our Thanksgiving meal. It's not sausage and cornbread stuffing or green bean casserole with durkee onions. This dish is how we start our meal. Nope. Not shrimp cocktail. Usually we eat so much of this dish that we are completely full by the time the turkey makes its dry debut. Nope. Not mixed nuts. We eat this particular dish with chips, and while it is utterly delicious, it leaves our breath so stinky that you are damn glad you are in the company of family because no one else would... Continue reading

Posted Nov 22, 2012 at the arugula files

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Pumpkin Sweet Rolls, Plus Do You Have Smitten Kitchen's New Book?

Listen, it's not all leeks and lettuce around here. My sister-in-law Denise loves to bake and when she visits she usually brings sweets. Halloween weekend she brought these pumpkin cinnamon rolls. They were quite tasty. Not as sweet or as unhealthy as Cinnabon (they include pumpkin)! The recipe is from Baked Elements, via Smitten Kitchen. Speaking of, have you purchased Deb Perlman's book yet? I'm currently wanting a number of cookbooks and her's is on the list. If you have it, tell me, do you love it? Continue reading

Posted Nov 17, 2012 at the arugula files

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Bok Choy Ginger Stir Fry with Chicken Apple Sausage and Cashews

I've cooked bok choy before, but it's not a part of my regular repertoire. Its appearance in my CSA this week helped us get reacquainted. I really liked this dish. It's light, but filling, and packed with flavor from the ginger and garlic. Marcus also liked the dish. But I'll tell you someone who doesn't like bok choy. Josie. I fed her a little, she grimaced, opened her mouth so the bok choy fell out onto her shirt, and then, for dramatic effect, she shuddered. She prefers chocolate cake. Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Garlic, Ginger, and Scallions From Fine Cooking... Continue reading

Posted Nov 15, 2012 at the arugula files

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