Recipes By Nycnomad
10 recipes found

Walnut Sponge Cake with Spiced Coffee Syrup (*gluten free option)
I came up with this recipe many years ago while living in Spain, where walnuts and other "frutos secos" take center stage during the holidays (walnuts are my mother's favorite). It also happens to be a very convenient way to use up old baguettes while making your family and friends very, very happy! There are two versions of this recipe, one with baking soda and one without. If you leave out the baking soda, you get a dense torte like cake, while the other results in a cake that is lighter and spongier. Both are delicious and very decadent. Pleas enjoy this cake fit for coffee and nut lovers the world around!

Kiwi-Cantaloupe Popsicles
When I was a kid there was nothing quite like coming inside on a hot summer day and my mom offering me an ice cold popsicle. Orange and grape were my favorites. Of course as an adult, I try to be healthier so last summer I bought a book of popsicle recipes and a couple of popsicle molds. After trying a few, I decided that it was actually easier to just make up my own combos and this was by far my favorite. Its sweet and tart, super refreshing and I don't even feel guilty sharing with my dog, who has the last word on everything yummy in my house!

Hibiscus Raspberry Lime Tea
I love iced tea and lemonade in the summer but sometimes its nice to switch things up a little. Last summer I was addicted to a hibiscus spritzer they sold at a local restaurant. I could never quite figure out the recipe so I came up with this one. Its light, fruity, sweet but not too sweet and the color is just so happy!

Pollo Mediterraneo
There are nights when it is just too hot to turn on the oven. The summer of 2002 was one of those summers as I recall. I was living in Queens, NY in a great little 1 bedroom with NO air conditioning. The up-side was that I loved my Greek/Italian neighborhood because you could always get the best of everything Mediterranean. So its hot, you go to the fridge and what do you find; chicken, tomatoes and a jar of grilled artichokes. Huh, that almost sounds like a meal! And so it was… Quick, simple, fresh and perfect for a hot summer night, especially if eaten outside under the stars.

Sweet Potato Fries with Goat Cheese and Raspberry Sauce
Who doesn't love food trucks? Here in LA they are a way of life. They have their own Facebook pages and blogs and even have their own day of the month in Venice Beach! Well my own personal favorite was called Fresh Fries, an entire menu dedicated only to avant grade Fries. Unfortunately the truck is no longer and I have had to fend for myself in trying to recreate this most unusual late-night, ultra-indulgent food masterpiece, although to look at it you would think it more of a massacre. All I can tell you is that you have to taste it to believe it. It is the perfect balance of salt, sweet, creamy, sour mouth-watering goodness you will ever stumble upon after a 10 mile bike ride and a 5 mile hike. You have been warned :)

Poor Man's 5 minute Kugel
Growing up there was one dish that was a go to any time my father had a stomach ache or was recovering from a virus. It was his idea of Jewish comfort food. It has only 4 ingredients and has miraculous curative properties especially when eaten while lying in bed and watching TV.

Chocolate Covered Figs filled with Ganache
While living in Spain I discovered a tiny shop called Casa Gispert. They sold, among other things, the most incredible dried fruits and nuts as well as artisanal chocolates. As it was Christmas when I made this discovery, the owner suggested I try the chocolate covered figs. To my surprise, they were not only dipped in chocolate but were also filled with a rich chocolate ganache. I bought 4 and ate them on the way home. When I went back to buy some as gifts they had sold out. In an effort to spread this wonderful holiday delight, I have come up with my own version using flavored chocolate in the ganache. I like dark chocolate with sea salt, milk chocolate with cinnamon and bacon, and white chocolate with pink pepper, star anise and black cardamom.

Fennel and Radish Salad with Orange Honey Vinaigrette
I love salads but often get stuck in ruts, so I search the web for inspiration. I saw a picture of this salad, but there was no recipe included so I decided to do my best at reproducing the image and this is what I came up with, a fresh, crunchy summer salad that is light on the palate and a heavenly combination of sweet and savory.

Raw White Corn and Arugula Salad
There is nothing better than sweet corn in the summer. This is a simple salad that features this warm weather staple. I love to make it as a side for barbecues and picnics.

Macedonian Pinjur (Baba ganoush on steroids)
This recipe is based on a popular Macedonian spread/dip called "pinjur" (PEEN-jur). A blend of roasted eggplant, italian sweet peppers, tomatoes and walnuts, this dish get's its kick from pureed raw garlic. If you prefer less bite then use less garlic, but if you're like me 3-4 cloves is just right for this savory spread. The beauty of this recipe is that it's easy to prepare, very nutritious and keeps for quite a while. It is the perfect alternative to hummus, if you are looking for one. Serve and enjoy with friends!