Blog Feed: Umami Girl | A food blog by Carolyn Cope

Week Links: Asparagasm

Published on 2012-05-25 06:40:45

Asparagus season is short and sweet, and I can’t get enough unless I eat it practically once a day. Here are 10 of my favorite asparagus links from around the web. The only question is which one…or two…or three…to make tonight for dinner. Now that I’ve already eaten about seventeen pounds of simply prepared asparagus [...] > read more

Lemony Green Smoothie with Sorrel and Strawberries

Published on 2012-05-23 08:12:56

Hey there, modern hippies! Here’s me harnessing the power of the internet for the greater good. Ready? I’m drinking this smoothie right now. I just made it up like fifteen minutes ago. And guess what? Now you can drink it right now, too. Aren’t you psyched we’re new-school (a.k.a. fake — whaaaaat?) hippies instead of [...] > read more

Anachronism

Published on 2012-05-17 08:50:50

This is the cilantro sauce you've been waiting for. Even if you didn't know it. > read more

Books in Brief: Parents Need to Eat, Too by Debbie Koenig

Published on 2012-05-11 17:17:01

THE TAKEAWAY. Parents Need to Eat, Too is a smart, witty, dare I say indispensable resource for parents clawing their way toward their “new normal” in the months after a baby is born. A great Mother’s Day or any-day gift for expecting and recently besieged…sorry, I mean blessed…parents. THE  DIRTY DETAILS. Big batches, nap-time cooking, meals you [...] > read more

Week Links: 10 Food Blogs I’m Loving Right Now

Published on 2012-05-07 12:21:08

This week I'm debuting two new weekly columns, because I love you more than life itself and feel compelled to give you small, precious gifts on a regular basis. Also because now that I have a rad new weekly newsletter, it would be totally mortifying if I had to send it out empty. The first new column, ta-da!, is called Week Links. Each week I'll highlight 10 links from around the web that have recently caught my eye or that I've been wanting to share with you for eons. > read more

Spinach, Fava Bean and Quinoa Cakes

Published on 2012-04-26 08:19:40

This is one of those happy stories about necessity, motherhood, and invention. Don’t you love those stories? Last week we arrived home after a couple of weeks away and needed to put together a dinner before we had a chance to go grocery shopping. I said to myself what I always say in these situations [...] > read more

Deconstructed Hummus Chickpea Salad

Published on 2012-04-18 16:18:32

So. I asked my father-in-law to buy all the ingredients for this salad, and then I left the country without making it. Nice, right? That’s one reason why I’m posting this recipe today. It’s also one reason why I should probably make an effort to be a more gracious houseguest in the future — maybe [...] > read more

Farmers’ Pasta

Published on 2012-04-01 11:44:16

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Just a Loaf of Banana Bread

Published on 2012-03-27 04:30:48

I’ve been holding this post back for a few days because I haven’t been much in the mood to write. The last couple of weeks have been utterly exhausting due to a family emergency from which, thankfully, we are now well on the way to a full recovery. I slept through most of the weekend [...] > read more

Blueberry Basil Smoothie

Published on 2012-03-20 19:56:46

Hello from the wine bar at Newark Liberty International Airport, or as I feel I’ve earned the right to call it over the years, EWR. Might I recommend a glass of the Dry Creek Chenin Blanc? Some people might say I’m “extremely conservative” or “terrible at scheduling,” but I like to think that I cleared [...] > read more

Holy Split! (+ A Brand New Look for Umami Girl, and Last Week’s Contest Winners)

Published on 2012-03-05 08:04:21

Well, hello there. Welcome to Umami Girl’s new digs! I’ve been hard at work giving this space a renovation for spring, which explains both the new look and the sparseness of actual content these past few weeks. You know when you move into a new home and it suddenly feels sort of normal to live [...] > read more

In Conversation with Exceptional Women

Published on 2012-02-22 18:27:14

Pin it We’re all trying to innovate at a mile a minute these days, aren’t we? Sometimes, when I look at how quickly the world is whizzing by, I feel like I’d be happy just to breathe at a mile a minute. I keep having to stop myself from asking my friends with good organizational [...] > read more

Liquid Love: This Smoothie Should Be Your Valentine’s Day Breakfast. Trust Me.

Published on 2012-02-12 17:45:03

Ahem. It’s probably best that I not say too much about this smoothie recipe, and that you just go ahead and purchase the ingredients, blend it up, and get on with things. If you catch my drift. I will say this: if you are at all on the fence about the powers and pleasures of [...] > read more

Top 10 Super Bowl Recipes You Still Have Time to Make for Tonight’s Game

Published on 2012-02-05 07:46:20

Happy Super Bowl Sunday, if you’re into that kind of thing. I know I am. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I won’t waste your pre-game time pretending that I give a crap about football or that I don’t have to Google “Super Bowl” every single year when I write this post [...] > read more

Announcing the Winners of The China Study 10-Book Giveaway

Published on 2012-01-24 16:22:29

If you asked, I might divulge to you that I pride myself a little bit on being a confirmed non-celebrity-stalker. Alright fine, maybe I didn’t wait for you to ask. Maybe I’ve been staying up late at night thinking of ways to work that little factoid into my daily conversations. Maybe I published it on [...] > read more

Hey, 2012! Hit us with your best shot.

Published on 2011-12-30 23:42:24

Enter to win one of 10 (count em, 10!) copies of The China Study by T. Colin Campbell. This book will change -- and may even save -- your life. > read more

Purple Superfoods Smoothie

Published on 2011-12-26 16:20:55

In case you’re partaking in any actual boxing on this Boxing Day (or, sure, maybe you have other reasons to need some clean energy to fuel your gorgeous bod), here’s a purple “superfoods” smoothie that tastes as good as it looks. Blueberries and raw cacao make for a mean right hook. And, boxing or no, [...] > read more

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie on Serious Eats

Published on 2011-12-21 15:35:42

Ho ho holy crap has December gotten away from me. We are back in the States for a few weeks, and it’s been one of those times when real life has outpaced and outclassed blogging life. I guess that’s probably “healthy” and “normal” and “anti-psychotic.” Which is all well and good. But it is not [...] > read more

Mellow Cranberry Smoothie on Serious Eats

Published on 2011-11-29 21:59:56

Cranberry season doesn’t need to end with Thanksgiving. This mellow smoothie is an easy, healthful way to pack some more cranberry goodness into your life. And who couldn’t use a little mellow goodness before the December holidays arrive? Get the recipe here on Serious Eats. > read more

Lean Green Smoothie on Serious Eats

Published on 2011-11-28 17:13:10

Every day this post-Thanksgiving week, I’m contributing a healthy smoothie recipe to Serious Eats in a little miniseries called From the Blender. You know, just in case you overindulged a tad last week and feel like healthying it up in the next few days. First up, the Lean Green, which would be super hardcore health [...] > read more

From the Archives: Brown Rice and French Lentil Salad

Published on 2011-11-27 21:59:44

From the archives for the quickly dwindling World Vegan Month, a brown rice and French lentil salad and a little TMI about some self-help thing I did for like three days. Why god why am I reposting this one? Story and recipe here. > read more

From the Archives: 5 Principles of Homemade Vegetable Stock

Published on 2011-11-26 13:58:13

From the archives for World Vegan Month, key tips for making good vegetable stock at home. (Hint: don’t forget the potato peelings.) Find the story here on Serious Eats. > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: Garlic Scape and Lemon Thyme Tart

Published on 2011-07-05 14:24:11

My undying love for garlic scape pesto means that I rarely consider eating garlic scapes any other way. But I think I’ve finally come up with a worthy alternative — a ricotta tart perfumed with gently cooked garlic scapes and lemon thyme > read more

A Sweet Little Thank-You: Strawberry Tartelettes with Muscovado Sugar

Published on 2011-06-27 10:49:24

Recipe for individual strawberry tartelettes in pâte sucrée crust with a creamy, not-too-sweet filling. > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: Blueberry Overload Coffee Cake

Published on 2011-06-24 09:07:13

In the crisper this week, the perfect dessert (or breakfast!) for when you’re craving something a little naughtier than a crumble or crisp but still want to be bowled over by berries. Recipe here on Serious Eats. > read more

To my fathers, from exactly where I am.

Published on 2011-06-17 13:51:13

Father’s Day last year was the low point. That’s what we thought then. We visited Dad in his hospital room, bearing pasta salad and carrot cake from the party he was supposed to attend. We didn’t bring the girls or force ourselves t > read more

A Swedish Fetish

Published on 2011-06-14 17:42:00

Umami Girl indulges her Swedish fetish with a Smörgåstårta. Don't you wish you knew what you'd read just there? Click on through to find out. > read more

48 Hours in Portland, Oregon (as Retold on Wordless Wednesday)

Published on 2011-06-08 22:06:03

Photographs and super-secret restaurant recommendations from a weekend in Portland, Oregon. > read more

Date-Night Roasted Shrimp and Asparagus on Babble.com

Published on 2011-06-08 22:01:55

This week the popular parenting site babble.com published a nifty little feature called 50 New Recipes from the Best 100 Food Blogs. My recipe for date-night roasted shrimp and asparagus — a special-feeling but ridiculously quick and easy dish, > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: Vegetables on Vacation

Published on 2011-06-08 21:53:51

In the crisper this week: Even if you like to put your best food forward on vacation and seek out the most delicious-tasting cuisine your destination has to offer, it’s worth making room for fare that will keep you feeling healthy and energetic > read more

To England, where my heart lies.

Published on 2011-06-02 20:44:42

Before I had memories, I had nostalgia. I pined for other people’s memories. By 1990 I was 14, with no notable romantic experience under my belt (or above it, for that matter) and not a modicum of worldliness to speak of. I really, truly didn&# > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: 5 Tips for Cooking from the Farmers’ Market

Published on 2011-05-30 07:25:33

This week in the crisper: Toto, we're not in canned-sas anymore. Shopping at the farmers' market requires a few different skills than stopping by the Piggly Wiggly. Find out why you should flout your mother's advice and shop on an empty stomach, for > read more

WTF, BLT?

Published on 2011-05-12 15:14:41

Get the recipe for a BLT with avocado from Susan Russo's charming new cookbook The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches. > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: 10 Ways to Get Ready for Berry Season

Published on 2011-05-11 11:43:39

Local berry season is easy to look forward to. But since most types of berries are only ripe for the picking for a few weeks, it's also incredibly easy to miss. Luckily, with just a bit of planning, you can not only notice berry season but totally ow > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: Awesome (Herb) Sauce

Published on 2011-04-30 11:23:44

This week in the crisper, it's all kinds of awesome sauce. Learn how to turn your bunches and bits of leftover herbs into a savory salad dressing or sauce for fish, meat, tacos, you name it. Recipe here on Serious Eats. > read more

Herbed Deviled Eggs

Published on 2011-04-24 12:47:25

For the past few weeks, our toddler has been saying “Happy Sunday!” every time we sit down for a meal, regardless of the day. It’s quite nice and also a little awkward. In that spirit, we wish you Happy Easter, or happy middle of Pa > read more

The Easiest Way to Make Homemade Mayonnaise

Published on 2011-04-20 21:19:30

A recipe for homemade mayonnaise using Mark Bittman's ridiculously easy food processor method. You'll never need the store-bought stuff again. > read more

How to Make Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

Published on 2011-04-20 17:34:20

Making perfect hard-boiled eggs with bright yellow yolks and no hint of chalkiness is easier than you may think. Follow these simple steps, and you'll do it right every time. > read more

Ranunculus!

Published on 2011-04-19 09:22:17

If the name of this flower sounds like a spell from Harry Potter, that's because the ranunculus is pretty freakin magical. And that's all I have to say about that. Back later this week with something much less poisonous to eat. > read more

Demystifying the Magical Fruit

Published on 2011-04-13 21:17:28

How to cook dried beans, a recipe for refried beans to please a crowd, and another dose of the two-bit psychoanalysis you've rightfully come to expect from Umami Girl. > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: Ratatouille in Buckwheat Crepes

Published on 2011-04-13 09:13:02

In the crisper this week, a healthy and delicious vegetarian brunch dish that won't send your guests careening into diabetic coma. And don't look now, but it even doubles as a light dinner. No job is too big or too small for Ratatouille in Buckwheat > read more

The Ganache Factor

Published on 2011-04-07 09:06:02

When the ick factor of a given week rises to critical levels, your weapon of choice should be the ganache factor. Here's a fast, easy recipe for the best chocolate ganache your week has ever seen. > read more

Announcing the Winner of How to Build A Fire

Published on 2011-04-06 16:08:21

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway of Erin Bried’s How to Build a Fire And Other Handy Things Your Grandfather Knew. Your comments did not do anything to dissuade me from my love of all things grandfatherly. Some of my favorites? ̶ > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: Shrimp with Kale and Shiitakes

Published on 2011-03-30 09:46:08

Back in the crisper this week: although the whole vernal equinox situation would suggest that spring has arrived, you don’t have to be Encyclopedia Brown to know that in many parts of the country, the reality of asparagus, fresh peas, and other > read more

The Crisper Whisperer’s Edible Garden on Serious Eats: Window Box Herbs & Vegetables

Published on 2011-03-23 18:22:44

In the garden this week: Did you know you can grow not only a wide variety of herbs, but also plenty of fruits and vegetables, right outside your kitchen window? If you’re more into cooking than gardening, or if you don’t have a lot of ou > read more

A few of Umami Girl’s favorite things

Published on 2011-03-17 19:36:05

Three of Umami Girl's favorite things this week, including a chance to win a free copy of "How to Build a Fire" by the lovely Erin Bried. > read more

The Crisper Whisperer’s Edible Garden on Serious Eats: 5 Fun Theme Gardens

Published on 2011-03-15 14:56:54

In the garden this week, five fun themes to liven up your gardening experience, from a Mad Men and cocktail garden to the Italian grandma’s special. Read the full article here on Serious Eats. > read more

How-to Cope: Tell Me the One About…

Published on 2011-03-15 14:14:01

“Hey Dad, can you tell me a story about when you were little?” In our home, or more accurately in our car, the above is generally code for “Hey Dad, I feel carsick and am about to de-sanitize the driver-side head rest.” Ah, pa > read more

The Crisper Whisperer’s Edible Garden on Serious Eats: 15 Easy-to-Grow Vegetables

Published on 2011-03-11 09:57:20

This week in the garden, 15 of the easiest vegetables for beginning gardeners to grow. While your mileage may vary based on region, soil and sun conditions, and pest control, even novice gardeners often have good luck with this varied selection of ed > read more

How to Get Invited Back

Published on 2011-03-04 10:14:24

The best hostess gift ever, and a tale of fame, fortune, and deception. Also, a recipe for really good chocolate chip cookies. > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: How to Grow an Edible Garden

Published on 2011-03-03 20:39:08

This week in the crisper, the first in a series of simple how-to posts for anyone who wants to grow some of their own vegetables, fruits, or herbs this summer. Guaranteed to be easy to follow, because seriously? If I can do it, you can do it. No gree > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: Two New Cookbooks for Vegetable Lovers

Published on 2011-02-22 13:17:40

This week in the crisper, two beautiful and eminently useful new cookbooks for veggie lovers and anyone looking for simple ways to incorporate more fresh produce into a deliciously healthy diet. Read the reviews, and get the recipe for Cauliflower an > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: Grapefruit-Vanilla Curd

Published on 2011-02-17 09:57:00

This week in the crisper: Life is complicated. I like it that way. Breakfast—or, if you prefer, dessert—is no exception. And that's why I don't mind telling you that fruit curd is one of my very favorite foods, even though I hardly have any inter > read more

The House. And the Clincher.

Published on 2011-02-14 22:12:45

At long last, photos of our new and improved house. But wait, there's more. Find out why you might care about this house more than you think. > read more

How-to Cope: A Pretty Picture

Published on 2011-02-14 18:47:02

Cope and the girls explore the Google Art Project. Come play! > read more

Rosemary on Valentine’s Day

Published on 2011-02-07 20:22:04

Rosemary is believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac, due to its ability to increase circulation and sensitivity to touch. Hear from Rosemary herself, and learn how to spice up your Valentine's Day with rosemary-infused recipes. > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: Seriously Savory Nachos

Published on 2011-02-01 12:48:14

On Super Bowl Sunday, I plan to be an eligible receiver* in one way only. If you pass these nachos, I'll be sure to have my arms—and mouth—wide open. They're vegetarian and packed with vegetables, but that's utterly beside the point. When I make > read more

How-to Cope: Daddy, can we read?

Published on 2011-01-30 09:32:52

What is it about reading aloud with the little ones that seems to pay in spades? Cope shares thoughts from our family's beloved tradition of reading aloud and solicits your own thoughts and experiences. Come join the fun! > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: Collard Greens Mineira

Published on 2011-01-30 07:59:05

This week in the crisper, if you're used to braising collard greens to death (not that there's anything wrong with that!), you'll be delighted by the freshness of this Brazilian preparation. Thin ribbons of collard are cooked in bacon fat for—ready > read more

Canned Tomatoes on NPR

Published on 2011-01-22 12:57:29

Curious about the potential threats of BPA in tomato can liners? Want to know which kinds of tomatoes make the best Sunday sauce? Got five minutes? Tune in to Carolyn's interview with All Things Considered's Amy Eddings, and get the recipe for New Ol > read more

How-to Cope: What You Learn on a Trip to the Museum

Published on 2011-01-22 12:25:49

Join Cope and his oldest daughter on an adventure to meet the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, and find out why sometimes the best lessons are hiding in plain sight. > read more

Alotta Falafel

Published on 2011-01-18 22:02:38

I used to think of falafel as one of those salacious street foods that you don't bring home to your family. But making your own falafel at home is much easier and more satisfying than you might think. Click through for the full story and recipe. > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: Andrew Carmellini’s Cauliflower

Published on 2011-01-18 20:04:50

This week in the crisper, cauliflower and pears with brown butter and hazelnuts from the lovely Urban Italian by NYC chef-extraordinaire Andrew Carmellini and his writer/scholar wife Gwen Hyman. It's fancy enough for a holiday table but simple enough > read more

Reclaiming Cinnamon Buns

Published on 2011-01-15 22:05:52

To tell the truth, I'd given up on cinnamon buns. Even as overdrawn emblems of American culture go, cinnamon buns had gotten particularly out of hand. If you'd added up obesity, Texas, SUVs, the entire James Patterson canon and all of the seasons of > read more

How-to Cope: Let it Grow

Published on 2011-01-14 14:23:39

I grew up growing things. Some of my favorite memories of being little include growing alfalfa sprouts in a glass pickle jar on a window sill and running out to our asparagus field with a paring knife following a rain to collect yummy new shoots. (I > read more

How-to Cope: Welcome to Life’s Travels. We’re Stopping for Tea.

Published on 2011-01-12 12:37:57

Author’s note: Welcome. Thank you for joining me. Are you up for seeing the world? I’m a bit of a traveler. I have always tried to be, but not always for the same reasons. Life strikes me as more interesting when you can compare and consi > read more

Layla’s Lentil Soup

Published on 2011-01-11 12:48:44

How do I say this? You are *going* to try Layla's lentil soup, a humble, simple comfort food that elevates a mere...ahem...fistful of common ingredients into a healthy meal that's sure to become a regular in your repertoire. You're going to try it, o > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: 5 Veggie-Packed Frittatas to Start Your Winter Mornings Right

Published on 2011-01-11 08:33:51

This week in the crisper, the Oprah of the scrambled egg world. Five frittatas, filled with great-tasting protein and fiber, to fuel your winter mornings. Start brainstorming superhero names for yourself. You’re gonna need one. Find the full st > read more

Gourmet Cookie Book Winners

Published on 2011-01-07 09:01:36

Thank you so much to everyone who made our Gourmet Cookie Book series a great, heart-warming success. I had a terrific time doing it, so look for more content like this in the future! Congratulations to the five winners of copies of the book, all cho > read more

How-to Cope: Welcome to Life’s Learning

Published on 2011-01-05 15:23:02

Editor's note: I am, like, totally, ridorkulously excited to introduce How-to Cope, a new weekly column on Umami Girl. When I started this site back in yonder days of 2008, I had in mind to share with you not just food, but also a look into one famil > read more

The Crisper Whisperer on Serious Eats: Big Bag of Salad (a Seriously Easy Healthy-Eating Resolution)

Published on 2011-01-04 08:24:23

Happy twenty eleven! Whatever your food-related goals are this year (even if you haven't got any), there's always room for a few more fresh vegetables in your diet. That's why I highly recommend the Big Bag of Salad approach. To find out just how rid > read more