Emily C, Author at falafelandcaviar.com Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:14:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Cookware: Where to Skimp & Where to Splurge https://falafelandcaviar.com/cookware-where-to-skimp-where-to-splurge/ Fri, 03 Nov 2023 08:41:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=18484 For chopping, baking, sauteing and more, keeping your kitchen well-stocked with a range of cooking tools is an essential part of being able to prepare a wide variety of dishes. That said, the cost of purchasing an entire kitchen’s worth of supplies can add up quickly, with even relatively basic items often coming with a […]

The post Cookware: Where to Skimp & Where to Splurge appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> For chopping, baking, sauteing and more, keeping your kitchen well-stocked with a range of cooking tools is an essential part of being able to prepare a wide variety of dishes. That said, the cost of purchasing an entire kitchen’s worth of supplies can add up quickly, with even relatively basic items often coming with a substantial price tag.

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend big bucks on top-of-the-line versions of everything to create delicious food. Read on to learn more about which kitchen tools are okay to skimp on and which are worth the splurge.

Splurge 

Pots & Pans

Pots and pans are essential for the vast majority of kitchen tasks, so if you can only afford to splurge on one thing, we recommend going for a well-made set of cookware. Look for pieces with thick, multi-layered bottoms, as these allow for more even heat distribution. Once you’ve chosen your cookware, research and follow the care instructions to keep it in top working condition for as long as possible.

Knives

Investing in sharp, high-quality blades won’t only make meal prep more enjoyable, it will also help prevent injuries and accidents in the kitchen. Look for knives with forged blades and comfortable, ergonomic handles, as these are designed to allow for more precision and control.

Skimp

Baking Sheets

Baking sheets are necessary for many dishes that involve roasting and baking, but the difference between high-end sheets and more affordable options is actually pretty minimal. Look for baking sheets with a non-stick coating, or use a silicone mat for easy cleanup and to keep your baking sheets looking like new.

The post Cookware: Where to Skimp & Where to Splurge appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Fun Twists on Cinnamon Buns to Try This Season https://falafelandcaviar.com/fun-twists-on-cinnamon-buns-to-try-this-season/ Sat, 21 Oct 2023 16:35:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=18377 Cinnamon buns are a breakfast staple that we look forward to enjoying on holiday mornings every year. They’re warm, gooey, and the perfect way to cozy up on cold, snowy mornings or whenever we’re in the mood for a seasonal indulgence. While they’re also undeniably delicious in their original form, sometimes it’s fun to mix […]

The post Fun Twists on Cinnamon Buns to Try This Season appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Cinnamon buns are a breakfast staple that we look forward to enjoying on holiday mornings every year. They’re warm, gooey, and the perfect way to cozy up on cold, snowy mornings or whenever we’re in the mood for a seasonal indulgence. While they’re also undeniably delicious in their original form, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up with different flavors and fillings. Here are a few we especially love.

Cookies & Cream Cinnamon Rolls

If you like Oreos, you have to try this recipe by French food blogger Alice Pagès. Chocolate brioche buns serve as a fun substitute for the outside part of the cookie, while a rich macadamia nut cream makes for a healthier alternative to the iconic cream filling. It’s also 100% plant-based, so it’s a great choice for vegans or anyone searching for a lighter option. 

Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

“Best” is a bold claim, but in typical Ambitious Kitchen form, the recipe delivers. Made with fresh pumpkin and plenty of pumpkin spice, these rolls have a warm, comforting flavor that will feel right at home on any holiday table. You can even batch prepare them and freeze to have on hand all season long—trust us, you’ll want to.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Larisha and Andrew at Make it Dairy Free are masters when it comes to creating unique and tasty cinnamon rolls, and their Dark Chocolate Cherry recipe is no exception. Perfectly sweet and chocolaty with a tangy cherry frosting, they’re our go-to whenever we’ve had enough cinnamon but still want something indulgent for breakfast.

The post Fun Twists on Cinnamon Buns to Try This Season appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> How to Choose the Right Pasta for Your Sauce https://falafelandcaviar.com/how-to-choose-the-right-pasta-for-your-sauce/ Wed, 19 Apr 2023 08:10:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=17734 Pasta is an incredibly versatile food consumed all over the world. But with so many different shapes and textures to choose from, it can be tough to know which pasta shape to use for each type of sauce. Not all pastas are created equal and some pair better with certain sauces than others. The texture […]

The post How to Choose the Right Pasta for Your Sauce appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Pasta is an incredibly versatile food consumed all over the world. But with so many different shapes and textures to choose from, it can be tough to know which pasta shape to use for each type of sauce. Not all pastas are created equal and some pair better with certain sauces than others. The texture and shape of a particular pasta as well as the consistency of a sauce are all important factors to consider. If you’re looking to up your pasta game, here are some tips on how to pair your pasta with the perfect sauce every time.

Tomato Sauces

For sauces like marinara, Pomodoro, or arrabbiata, you want to choose pasta with ridges or nooks and crannies that will help hold onto the sauce. Shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni will catch chunks of tomato and bits of garlic and herbs, making sure every bite is bursting with flavor.

Cream Sauces

For cream-based sauces like alfredo or carbonara, long, ribbon-like pasta are the gold standard. The smooth surface of pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or pappardelle creates space for the sauce to coat every strand, ensuring you end up with a creamy, decadent dish.

Oil-Based Sauces

Choose a light pasta for oil-based sauces, such as aglio e olio or pesto. Thin strands of angel hair or spaghetti will allow the flavors of the olive oil, garlic, and herbs to shine through without overwhelming the dish.

The post How to Choose the Right Pasta for Your Sauce appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Spice Up Your Cooking With These Spice Blends From Minimalist Baker https://falafelandcaviar.com/spice-up-your-cooking-with-these-spice-blends-from-minimalist-baker/ Sat, 15 Apr 2023 08:34:04 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=17716 Just a pinch of the right spices can take a bland dish and transform it into a culinary masterpiece. However, pre-mixed spice blends can be expensive and may not always cater to your individual preferences. While it may seem intimidating, creating your own spice blends is actually quite simple and a great way to save […]

The post Spice Up Your Cooking With These Spice Blends From Minimalist Baker appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Just a pinch of the right spices can take a bland dish and transform it into a culinary masterpiece. However, pre-mixed spice blends can be expensive and may not always cater to your individual preferences. While it may seem intimidating, creating your own spice blends is actually quite simple and a great way to save money in the kitchen. You can certainly play around with whatever spices you have on hand, but if you’re in need of some inspiration, Minimalist Baker has some versatile, flavorful recipes that are a great place to start. Here are a few we especially love.

Everything Bagel Seasoning

Good for so much more than just bagels, this blend adds salty, savory punch to anything it’s sprinkled on. It’s based on Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Seasoning and is easy to throw together in just a few minutes. We love it on avocado toast or even over Asian dishes.

5-Minute Caffeine-Free Chai Spice Mix

Chai means tea, and while this recipe was technically created as a drink mix to be served with some steamed milk, we’ve found it makes a lovely addition to curries and even baked goods. Cinnamon and cardamom provide warmth and comfort, while ginger and black pepper add a flavorful kick.

Tandoori Masala Spice Mix

For beans, tofu, veggies, and more, we love this zix-ingredient, Indian-inspired blend. Masala is a Hindi and Urdu word used to describe a mixture of ground spices. The spices in this recipe create a zesty, smoky flavor, but there is no set definition of what a masala needs to include. Feel free to play around with the ratios and experiment with each spice.

The post Spice Up Your Cooking With These Spice Blends From Minimalist Baker appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Everything Onions: A Complete Guide to This Culinary Staple https://falafelandcaviar.com/everything-onions-a-complete-guide-to-this-culinary-staple/ Fri, 19 Aug 2022 08:57:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=16870 Onions are one of, if not the most important ingredients to have on hand when it comes to preparing almost any recipe. They’re incredibly versatile and are considered essential in culinary cultures around the world, and for good reason. It’s hard to go wrong when cooking with onions—heated with a little oil or butter and […]

The post Everything Onions: A Complete Guide to This Culinary Staple appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Onions are one of, if not the most important ingredients to have on hand when it comes to preparing almost any recipe. They’re incredibly versatile and are considered essential in culinary cultures around the world, and for good reason.

It’s hard to go wrong when cooking with onions—heated with a little oil or butter and salt, they can lend a complex sweetness to any dish that they’re a part of. Raw onions have a spicy bite that very few other ingredients can bring. With so many different types to choose from, it can be tricky to know which variety to use when. We’ve created a guide to help clear things up so you’ll always know which onion to choose.

Yellow Onions

Yellow onions are typically considered to be the most flavorful and work best when cooked in dishes like soups and stews. They’re a great “all-around” onion that you can’t go wrong adding to any hearty dish. 

Red Onions

Red onions have a light, peppery flavor that’s generally lighter than other onion varieties. As a result, they can be added raw to everything from salads to salsas. They’re also delicious when pickled with a little white wine vinegar.

White Onions

White onions are the blue jeans of the culinary world—they’re incredibly versatile and can fit in almost anywhere. Feeling fancy? Heat them slowly with some butter and salt to create golden caramelized onions. In the mood for something casual? Chop them up and throw them in some guacamole to enjoy with tortilla chips. 

The post Everything Onions: A Complete Guide to This Culinary Staple appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> This Lawyer-Turned-Food Blogger is Giving Classic Indian Dishes a Whole New Life https://falafelandcaviar.com/this-lawyer-turned-food-blogger-is-giving-classic-indian-dishes-a-whole-new-life/ Sun, 14 Aug 2022 16:53:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=16852 Nisha Vora of Rainbow Plant Life is one of the most popular vegan food bloggers on the internet, but she hasn’t always been able to make such a claim. After a few years of working as a lawyer, she decided corporate life wasn’t for her and began following her passion for cooking. She started her […]

The post This Lawyer-Turned-Food Blogger is Giving Classic Indian Dishes a Whole New Life appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Nisha Vora of Rainbow Plant Life is one of the most popular vegan food bloggers on the internet, but she hasn’t always been able to make such a claim. After a few years of working as a lawyer, she decided corporate life wasn’t for her and began following her passion for cooking. She started her blog in 2016, went on to develop a cookbook three years later, and the rest is history.

As the daughter of Indian immigrants, many of the recipes she develops are based on the dishes she ate growing up, reinvented for a plant-based audience. Her blog is one of our go-to sites whenever we’re in search of new fresh, flavor-packed recipes to try. Here are a few of our favorites.

Braised Indian Chickpea Stew

Hearty, warm, and filled with vegetables, this dish has something for everyone. It takes time to prepare and the ingredient list is a bit long, but trust us—it’s worth it. 

Image via rainbowplantlife/Instagram

Red Lentil Curry

We’ve made this dish more times than we can count. Packed with protein-rich red lentils and a blend of warm spices, it’s perfect served over rice or alongside her homemade naan recipe. 

Image via rainbowplantlife/Instagram

Vegan Palak Paneer

Who’d have guessed spinach could be so delicious? Vora substitutes paneer, an Indian cottage cheese, with tofu while retaining all of the intricate flavors of this traditional recipe. 

Image via rainbowplantlife/Instagram

The post This Lawyer-Turned-Food Blogger is Giving Classic Indian Dishes a Whole New Life appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> ersion="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> Emily C, Author at falafelandcaviar.com Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:14:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Cookware: Where to Skimp & Where to Splurge https://falafelandcaviar.com/cookware-where-to-skimp-where-to-splurge/ Fri, 03 Nov 2023 08:41:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=18484 For chopping, baking, sauteing and more, keeping your kitchen well-stocked with a range of cooking tools is an essential part of being able to prepare a wide variety of dishes. That said, the cost of purchasing an entire kitchen’s worth of supplies can add up quickly, with even relatively basic items often coming with a […]

The post Cookware: Where to Skimp & Where to Splurge appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> For chopping, baking, sauteing and more, keeping your kitchen well-stocked with a range of cooking tools is an essential part of being able to prepare a wide variety of dishes. That said, the cost of purchasing an entire kitchen’s worth of supplies can add up quickly, with even relatively basic items often coming with a substantial price tag.

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend big bucks on top-of-the-line versions of everything to create delicious food. Read on to learn more about which kitchen tools are okay to skimp on and which are worth the splurge.

Splurge 

Pots & Pans

Pots and pans are essential for the vast majority of kitchen tasks, so if you can only afford to splurge on one thing, we recommend going for a well-made set of cookware. Look for pieces with thick, multi-layered bottoms, as these allow for more even heat distribution. Once you’ve chosen your cookware, research and follow the care instructions to keep it in top working condition for as long as possible.

Knives

Investing in sharp, high-quality blades won’t only make meal prep more enjoyable, it will also help prevent injuries and accidents in the kitchen. Look for knives with forged blades and comfortable, ergonomic handles, as these are designed to allow for more precision and control.

Skimp

Baking Sheets

Baking sheets are necessary for many dishes that involve roasting and baking, but the difference between high-end sheets and more affordable options is actually pretty minimal. Look for baking sheets with a non-stick coating, or use a silicone mat for easy cleanup and to keep your baking sheets looking like new.

The post Cookware: Where to Skimp & Where to Splurge appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Fun Twists on Cinnamon Buns to Try This Season https://falafelandcaviar.com/fun-twists-on-cinnamon-buns-to-try-this-season/ Sat, 21 Oct 2023 16:35:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=18377 Cinnamon buns are a breakfast staple that we look forward to enjoying on holiday mornings every year. They’re warm, gooey, and the perfect way to cozy up on cold, snowy mornings or whenever we’re in the mood for a seasonal indulgence. While they’re also undeniably delicious in their original form, sometimes it’s fun to mix […]

The post Fun Twists on Cinnamon Buns to Try This Season appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Cinnamon buns are a breakfast staple that we look forward to enjoying on holiday mornings every year. They’re warm, gooey, and the perfect way to cozy up on cold, snowy mornings or whenever we’re in the mood for a seasonal indulgence. While they’re also undeniably delicious in their original form, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up with different flavors and fillings. Here are a few we especially love.

Cookies & Cream Cinnamon Rolls

If you like Oreos, you have to try this recipe by French food blogger Alice Pagès. Chocolate brioche buns serve as a fun substitute for the outside part of the cookie, while a rich macadamia nut cream makes for a healthier alternative to the iconic cream filling. It’s also 100% plant-based, so it’s a great choice for vegans or anyone searching for a lighter option. 

Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

“Best” is a bold claim, but in typical Ambitious Kitchen form, the recipe delivers. Made with fresh pumpkin and plenty of pumpkin spice, these rolls have a warm, comforting flavor that will feel right at home on any holiday table. You can even batch prepare them and freeze to have on hand all season long—trust us, you’ll want to.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Larisha and Andrew at Make it Dairy Free are masters when it comes to creating unique and tasty cinnamon rolls, and their Dark Chocolate Cherry recipe is no exception. Perfectly sweet and chocolaty with a tangy cherry frosting, they’re our go-to whenever we’ve had enough cinnamon but still want something indulgent for breakfast.

The post Fun Twists on Cinnamon Buns to Try This Season appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> How to Choose the Right Pasta for Your Sauce https://falafelandcaviar.com/how-to-choose-the-right-pasta-for-your-sauce/ Wed, 19 Apr 2023 08:10:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=17734 Pasta is an incredibly versatile food consumed all over the world. But with so many different shapes and textures to choose from, it can be tough to know which pasta shape to use for each type of sauce. Not all pastas are created equal and some pair better with certain sauces than others. The texture […]

The post How to Choose the Right Pasta for Your Sauce appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Pasta is an incredibly versatile food consumed all over the world. But with so many different shapes and textures to choose from, it can be tough to know which pasta shape to use for each type of sauce. Not all pastas are created equal and some pair better with certain sauces than others. The texture and shape of a particular pasta as well as the consistency of a sauce are all important factors to consider. If you’re looking to up your pasta game, here are some tips on how to pair your pasta with the perfect sauce every time.

Tomato Sauces

For sauces like marinara, Pomodoro, or arrabbiata, you want to choose pasta with ridges or nooks and crannies that will help hold onto the sauce. Shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni will catch chunks of tomato and bits of garlic and herbs, making sure every bite is bursting with flavor.

Cream Sauces

For cream-based sauces like alfredo or carbonara, long, ribbon-like pasta are the gold standard. The smooth surface of pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or pappardelle creates space for the sauce to coat every strand, ensuring you end up with a creamy, decadent dish.

Oil-Based Sauces

Choose a light pasta for oil-based sauces, such as aglio e olio or pesto. Thin strands of angel hair or spaghetti will allow the flavors of the olive oil, garlic, and herbs to shine through without overwhelming the dish.

The post How to Choose the Right Pasta for Your Sauce appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Spice Up Your Cooking With These Spice Blends From Minimalist Baker https://falafelandcaviar.com/spice-up-your-cooking-with-these-spice-blends-from-minimalist-baker/ Sat, 15 Apr 2023 08:34:04 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=17716 Just a pinch of the right spices can take a bland dish and transform it into a culinary masterpiece. However, pre-mixed spice blends can be expensive and may not always cater to your individual preferences. While it may seem intimidating, creating your own spice blends is actually quite simple and a great way to save […]

The post Spice Up Your Cooking With These Spice Blends From Minimalist Baker appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Just a pinch of the right spices can take a bland dish and transform it into a culinary masterpiece. However, pre-mixed spice blends can be expensive and may not always cater to your individual preferences. While it may seem intimidating, creating your own spice blends is actually quite simple and a great way to save money in the kitchen. You can certainly play around with whatever spices you have on hand, but if you’re in need of some inspiration, Minimalist Baker has some versatile, flavorful recipes that are a great place to start. Here are a few we especially love.

Everything Bagel Seasoning

Good for so much more than just bagels, this blend adds salty, savory punch to anything it’s sprinkled on. It’s based on Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Seasoning and is easy to throw together in just a few minutes. We love it on avocado toast or even over Asian dishes.

5-Minute Caffeine-Free Chai Spice Mix

Chai means tea, and while this recipe was technically created as a drink mix to be served with some steamed milk, we’ve found it makes a lovely addition to curries and even baked goods. Cinnamon and cardamom provide warmth and comfort, while ginger and black pepper add a flavorful kick.

Tandoori Masala Spice Mix

For beans, tofu, veggies, and more, we love this zix-ingredient, Indian-inspired blend. Masala is a Hindi and Urdu word used to describe a mixture of ground spices. The spices in this recipe create a zesty, smoky flavor, but there is no set definition of what a masala needs to include. Feel free to play around with the ratios and experiment with each spice.

The post Spice Up Your Cooking With These Spice Blends From Minimalist Baker appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Everything Onions: A Complete Guide to This Culinary Staple https://falafelandcaviar.com/everything-onions-a-complete-guide-to-this-culinary-staple/ Fri, 19 Aug 2022 08:57:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=16870 Onions are one of, if not the most important ingredients to have on hand when it comes to preparing almost any recipe. They’re incredibly versatile and are considered essential in culinary cultures around the world, and for good reason. It’s hard to go wrong when cooking with onions—heated with a little oil or butter and […]

The post Everything Onions: A Complete Guide to This Culinary Staple appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Onions are one of, if not the most important ingredients to have on hand when it comes to preparing almost any recipe. They’re incredibly versatile and are considered essential in culinary cultures around the world, and for good reason.

It’s hard to go wrong when cooking with onions—heated with a little oil or butter and salt, they can lend a complex sweetness to any dish that they’re a part of. Raw onions have a spicy bite that very few other ingredients can bring. With so many different types to choose from, it can be tricky to know which variety to use when. We’ve created a guide to help clear things up so you’ll always know which onion to choose.

Yellow Onions

Yellow onions are typically considered to be the most flavorful and work best when cooked in dishes like soups and stews. They’re a great “all-around” onion that you can’t go wrong adding to any hearty dish. 

Red Onions

Red onions have a light, peppery flavor that’s generally lighter than other onion varieties. As a result, they can be added raw to everything from salads to salsas. They’re also delicious when pickled with a little white wine vinegar.

White Onions

White onions are the blue jeans of the culinary world—they’re incredibly versatile and can fit in almost anywhere. Feeling fancy? Heat them slowly with some butter and salt to create golden caramelized onions. In the mood for something casual? Chop them up and throw them in some guacamole to enjoy with tortilla chips. 

The post Everything Onions: A Complete Guide to This Culinary Staple appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> This Lawyer-Turned-Food Blogger is Giving Classic Indian Dishes a Whole New Life https://falafelandcaviar.com/this-lawyer-turned-food-blogger-is-giving-classic-indian-dishes-a-whole-new-life/ Sun, 14 Aug 2022 16:53:00 +0000 https://falafelandcaviar.com/?p=16852 Nisha Vora of Rainbow Plant Life is one of the most popular vegan food bloggers on the internet, but she hasn’t always been able to make such a claim. After a few years of working as a lawyer, she decided corporate life wasn’t for her and began following her passion for cooking. She started her […]

The post This Lawyer-Turned-Food Blogger is Giving Classic Indian Dishes a Whole New Life appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]> Nisha Vora of Rainbow Plant Life is one of the most popular vegan food bloggers on the internet, but she hasn’t always been able to make such a claim. After a few years of working as a lawyer, she decided corporate life wasn’t for her and began following her passion for cooking. She started her blog in 2016, went on to develop a cookbook three years later, and the rest is history.

As the daughter of Indian immigrants, many of the recipes she develops are based on the dishes she ate growing up, reinvented for a plant-based audience. Her blog is one of our go-to sites whenever we’re in search of new fresh, flavor-packed recipes to try. Here are a few of our favorites.

Braised Indian Chickpea Stew

Hearty, warm, and filled with vegetables, this dish has something for everyone. It takes time to prepare and the ingredient list is a bit long, but trust us—it’s worth it. 

Image via rainbowplantlife/Instagram

Red Lentil Curry

We’ve made this dish more times than we can count. Packed with protein-rich red lentils and a blend of warm spices, it’s perfect served over rice or alongside her homemade naan recipe. 

Image via rainbowplantlife/Instagram

Vegan Palak Paneer

Who’d have guessed spinach could be so delicious? Vora substitutes paneer, an Indian cottage cheese, with tofu while retaining all of the intricate flavors of this traditional recipe. 

Image via rainbowplantlife/Instagram

The post This Lawyer-Turned-Food Blogger is Giving Classic Indian Dishes a Whole New Life appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

]]>