Molto Bene

I don't know what's gotten into me lately, but I am constantly craving Italian food. Last night I picked up some fresh handmade ravioli from Eastern Market and made some delicious marinara sauce with some of the different herbs and spices I had lying around.

That's one of the best things about Italy: with just a few basic ingredients that are commonly hanging around in the kitchen, you can make something delicious. If there is one thing I learned in Italy, it is that Italians never let anything go to waste. Which reminds me, I'll have to let you all in on a very basic but delicious authentic olive oil based sauce recipe from Italy. It is the first thing I learned to make in Italy, and it can be a real life saver when you want to cook something up quickly, without a trip to the grocery store.

Dino's in Cleveland Park

Style Inspiration: Sweden

I absolutely love Swedish style. Very simple, neutral colors, simple hair and natural makeup, with a little pop of color or hard leather accessories. Somehow Swedish women always seem to look like they just stepped out of an old movie, but still look modern and on-trend.


When I am contemplating a new clothing purchase, I sometimes try a test: "Will my future children laugh at me when they see photos of me wearing this?" But Swedish style seems completely immune to this type of concern. These photos from Stockholm Street Style are proof.

Don't Tell My Mother I'm in Iran

I have been taking classes in Farsi this summer and I've been enjoying it immensely. I think that the Persian language sounds so beautiful, but is even more gorgeous when it is written.


Our teacher explained to us that handwriting is very important in Iran, and those with beautiful penmanship are respected and envied. What an interesting contrast from America, where some parts of the country are opting to drop teaching children cursive altogether. I think this is very unfortunate. I realize we live in a digital age, and my own handwriting often comes out in chicken scratch scribbles, but I hope we never lose the art of a nice handwritten thank you note or a beautiful signature.


But I digress...I know many Americans only think of Iran in the terms of what we hear on the news, which is usually not a positive depiction. Rarely, however, do we have the opportunity to really see how those in other parts of the world live in their daily life.


"Don't Tell My Mother I'm in Iran" is an episode of a documentary series in which "host Diego Buñuel (grandson of legendary surrealist cinema filmmaker, Luis Buñuel) goes on a behind-the-scenes journey through regions with bad reputations." It provides a very interesting peek into the "real" Iran, vice what we see on the news! I definitely plan on watching the other episodes.

Happy Birthday, Les!

All-American Muslim

TLC released a press release today stating that they are working on a new show about five Muslim families living in Dearborn, Michigan. The television show is supposed to provide an "intimate look at their customs and celebrations, as well as the misconceptions, conflicts and differences they face." 


Apparently some people are concerned that this show will go the way of other ethnically-based reality shows, by portraying the characters as almost caricatures of their ethnicity (al la Jersey Shore). What do you think? Will this show be a good thing or a bad thing for Muslim Americans?

How To: Spot an Authentic Tapa

Tapas restaurants seem to be quite trendy lately. Perhaps its the fresh tasting sangria or the less-than-enormous portions for sharing, but I wonder: do local foodies actually know what real Spanish food is? After living in Barcelona for four months, collecting recipes from locals, wandering la Boqueria, and participating in Spanish cooking classes, I have learned a few tips that can help distinguish the real cuisine from las tapas falsas.

Paella

Paella is easily the most well-known Spanish food, and it is also known in Spain for being poorly imitated frequently. The dish come originally from Valencia, and has become the theme of every tourist restaurant in Spain. The secret is in the spice! Real paella uses saffron! Imitators resort to the cheaper turmeric...which gives it a funky after taste. If you want to be a foodie snob...ask which spice they use in their paella. (Also, paella is certainly not a tapa. It is usually served for a minimum of two guests. It just is downsized in the US to encompass into tapas restaurants' menus.)


Patatas Bravas
My favorite!! This is the second most requested tapa in Spain, yet is rarely featured on tapas menus. The best style are those from Costa Brava (North Eastern Spain) because in central Spain it tastes more like ketchup...yuck. Look for a light pink sauce or a white & red combo and you will not be disappointed.







Drinks

Everyone goes for the Sangria, so get it! Warning: if you see margaritas on the menu...run! This restaurant is dearly confused. I found few people who have even heard of a margarita in Spain and only one restaurant that sold one...a Mexican restaurant.

http://www.saffron4u.com/images/saffron_-_a_luxury_food_item.jpg
http://toothpastehangover.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/patatas-bravas2.jpg

a dolce vida

Here's a special recipe that Laur collected while studying abroad in Florence: Biscotti di Prato from the region of Tuscany. Its a simple recipe, yet looks so gourmet and classy. We made this for our older sister as a house warming gift for her new Baltimore apartment and her new husband.

Biscotti di Prato

Preheat oven to 350 F
Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

2 C Flour
1/2 C Sugar
2 Eggs
2 T Butter
1 Lemon, zested
1 T Baking Powder
Vin Santo (optional)
Additional ingredients for flavoring (almonds, pistachio, chocolate chips, etc.)




Place the flour on a smooth surface. Add the sugar sifted with the baking powder, make a well in the middle.

Add the butter cut into pieces, eggs, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of Vin Santo. Work the ingredients with your hands until well blended. Flatten, cover with your flavoring ingredients and then close the dough over them. Work until well blended.

Divide dough into 4 pieces, form each one into a log. Place them on prepared cookie tin about 2 inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven, let coo then slice diagonally (about 1 inch thick), lay on their side and bake for another 5 minutes. Let cool.

Fascinating Fascinators

We wanted our sisters bachelorette party to be classy yet fun, so instead of making tshirts or dressing her up like a drunk fool, Laur came up with the idea of Gossip Girl-esque headbands. She made them with materials from craft stores and each one was unique as the girls wearing them. When we went out, people LOVED them, particularly the headband with the elegant veil over the face for the bride-to-be.

Laur decided to make more and sell them on the Social Shoppe Etsy shop. After only a couple days, a handful have been sold!

A Special Summer Treat

Here's a fun summer snack: make popsicles! The best part is that they are simple as can be...and occasionally carry quite a buzz. We used Mikes Hard Raspberry Margaritas and used a $2 popsicle form to make these. For an added surprise, pop some fresh berries in the forms before the liquid is added.

Style Inspiration: Dubai

Dubai-based designer Rajiv Nihalani has a beautiful eye for color. The Royal Rickshaw collection of kaftans and tunics is so bright and luxurious. I feel like all of the ladies below just stepped off of some luxurious yacht.

Sorry if the photos are a little blurry. I had to do screen shots of the new collection on their website.

And a few ideas to get the Dubai-inspired look without the Royal Rickshaw price tag.

ASOS Chiffon Kaftan Dress ($60.34) Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent

Bibbed Tunic Dress ($163.00)

Forever 21 Caftan Embellished Top ($29.80) Forever 21 Sunset Caftan Top ($17.80)