TLT – Eats

Smoked Fish Superfood Salad

Posted on May 19, 2013

Smoked Fish Superfood Salad

              I first discovered Leon through their cookbooks and immediately liked the concept of fast food that’s delicious and good for you. Their restaurants in the UK offer vibrant, satisfying dishes in a casual and quick setting. Great for a breakfast or lunch on the go, but just as good when you want to sit back for a while. I visited several Leons in London and loved how the Soho location (now closed, unfortunately) had a big library in the basement, where guests left (cook)books for others to browse. Me, being a real cookbook-addict, could have...

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Tuna Niçoise Sandwich

Posted on May 12, 2013

Tuna Niçoise Sandwich

              Nothing beats a good sandwich and this one is one of my favorites and always a winner. It’s my version of a pan bagnat, that delicious summery sandwich you eat in the South of France. This variation is pretty much a salad niçoise on a bread roll, a sandwich that’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or lazy picnic.     As usual, this is a recipe you can easily vary with. Substitute capers for the anchovies, add some green beans or artichokes, or use a few fresh basil leaves. Never skip the olive oil though, and don’t even think...

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Pear, Honey & Blue Cheese Crostini

Posted on May 5, 2013

Pear, Honey & Blue Cheese Crostini

                While you could just open a bag of chips (and let’s be honest: usually there’s nothing wrong with that), sometimes it’s nice to put a little more effort into a snack when you’ve got people over for drinks. That doesn’t necessarily equal more time though, as these delicious crostini will prove. This is an elegant party bite or appetizer made in minutes. It can hardly be called a recipe, it’s really more the combination of a few ingredients. A combination with great results, that is. The sweet pear is always a winning match...

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Tomato Risotto with Arugula

Posted on Apr 29, 2013

Tomato Risotto with Arugula

              While one can always invent new combinations and experiment with unknown flavors, there are certain pairs of ingredients that just work together. If you combine the two, you can be pretty much certain that satisfaction will follow. Chocolate and raspberries, sea salt and caramel, bread and cheese…these are only a few examples. And for me, rice and tomatoes is definitely another one. There is something about this combination that delivers immediate comfort, whether it’s in a simple tomato soup with a handful of rice, a side of tomato rice...

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Quinoa & Coconut Soup

Posted on Apr 21, 2013

Quinoa & Coconut Soup

                I created this soup when I was in a hurry, craved a satisfying and healthy meal, but at the same time needed some comfort and spiciness. Sounds like an impossible mission, but this soup turned out exactly right and has since made a regular appearance on my table. I guess you can compare it somewhat with a laksa: a filling soup with spicy curry paste and the lovely light creaminess of coconut milk. Substitute noodles for quinoa (it works remarkably well in a soup, since quinoa adds both texture and a nutty flavor) and you’ve got this...

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Mini Banana Oat Muffins

Posted on Apr 14, 2013

Mini Banana Oat Muffins

              While I’m not a big fan of bananas per se (although that’s nothing compared to Jeanne, who absolutely hates them), I really do like to use them in a wide variety of dishes. I love how a frozen banana thickens a shake, how a little piece of banana makes for the most creamy oatmeal and I love the natural sweetness it brings in baking. These Banana Oat Muffins are a regular in my house and these delicious mini versions might be even better. Don’t let their cute tiny appearance fool you, because these little treats are surprisingly filling....

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