Category Archives: Kwiki

Kiwi Kwiki: Grilled Eggplant with Salt and Cumin

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Years back, during a visit from Morocco, my oldest friend whipped this up in my tiny Brooklyn apartment.  I was told it is a popular side dish or snack that Moroccans will dig into with their hands – they pick up each delicate eggplant slice, dust it with cumin and salt, and take a bite.  It doesn’t need a recipe.  Slice an eggplant into rounds, grill (or sauté) until tender and then plate it next to two piles of cumin and salt.  Then, it’s every man for himself to season each bite as they wish.  Smoky, savory and delicious.  Who needs chips?

Grilled Eggplant

Eggplant with Salt and Cumin

Avocados and a Dream: “Greek”-amole

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The bag of avocados had ripened.  I didn’t have a room full of hungry people, but it didn’t matter.  I dropped all my plans and did what any self respecting person would do.  I made guacamole.  And, I knew I could experiment a bit with this Mexican staple without worrying about disappointing a purist.  I worked with what I could find in the fridge.  I had lemons, not limes.  Leftover cilantro.  A chile pepper.  And some greek yogurt… Hmmm.

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Kiwi Kwiki: Croque-Madame

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In honor of Madame Julia Child’s 100th birthday, there was croque-madame.  I’ve made this archive Gourmet recipe many times – sometimes even using farmhouse cheddar – and it has never disappointed.  I don’t think it ever will.
There is something so satisfying about watching a cheesy béchamel bubble and brown under the broiler on a rainy night.  Topped with a slow cooked fried egg, it all comes together.  Depth from the browned Gruyere cheese, salt from the ham, bite from the Dijon mustard, crunch from the sourdough crust.  Serve with a crisp salad of arugula, frisée and paper thin red onion and you’re in business.
 
 Bon Appétit et Bon Anniversaire, Madame!

Kiwi Kwiki: Heirloom Tomatoes and Burrata

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Some things don’t need a long explanation, they just deserve a “kwik” acknowledgement. Farm fresh heirloom tomatoes with burrata, basil, a drizzle of balsamic and olive oil, a dusting of salt and pepper…and Bob’s your uncle.

note: If you haven’t heard of burrata, it is a purse made out of solid mozzarella filled with mozzarella and cream.  It is as good as it sounds.