Chez Nous

Creamy Chicken and Fig Curry

My chicken and fig curry was one of the most popular dishes from our Indian dinner a few months back. My friend Gonzo, an amazing cook who occasionally cooks with me for Chez Nous Dinners, insisted that figs are not a traditional flavor in Indian dishes, but I decided to give it a try anyway!…

Chapati with Cilantro Chutney

Earlier this year, we threw a giant Indian party with almost 20 guests in attendance. It was a huge hit. Seeing the photos, my students requested Indian food for the gallery openings at Carver, and my dad requested Indian food for his birthday. I have been bringing these recipes back out regularly because they are…

French Baguettes

I started making baguettes a few years ago, but really worked on the recipe in earnest once Nico and I started dating. He loves baguette, and would probably just eat baguette with a side of orange juice everyday if I didn’t make something else for dinner. Over the past couple of years, my baguettes have…

Dark Chocolate and Orange Confit Challah and Challah French Toast with Strawberry Sauce

I feel like we all get spoiled in comfort of our own kitchens. We always keep our special staples on hand, and everything is always in its proper place when it needs to be found. Cooking in someone else’s kitchen is always a challenge, but I find it rather exciting, especially in my parents’ home. I…

Caesar Salad with Anchovies – A Meal for my Mother

Every Italian meal deserves a salad, right? This weekend, I made a Butternut Squash Risotto with Sage, and Chili Shrimp to celebrate my mom’s birthday, Mother’s Day, and another successful opera she put together with her company Belcantanti Opera. I was standing in pantry deciding on flavors and my stack of anchovy tins caught my eye….

Butternut Squash Risotto – A Meal for my Mother

I love to visit my parents and cook them a great meal! And what better excuse than Mother’s Day? How about your mom’s birthday? My mom’s happens to always fall on or around Mother’s Day. I always ask her what she wants me to cook for her, she always tells me to surprise her. This…

Chili Shrimp – A Meal for my Mother

Mother’s Day is always a double hitter in my family, since my mom’s birthday always falls within a few days of the holiday. When I was a kid, the only gift my parents would accept was a good report card, or a piece of my art, but now that I give grades instead of receiving…

Homemade Yogurt

I love to have yogurt for breakfast, but I do not love visiting the yogurt aisle at the grocery store. I am a firm believer in full fat yogurt and I like mine plain so I can avoid food coloring and artificial sweeteners. I prefer to add on some granola, fruit and a bit of…