A few days ago, I was at Brixton Market, for my weekly fish and vegetable shopping. While I was waiting in line to buy kale from my favourite vender (a very aggressive, yet often also surprisingly polite woman in her late 30s), I spotted an array of heaping bowls of brussels sprouts on her stall. [READ MORE]
Tomorrow is Bonfire Night; I find the story behind this anniversary fascinating and I can think of few things as exciting and pretty as a mid-week firework-filled night. This year, the mild weather makes me anticipate the 5th of November even more: it means that I can watch the fireworks dressed nicely and looking cool and collected- as opposed to previous years, where I looked like a shivering, grumpy overstuffed sausage. [READ MORE]
Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, research scientist and practising psychologist, from Canada & Cyprus, lives in London
When I first met Linda, a few years ago, I had no idea who she was; I only knew her as the soft-spoken mom of Jessie, the most awe-inspiring 7-year old I had ever met. I admired how sweet, peaceful and easy-going she always seemed and was happy (but not surprised) to see that her soft demeanour also comes across in the articles she writes for various publications. After reading a specific piece she did for Cosmopolitan a few months ago, where she discussed women’s relationship with food, I could not wait to ask her more about it and also pick her brain regarding issues related to body image. [READ MORE]
Even though I’m not at all a fussy eater, I rarely eat meat. It’s not that I don’t like it, but I usually find myself gravitating more towards vegetable or fish when cooking and eating out. The way I eat and cook has been greatly influenced by my parents’ dietary habits: while I was exposed from very early on to various cuisines and ingredients, meat was never on top of the list of foods we’d have, either at home or out. [READ MORE]
Mashed potatoes is one of these dishes, that can easily go from spectacular to ‘what-the-hell-is-this-I’m-eating’. I mean, it’s not terribly exciting, appearance and texture-wise, but at the same time, just because it is so plain in its main ingredients, it allows for lots of improvisation and additions. [READ MORE]
A big part of why I love Halloween so much has to do with the whole extravagance of it: the spooky decoration, the decadent food, the dressing up- I love all of it, even though it is highly commercialised. Another, equally significant reason, is the initial idea behind it: celebrating and honouring the dead. [READ MORE]
Pumpkins must be my favourite autumnal ingredient; growing up, we’d usually cook with the squashes from our garden, but ever since I moved to London, it seems like I’m discovering a new kind of pumpkin every year. I love the variety in shapes and colours, how durable they are, as well as their versatility: soups, quiches, pies, cheesecakes- I’ve incorporating pumpkin in so many dishes, and I still can’t get enough. [READ MORE]
The end of summer always leaves me with bittersweet emotions: while I don’t want to let go of the hot temperatures, smell of sunscreen, warm starry nights and the overall easiness of the season, I long for the first signs of fall. I ‘m always happy to see the sidewalks filled with colourful falling leaves and to try new comfort recipes featuring autumnal produce. Most of all, I can’t wait for Halloween. [READ MORE]
Pancakes are my favourite leisurely breakfast; easy and quick to prepare, versatile, sweet or savoury, I love them all. I usually make them on Sunday- after I come back from the gym (I believe counter-productive is the word you’re looking for here). [READ MORE]
I love family gatherings around the table; I love them even when I hate them, you know what I mean? I don’t know what your family is like, but mine is LOUD. And opinionated. And LOUD. Our meals together consist of tenderness and eagerness to have interesting, calm conversations- from my parents’ side; also, of snarky comments and pointless arguments, followed by emotional make ups- from mine and my sister’s side. I grew up thinking that all families had similar meals; and I was very surprised to discover that, in fact, they don’t.