Basics Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Culinary Concerto

Sundried Tomato and Basil Hummus

December 8, 2020August 24, 2020 by Carlotta

I’m not exactly the spelling- or grammar-police, but can be horrified by the evident lack of interest in education. Some examples I have seen recently include: On a door: Do to our recent move store is clothes. (Yes! Two embarrassing mistakes on one sign!) At Menards: Panty closet for your kitchen (Who needs an “r” … Read more Sundried Tomato and Basil Hummus

Smoky Rhubarb Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

July 4, 2020July 2, 2020 by Carlotta

Let me explain something to you: this is the ONLY barbecue sauce you will ever need. Since this is summertime and my rhubarb is still growing like crazy, it’s the perfect time to smother everything in sauce. In fact, I would quite possibly eat my elbow if it was dipped in this smoky sauce. There … Read more Smoky Rhubarb Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

Homemade Swedish Filmjölk

July 6, 2021February 7, 2020 by Carlotta

One thing I desperately miss about Sweden is being able to walk out of the grocery store with a carton of filmjölk in my hands. Filmjölk is similar to kefir, but has a little more zip and zing. It is basically cultured milk — beneficial bacteria is added to milk which makes it taste tangy, … Read more Homemade Swedish Filmjölk

Sage and Honey Throat Syrup

September 18, 2020January 7, 2020 by Carlotta

So, I’m not normally one to whine, but here goes — I’m tired of always having an irritated voice and throat. There. I’ve said it. (Although there’s less pain when typing than speaking.) Some things in life just have to be dealt with…

Italian Seasoning Blend

July 16, 2019July 15, 2019 by Carlotta

Spice blends are so simple to make at home, and allow you the freedom to adjust flavours according to your likes and dislikes.

Beef or Lamb Bone Broth

July 28, 2021February 6, 2019 by Carlotta

Miracle-working — or media hype. Trend-setting — or something your grandmother did. Bone broth has been in the health and dietary spotlight for quite a few years now. As one of the least trendy people on the planet, my name is Carlotta, and I like bone broth.

Herbed Croutons

October 25, 2019November 1, 2018 by Carlotta

What is the best way to top a salad or bowl of homemade soup? CROUTONS, of course! Using those final slices of a loaf of gluten free bread allows me to enjoy croutons without regret.

Homemade Applesauce

January 20, 2022September 22, 2018 by Carlotta

Let’s talk about apples. Autumn brings fresh, crisp air, fewer hours of daylight, bountiful harvests, and SCHOOL LUNCHES. Of course, I’m not talking about the pizza or sub buffet at the local high school these days. My type of school lunches were packed in a brown paper bag, and I liked it that way.

Stovetop Roasted Garlic and Infused Oil

July 23, 2021July 13, 2018 by Carlotta

Summer is hot. And humid. And I don’t like heat. Or humidity. But I still like to cook! And eat! Summer is the perfect time to create dishes that don’t crank up the heat in the house, making the air/con work even harder, and making this girl even crankier.

Taco Seasoning

June 29, 2019June 22, 2018 by Carlotta

As I was mixing this seasoning blend up the other day, one of my piano students came for lessons. His first words were, “Mmmm. Your house smells so good!”

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