SIA Around the World

GUYS, I MADE BUCATINI FROM SCRATCH AND IT WAS THE BEST EVER!!!! Ahhhhhh, so proud of myself! Making fresh pasta from scratch may seem like a chore but the end product is so rewarding and satisfying, especially when cooking together amongst a great group of friends. We prepared this all’amatriciana style which was a favourite dish of mine when I was in Rome. So cool to relive those memories through this dish!

Fun times were had when my friend Karen invited me over for a pasta-making party. Yes, you read that right. PASTA PARTY! We made a number of pastas including this fun little number. What happens when a bunch of food nerds combine their powers, knowledge of food, killer ingredients and wine together? You get this wonderful dish: creamy garlic, Boursin and morel fusilli. Drool.

Sorry guys, but Brazilian stroganoff is far superior than the stroganoff you might be used to. It’s far from the Americanized version and features a thick tomato-cream gravy and topped with shoestring potatoes or fries. Yeah, I’m not kidding. It’s some seriously delicious stuff. Can’t wait to try the real thing in Brazil one day!

Ahhhh…I can’t believe how fast I fell in love with this recipe. So simple, so satisfying. Pasta + cream + lemon. LOVE. This recipe demonstrates how with just a few ingredients you can make something super delicious in a pinch. Pair with a crisp glass of buttery chardonnay or a light pinot noir and grab your boyfriend…total date night material!

It’s been a while since I last made a noodle salad. The summer can get pretty hot and you don’t exactly want to down a bowl of hot broth (well, unless you’re me!). But this noodle salad is lightened and bulked up with the addition of zucchini noodles and tons of fresh herbs and vegetables. Dressed in a spicy vinaigrette, you’ll be wanting more of this all summer long.

Creating a menu for a weekend trip getaway can be tricky sometimes when you’re traveling with a group. Stick with the tried and true and go with a cream pasta. This miso cream rotini is packed full of tender cremini mushrooms and spinach - super flavourful and umami-packed. Make sure you make extra as we gobbled this up throughout the evening and onto breakfast the next morning!

You simply cannot have breakfast without eggs. Bacon and sausage I can do without but you absolutely must have some kind of hash to accompany those runny eggs! This classic rosemary hash is a complete cinch to make and is a definite crowdpleaser.

Looking for a party-pleasing salad to bring to your next picnic? Skip out on the kale slaw salad mix and opt for this super flavourful basmati rice salad. It’s packed with protein and tons of vegetables that will leave you feeling full and energized. Recipe after the jump!

Rajmaaaa, a delicious vegan red kidney bean curry. I’m not sure I know what the exact flavour of rajma masala is. I think I’ve only had a version of it once before at the Rice ‘n Spice in the food court across from my office. But the technique I used to make this curry really made it exceptional. Find out what made it stand apart from the rest after the jump!

Who is a fan of rice pudding? Not me! Er, well, it’s not something I ever grew up with or have ever craved. But when impromptu girls nights happen and the theme is Indian, you whip up an Indian-style rice pudding. I present to you: kheer.

Never thought in a million years that I’d be traveling to Wellington but of course, life trajectories happen and have lead me to this beautiful city. Wellington was the highlight of this trip to the Pacific Islands and I am glad I made the trek out there. Wellington, although small, is completely doable in a day or two. Its best enjoyed starting off the day at one of the many artisanal coffee shops, people watching by the bays and ending with a cocktail or two. One of the most hipster cities I’ve seen as a whole and I loved it all. Read on to find out why!

I have a new blog, hooray! After a long year of thinking about making this blog, I've finally taken the leap and just did it. This blog is centred around my two of my biggest loves: travel + food.