Friday, July 19, 2013

I could definitely picture this on your Elmhurst "farm".




Thank you Erika Resnick for sending me this photo from my trip to Prague last year!!! We were sitting in front of one of many historic synagogues in the city's Jewish quarter basically just having a rest after walking all day 
Proudly Serving Zagreb, Croatia
May 9, 2012 · 
Qatar Airways officially lands in Zagreb, Croatia. We now take you on daily flights to this beautiful European city.

Baby seals or sea lions (not sure which) in La Jolla Cove, San Diego, California

I miss the seals frolicking on La Jolla beach already  — with Kosta Fourtounis.

The Serving Spoon - Constantine F.'s Review

The Serving Spoon
4.0 star rating
324 reviewsRating Details
1403 Centinela Ave
InglewoodCA 90302
Neighborhood: Crenshaw
(310) 412-3927



















Constantine F.'s Review

  • Review from

    Photo of Constantine F.
    • 2friends
    • 2reviews
    Elmhurst, NY
    5.0 star rating
     5/30/2013
    Just came back from my first ever trip to Los Angeles and went here upon the recommendation of a very nice and helpful Hertz representative at LAX.  It was after midnight, we were tired and hungry and thank God this place was still open!  I was a little apprehensive at first only because I think we were probably the only white people at this place but, I have to say that it was definitely more than worth it.  I had the t-bone steak with collard greens and cole slaw while my friend had the fried catfish and waffles with grits.  In fact I loved my friend's catfish so much I ordered another one to go, that's how good this stuff was!  It was probably the most succulent, tender and perfectly seasoned piece of fish I've ever had and I don't even like fish to be completely honest!!!  I will most definitely be coming back here on my next visit to Los Angeles and I would recommend this place to anyone looking for an authentic soul food experience!!!

Kataifi or Kanafeh with Cream Cheese from Constantinople




















There are many different Kanafeh recipes.
They range from banana, cream, cheese and nut, just to name a few.
I really love this combination, its sweet and savory just like a good dessert should be. Check out my cheese kunafa recipe for another delicious treat.

Syrup:
2-1/2 cups sugar
1-1/4 cups water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons orange blossom water

Cream filling:
1/2 cup rice flour
4 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons sugar

Pastry:
1 pound Kataifi pastry, defrosted
2 sticks (1/2 pound) unsalted butter, melted

Garnish:
2/3 cup pistachios, chopped

1. Syrup: In a small saucepan on high heat add water, sugar and lemon juice, bring to a boil then reduce to low, cook for 5 minutes. Cook until thick, like a syrup (if it becomes to thick add a small amount of water). Add orange blossom water, cool then chill.

2. In a medium saucepan on high heat, add milk. Have a whisk and gently pour rice flour into milk, whisk vigorously until there are no lumps what so ever. Add cream, mix well. Reduce heat to low and allow simmering 10 minutes, whisking through out every minute. Add sugar, set aside.

3. In an extra large bowl, add Kataifi pastry, breaking all strings apart with hands. Add melted butter over pastry mixing well with hands, until covered. In an 11-12 inch pie pan, add half of Kataifi pastry, press down. Add cream filling, smoothing out then add other half of Kataifi pastry, press down. Bake in a pre-heated 350 F oven for 45 minutes.

4. Take a sharp knife and run along pastry sides. Cover pan with plate and gently flip. Pour half of sugar syrup over pastry; reserve other half to serve at table. Garnish with pistachios.

Yields: 10 servings