Hi Friends,

I had the pleasure of doing some recipe testing for Samin Nosrat, a Chez Panisse Chef Alum. She was featured with Michael Pollan in the book( and series) Cooked. She also teaches her series: Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat at 18 reasons cooking school in San Francisco, where I had the pleasure of meeting her.  My husband Matt & I met in cooking school almost twelve years ago so last year in celebration of our first meeting, I set up a class with Chef Samin. It was so much fun. She taught us how to make a beautiful plum tart. We taste tested olive oil and sat down to a beautiful meal of nicoise salad and more. It was such a great way to relive our anniversary;  meeting each other when we were young and less sleep deprived due to having children 🙂

Samin’s book will be coming out sometime next year so keep an eye out. You can follow her on Instagram at ciaosamin or on her blog at http://www.ciasamin.com.  The recipes I tested were perfectly balanced with a unique blend of traditional Persian flavors.  The first picture (shown above) is for a Kumquat vinaigrette. I was very excited to test this recipe because I have been obsessed with kumquats this season. I’ve been eating them chopped in salads and on their own. I just love their tart and sweet flavor combination!  I can’t mention what was in any of these shots but all I can say is that you will not be disappointed.

North African Chermoula

Persian Beet Yogurt