John Peppin is a physician with over 30 years of clinical experience. John has published over 90 articles and books in the medical field. He has also been a home cook for most of his adult life, taking a great interest in a variety of cuisines and cooking techniques. He is a voracious cookbook reader with an intense curiosity about cuisines around the world. Wrapping and the stuffing of foods has become an overwhelming focus for John, and he has researched recipes from around the world. A self-taught home cook who loves new ways of cooking. Food, good wine and friends, la dolce vita!
The term “rissoles” derives from the French verb “rissole” which means to brown. The term has gone through extensive changes from when Auguste Escoffier used the term to describe Hors d’oeuvers or starters that were made with a brioche pastry and stuffed with a beef filling that are usually fried. The Rissole is basically a…
These rolls are easy to make and using a pasta maker and cookie cutter makes the work even easier. They are delicious and a wonderful appetizer. Variations on this recipe are legion.These are consistently listed as a traditional Estonian dish. However, many cultures and countries have similar recipes, but Estonian have claimed this dish. I…
As with most pierogi recipes the dough is not a yeast dough, but it handles well. It can be made, as can the filling, the day before and kept in the refrigerator. I love sauerkraut and make my own eating it almost every day. A very easy to make vegetable dish.* These pierogis are delicious…
It is not known exactly where the pepper bun originated, however most state it originated in the province of Fujian in the city of Fuzhou. Fujian is the closest province to Taiwan. It is thought that Fujian immigrants brought the dish to Taiwan and many of the oldest pepper bun vendors have Fuzhounese ancestry. The…
The poppy plant is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean and Middle east centuries ago. The Sumerians, Egyptians, Greeks and Roman’s harvested this seed to make oil and cakes. The first archeological evidence of use of the poppy in India dates back about 5000 years ago and in China back to 3000 B.C. Native…
These Serbian cookies are fast friendly. They are fairly easy to make and don’t take lots of time. Further they are delicious. There is very little on-line about these cookies; my inspiration, and take, comes from the very interesting book, Nistisima by Georgina Hayden, which I highly recommend. This is an unusual cookie as one…
Mughlai Paratha is a Bengali dish that is believed to originate during the rain of Jahangir 1569-1627 and the Mughal Empire. His cook Adil Hafiz Usman was from Bengal. Apparently, the monarch was tired of similar dishes being served to him day after day. He ordered his cook to develop a new dish in 10…
Ratatouille is an internationally known dish that may have originated in France. It is considered “peasant” food, but the peasants clearly had a good thing going. Nothing would go to waste, and they would use any left over vegetables to make a vegetable stew. Additionally, the vegetables were “rough cut”. This stew was first mentioned…
The best sorbet runs about 30% sugar via a refractometer. If you have one this gives you a very accurate reading, but the recipe below hits that 30% just right. Pineapple sorbet is another great dessert during the Lenten fast.
Sorbet is a wonderful dessert and during the fast a good fast friendly addition to a meal. This is an easy recipe and delicious. Plan on mixing the coconut the night before, and chill thoroughly. This gives you a much better sorbet.