Dear Urban Cookery, I have been a terrible, terrible slacker lately and have not contributed any sort of content to you in forever… but I can explain… While Urban Cookery was born and created in New York City, we have since moved to Princeton, New Jersey (cue horror music). After 13.5 years living in my beloved NYC, it was time to move out, and get a taste for ‘burb life. While that was an incredibly traumatic experience in the beginning, it actually wound up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Suburb life isn’t half bad…..in fact, I think I really like it…..I even joined a Costco, so I am basically 1 step away from a Mini Van. So, with all these adjustments, and whatnot, my blog unfortunately took a backseat… but my cooking didn’t. In fact, I have cooked basically every single night for the last 7 ...

I am aware this next post is not food related, but since this blog is my favorite space to share things, and since I do what I want, I decided to write this here today.... Exactly a year ago today I started to go into labor with my first baby. It was one of the most surreal experiences and as I draw closer to my daughter’s birthday tomorrow, I felt the need to write a blog post about the entire process which was so magical (and crazy). I realize this post has absolutely nothing to do with food, in fact, after reading it, it may put you off of food for a while but nonetheless I need to write this for myself and for any other moms out there looking for a little something to read! So let’s start with the very beginning of motherhood: the labor. On April 5, ...

When I first started blogging (long before attending culinary school), I taught myself how to cook by constantly experimenting. One of my favorite types of cuisine to experiment with was Indian food because of all the great spices and flavors you can play around with. I have always loved Indian food (and Indian culture for that matter)…and one of the first things I bought myself for my newfound love of cooking 7 years ago was a Masala Dhaba (pictured below). A Masala Dhaba is a little tin that contains all the major Indian Spices one needs to create authentic Indian food. Coriander, Cumin, Cumin Seeds, Turmeric, Garam Masala, Curry, and Fenugreek Seeds are what I keep in my Masala Dhaba, fresh and ready to be used! Since I tend to use so much of these spices I buy them in bulk, and keep them in my freezer to keep fresh ...

Being a new mom with very little time, I have been on a quest for quick, healthy and delicious dinners to make for my hubby and me. I know way too many people who are in a rush at night whether it’s after work or trying to wrangle the kiddos, and they wind up sacrificing a healthy home cooked meal for something quick and usually not so nutritious. This Salmon dish is the perfect meal for someone with very little time to cook, but who wants to eat healthy and quickly! You probably already have all of the seasoning ingredients at home already, so all you need to do is get the fish! I have also made this dish topped with minced shallots before baking, which is delicious. And a shout out to my dad who introduced me to the Dijon marinating method – it’s tasty and helps keep all ...

If I had to use one dish to describe me as a chef, it would be the Pierogi. I am absolutely obsessed with all things pierogi, so much so that I have made it my culinary mission in life to create various forms of pierogies for the world to enjoy. I have made the Classic Pierogi, the Lobster Pierogi, and the Buffalo Chicken Pierogi so far (all of which are amazing and delicious). Today, I made the Bacon Cheddar Pierogi. BOOM. This may actually be the best Pierogi I have made thus far. I use the same dough recipe for all my pierogies because it is utter perfection – and the filling of mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, and smokey bacon just knocked this one out of the park! This is great for breakfast, lunch or dinner…. It’s also great for Sunday Football parties, Thanksgiving, Christmas, a random Monday night, whatever! ...

I say this ad nauseum throughout my blog, but I am not a fan of baking. I hate having to measure out every ingredient and all the cleaning that is usually involved with the many tools you need to use to just bake a plain old cookie. However, I do always have a fresh baked good on my kitchen counter for my hubby or our guests to nosh on when they’re here….so when I come up with an easy recipe, that requires very little measuring or very little baking skill, I am ecstatic. This cookie recipe is made in 1 bowl, takes less than 25 minutes to make, and is made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Triple win. I like these cookies because they’re not too sweet, and the pecans give a great Fall taste to the mix (I can smell the cooler weather already). You ...