Basics Archives - Culinary Concerto

Lemon Curd

March 1, 2025March 1, 2025 by Carlotta

This past summer my Swedish parents both turned 90 years old. They had “adopted” me 40 years ago while I was living in Sweden and attending graduate school. I return almost yearly to visit them, and count it a huge honor to be part of their family. In preparation for their birthday celebration, I was … Read more Lemon Curd

Pressure Cooker Baked Potatoes

December 1, 2022December 1, 2022 by Carlotta

Some times it’s the simplest things that are the best. What can beat a baked potato with butter, salt and pepper? Adding cheese and sour cream is a great treat. How about some crumbled bacon? Or that tiny amount of leftover chili? Or even better, some jalapeño cheese dip!

Cream of Mushroom Soup (Gluten Free)

October 10, 2022October 9, 2022 by Carlotta

Everybody loves a potluck. Midwestern churches are famous for them, offering dishes like green bean casserole, chinese noodle and hamburger hotdish, cheesy hashbrown bake, and green jello. 😋

Tzatziki

December 12, 2021November 7, 2021 by Carlotta

I have a “thing” for different names – like the current trend of giving children old-fashioned names. It has probably been nearly a hundred years since Mabel, Leonard, and Gunnar have been popular, but young families are resurrecting those dear names.

Our own precious little grandbaby is Lucille Caroline. 🥰

Wild Rice

November 7, 2021November 6, 2021 by Carlotta

Okay, so it’s not really a rice, but the only truly native North American grain. It grows in lakes and bays in relatively shallow water, and is harvested in the autumn.

Vanilla Bean Pudding Mix

July 2, 2021June 30, 2021 by Carlotta

Long ago and far away I had large glass jars with dry mixes for everything – waffles, soups, muffins, hot cocoa, pudding, etc. Days spent at the farm with little kids under foot were made simpler that way, and edible gifts were created in pretty canning jars with the “help” of said kids.

Creamed Mushrooms (Svampstuvning)

November 8, 2021June 5, 2021 by Carlotta

“Stewed” anything is an ugly word in the English language. When you stew something, you basically cook it slowly – in its own juices – which brings amazing flavour to any dish. But in Swedish, “stuvning” introduces other lovely liquids to enhance. Like CREAM.

Fennel Spice Rub

May 15, 2021April 22, 2021 by Carlotta

Fennel is one of those mysterious vegetables that find their way into lots of dishes at fine restaurants, but the average home cook seldom thinks of using it. In fact, every single time I purchase fennel bulbs at our local small town grocer, the cashier asks what it is. They are missing out on something wonderful!

Heat & Sweet Simple Salsa

March 25, 2021March 25, 2021 by Carlotta

You’ve heard it a million times before: Opposites attract. According to Psychology Today:

Rosehip Retinol Oil for Face and Neck

February 10, 2021February 3, 2021 by Carlotta

Minnesota winter is brutal in many ways — the cold, ice, freezing fog, frigid wind, people who don’t know how to drive safely, etcetera. Sadly, the thing that is most brutal is also one of the things that keeps us sane and comfy during winter: our houses. Forced air furnaces, electric heating elements, and even … Read more Rosehip Retinol Oil for Face and Neck

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