How To Cook With Vesna - The blog

Apr 2, Buy The Low Carb and Paleo Breakfast Book

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 00:03:50 GMT

The Low-Carb & Paleo Breakfast Book is all about starting the day right with satiating meals made from scratch for whole-foods, low-starch, low-sugar living in a Neolithic world.

Mar 25, Buy Cooking With Vesna the ebook cookbook

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:04:50 GMT

Cooking With Vesna, the first cookbook in the How to Cook With Vesna series, is here to incite excitement about (mostly) whole foods cooking from scratch, with an exciting selection of diverse cooking styles from a lifelong journey in food.

Mar 1, How to cook steak

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:06:19 GMT

Learn how to cook steak. Never ruin an expensive cut of meat again. Unique method to achieve tender, perfectly done, medium-rare steaks with edge-to-edge pink and a beautifully browned exterior.

Feb 28, Jamaican avocado ice cream

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:52:04 GMT

Learn how to make avocado ice cream, or avocado frozen custard, a traditional dessert from Jamaica. You'll love the velvety mouthfeel and pretty green color. Who'd've thought avocados would taste so good in a sweet treat?

Feb 22, Chocolate syrup recipe

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 22:31:24 GMT

Learn how to make chocolate syrup. It's so easy and inexpensive to make it out of the very best ingredients. Add just a teaspoon or less to a cup of milk for wholesome, homemade, low-sugar chocolate milk your kids will love.

Feb 15, Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:41:10 GMT

This hearty, filling beef and barley soup recipe is just the thing to warm you on a winter day or night.

Feb 9, New feature: How To Cook With Vesna blog!

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 02:11:49 GMT

Visit the new How To Cook With Vesna blog, a conversational companion to the cooking instruction website that's about more than recipes. Rants, raves, fantastic tales, exclusive tips, reader comments and more about cooking real food from scratch.

Feb 1, Food Book Reviews

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 19:53:32 GMT

Find exciting, thought-provoking books on food, cooking and nutrition around the world and through history. Food book reviews, cookbook reviews and nutrition book reviews. Don't just learn how to cook -- learn what to eat, and why.

Jan 31, Culinary Tour of Turkey

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:44:42 GMT

Award-winning Madison culinary travel guidebook author Joan Peterson has announced plans for another of her spectacular culinary tours of Turkey. The tour will be held August 17-25, 2011. Explore the food and culture of this many-faceted land. Partake of the modern expression of ancient culinary traditions. Joan has led this trip many times before, and she knows where to look for the unexpected, the wondrous, the authentically delicious. Remember, that means that the group's hosts also know Joan -- and they roll out the red carpet for this returning, appreciative fan and her group! Folks who have gone before say it the experience goes far beyond just finding some incredibly delicious things to eat, or pretty things to look at. It's a cultural journey. In addition to food and wine activities, the tour will include an optional balloon ride over the Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia, an exploration of the ruins of ancient civilizations along the Aegean, and visits to some of Turkey's historic landmarks. The cost is $2,950 per person. To view the complete itinerary, visit http://www.eatsmartguides.com/tours.html. For information and reservations contact Joan Peterson, Ginkgo Press, (608) 233-5488, info@eatsmartguides.com

Jan 20, About Me

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:34:08 GMT

About Vesna. Why I like to use whole foods and heirloom recipes, and like to say that the best food is made from scratch with great ingredients in a happy kitchen!

Jan 11, Low-Carb Avocado Smoothie Recipe

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 18:01:24 GMT

This smooth and creamy low-carb avocado smoothie makes for an easy low-carb breakfast or a high-protein post-workout shake. Most avocado shake recipes are sweet and fruity; this one is savory and satisfying, with an added pop from red pepper flakes.

Jan 10, Blank disqus page

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:04:44 GMT

Jan 6, Serbian Christmas Customs

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:54:31 GMT

Learn about some of the Christmas customs associated with Serbian Orthodox Christmas, celebrated on January 7.

Jan 6, Serbian Salata Od Pasulja - Bean Salad

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:46:08 GMT

This refreshing, yet filling, kidney bean salad is my mother's recipe for a Serbian Christmas Eve tradition that's easy to make.

Jan 6, Serbian Badnje Vece Christmas Eve Menu

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:44:56 GMT

Learn about the special menu served up on Serbian Orthodox Christmas Eve, which is celebrated January 6.

Jan 4, Food, cooking and nutrition links

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 21:03:28 GMT

Find the best food, cooking and nutrition links on the Web. Here's a collection of resources like no other, ranging among links to culinary history, low-carb recipes and science, paleo nutrition, organics and whole food, heirloom cookery, recipe collections and more.

Dec 30, Ingredients and Nutrition

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 03:05:39 GMT

Learn how to choose the best ingredients. What are the guidelines for good nutrition? Forget about the made-up USDA Food Pyramid; it's all about keeping it real.

Dec 29, How to eat sustainably

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 20:53:39 GMT

Learn how to start eating sustainably. Bring your food closer to home -- you know it's the right thing to do. Get to know where your food comes from. It's not as hard as you might think, and the rewards are definitely worth it.

Dec 29, Best cutting boards for home cooking

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 01:36:34 GMT

What's best thing for your kitchen next to a great knife? A great cutting board. Choose the right size, shape and material for your cutting board, pair it with an excellent knife, and cooking becomes a sensual pleasure.

Dec 29, Best knives for home cooking

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 01:35:54 GMT

What's the fastest way to make cooking easier? Buy good knives, and keep them sharp. Get good knives for your kitchen and make food prep a pleasure.

Dec 29, Best pots and pans for home cooking

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 01:35:01 GMT

What's the fastest way to become a better cook? Buy good pots and pans. Here's how to find the best equipment for your kitchen.

Dec 29, How to equip your kitchen

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 01:34:10 GMT

Think you're a bad cook? Chances are, you just need some better cookware. If you like to eat, you owe it to yourself to learn how to equip your kitchen. It's the single easiest step towards learning how to cook.

Dec 26, Vanilice: Serbian Christmas Crescent Cookies

Sun, 26 Dec 2010 14:15:32 GMT

Learn how to make Serbian vanilice, my grandmother's exquisite heirloom recipe for the easiest and best crescent nut cookies you've ever tasted. Dusted with vanilla sugar and loaded with real vanilla, these little gems are both rich and delicate.

Dec 25, Why cook?

Sat, 25 Dec 2010 21:25:43 GMT

Why cook? I believe that if you learn how to cook, you can change the world. Cooking is the linchpin: the one thing we can each do to help our health, our families, the economy, society, the environment. Learn to cook, and ground yourself in history and help make a better future.

Dec 18, Serbian kolac (kolach) bread recipe

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 14:27:12 GMT

Learn how to make kolac, the stunning centerpiece of any Serbian holiday table. For a traditional Serbian Christmas or Krsna Slava, this authentic family recipe is as richly delicious as it is beautiful.

Dec 14, Oatmeal raisin bran cookie recipe

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:14:51 GMT

Learn how to bake the best oatmeal-raisin cookies you've ever tasted. This one is more than an ingredient list; it's the easy answer to years of searching for the best moist, tender, hearty, wholesome oatmeal cookies.

Aug 11, Chicken stock recipe

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:12:30 GMT

Learn how to make chicken broth. Make great stocks and bone broths at home. Boost flavor and save money with your own soup stocks -- the unbeatable ingredient in wonderful, comforting, easy homemade soups from many lands, right in your own kitchen.

Aug 6, Corn dog recipe

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:59:15 GMT

Learn how to make your own crunchy, juicy, delicious corn dogs. Delight your guests at your next informal party. Savor the summer with festival food in your own backyard.

Aug 5, Ajvar Serbian eggplant caviar recipe

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 03:17:35 GMT

Learn how to make ajvar, a delicately flavored Serbian eggplant and red pepper relish and dip. Also known as eggplant caviar, ajvar is easy and elegant, great for any get-together.

Aug 4, Homemade macaroni and cheese recipe

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 02:15:41 GMT

Learn how to make homemade macaroni and cheese without a box. Forget powdered cheese. This takes no longer than the box variety, from start to finish, and the taste and texture is worlds better. Not to mention, it's made from whole foods. From scratch. By you.

Aug 2, Jamaican grilled sweet potatoes with banana and coconut

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 01:25:54 GMT

Learn how to make Jamaican grilled sweet potatoes and bananas with coconut milk. This recipe is so wonderful, it's almost like caramel candy. But mysteriously, made with vegetables.

Jul 26, Coffee Grinding Video

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:37:19 GMT

I've posted my first how-to-cook-with-vesna.com video. Check it out! Hope you like coffee.

Jul 26, Jamaican jerk marinade recipe

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:25:05 GMT

Learn how to make Jamaican jerk seasoning mix. This all-purpose marinade made with fresh, whole ingredients will transform ordinary meals into a culinary trip to the Carribean. Just blend these traditional herbs and seasonings, immerse chicken, pork, beef or tofu, and roast or grill the next day.

Jul 23, Jamaican red pea stew recipe

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:18:50 GMT

Learn how to make Jamaican red pea stew, the Island way to say kidney beans cook with the fiery, fruity and fresh flavors of the Carribean.

Jul 21, Ingredients used in Jamaican food

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:32:40 GMT

Learn how to recognize and use the inrgredients commonly used in Jamaican recipes. A unique asortment of spices, herbs, vinegars and fruits are the building blocks of Jamaica's distinctive, sophisticated cuisine.

Jul 20, Jamaican run down tofu recipe

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:23:35 GMT

Learn how to cook Jamaican run down tofu, a vegetarian version of a classic dish full of the goodness of coconut and bright with fresh herbs. The creamy mouthfeel and delicate flavors will make this a favorite in your kitchen.

Jul 19, Jamaican jerk grilled chicken recipe

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:31:16 GMT

Learn how to grill Jamaican jerk chicken and read my debut national column from yournews.com. This easy low-carb, high-protein main course combines the genius of Jamaica's spicy and fruity flavors with the convenience of dry rub. No preseasoning required; just fire up the grill and go.

Jul 16, Low Country boil recipe

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:12:39 GMT

Learn how to cook a Low Country boil and celebrate the summer. All you need for a delectable warm-weather gathering is a big pot of boiling water and lots of shrimp, sausage and veggies. No plates or forks required!

Jul 15, Whole-wheat prune-bran muffin recipe

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:39:41 GMT

Learn how to make bran muffins speckled with sweet, juicy prunes and rich with the goodness of whole wheat. These prune-bran muffins aren't just a delicious treat; I developed them as a natural laxative that harnesses the power of whole foods. Choose from sugar-free and sugar variations.

Jul 14, Freezing tomatoes to put them by

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:21:10 GMT

Learn how to put up tomatoes. The easiest, least labor-intensive way to preserve your garden's bounty is by freezing. You'll be surprised just how simple it is to keep that summertime flavor at your fingertips all year round.

Jul 13, Homemade buttermilk recipe

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:45:13 GMT

Learn how to make buttermilk and discover a healthful, delicious homemade probiotic beverage that can be used in place of yogurt or sour cream in just about any recipe. Homemade buttermilk is easier to make than yogurt, and free of the additives found in commericial buttermilk.

Jul 13, Malaysian chicken-eggplant curry recipe

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 01:48:05 GMT

Learn how to make chicken curry in the Malaysian style, with fresh ingredients like garlic, ginger, lemon grass and hot chili peppers -- even fresh turmeric if you can find it. Forget about pre-mixed curry powder and learn how to make some of the world's best curries entirely from scratch.

Jul 11, Ghee recipe

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 12:30:28 GMT

Learn how to make ghee. This ancient cooking oil is a cornerstone of Indian cookery. It's fast and easy to make fresh, homemade ghee out of the best quality butter you can find. Get the flavor and goodness of butter with a smoke point temperature high enough for frying.

Jul 10, Serbian recipes

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 12:16:28 GMT

Learn how to make Serbian food using heirloom Serbian recipes from my family and from Serbian friends. Traditional dishes for everyday meals and celebrations.

Jul 10, Farmer's pogaca recipe

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 12:13:45 GMT

Learn how to make Pogaca (Pogača, or in Cyrillic, Πогача), the classic Serbian farm bread. With its tender crumb and appealing shape, you'll be hooked on this homemade creation.

Jul 9, Low-carb page is up!

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:01:20 GMT

Thanks to Susan C. for lighting a fire and requesting more low-carb recipes at how-to-cook-with-vesna.com. Susan, I suspect, is one of the low-carbers who found me courtesy of Jimmy Moore's recent referral on his Livin' La Vida Low Carb Blog.

Because of Susan's request, I've created this page. Click the link below to find low-carb recipes and menus on this site, with a special note for low-carber's accompanying each. Be sure to subscribe to this site so you get notice of all the new low-carb recipes and menus as they're posted!

Jul 9, Low-carb menus and recipes

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:17:51 GMT

Learn how to cook some of the best low-carb meals you've ever had with these full-flavor, naturally low-carb recipes.

Jul 9, Mayonnaise recipe

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:16:43 GMT

Do you know what's in your mayonnaise? You do if you make your own. Learn how to make mayonnaise at home with all-natural, healthful ingredients. Leave out the high-tech industrial oils like soybean and canola and keep GMOs out of your kitchen.

Jul 8, Cole slaw recipe

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:23:15 GMT

Learn how to make cole slaw at home using simple, fresh all-natural ingredients. Crisp and refreshing with just the right tang and the subtle herbal note of classic cole slaw, this pairs beautifully with ribs, burgers and more.

Jul 8, How-to-cook-with-Vesna.com listed on the Livin' La Vida Low Carb Blog!

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 01:46:09 GMT

Low-carb leader Jimmy Moore just listed how-to-cook-with-vesna.com as one of his 25 Sizzling New Low-Carb & Health Blogs For July 2010, and the web hits have been pouring in ever since! Thank you, Jimmy! Jimmy is a great guy who has done so much to bring to the light of day information that is squelched in the mainstream media, including information about the many health benefits of low-carb living. Here at how-to-cook-with-vesna.com, not all the recipes are low-carb. But I am going on the record to say I support restricting sugar and starch in the diet to as low a level as you personally can live with. I believe in a diet rich in natural fats like butter, lard and olive oil, boosted with plenty of the animal and seafood protein that grew our big brains over the course of our evolution, and supplemented with some vegetables and fruits. I enjoy a side of brown rice or homemade whole-wheat toast as much as the next guy, but I sure do not think we should line the bottom of our food pyramid with them; Use sparingly, I think, would be a better category for grains, whole or otherwise. So I consider it an honor to be included in the list. I had kinda worried that, because I don't exclude higher-carb recipes, my site might never make it into a Livin La Vida Low Carb post! If you are here from a link from one of the sites Jimmy writes, thank you for visiting. Please subscribe and keep coming back. Although how-to-cook-with-vesna.com is not explicitly a low-carb site, it is a real-food, whole-food, ancient-food, natural food site. And nearly all of what you will find here will be friendly to those restricting their carbs. Even the carby stuff will often have a lower-carb option. Jimmy is currently in Washington D.C., where, as his post says, he is going to be testifying before the USDA Advisory Board to share his concerns and disgust with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Even more carbohydrate intake, and even less dietary fat, is what they are recommending. Exactly the opposite of what we need to turn around our many epidemics. Give them heck, Jimmy! Click the link below to see Jimmy's post and find 24 other great new sites to visit.