Author Archives: tossingtheswissaround

About tossingtheswissaround

I have been obsessed with food since I can remember. I grew up watching the Frugal Gourmet and Julia Childs in black and white repeats on TV. I made an elementary version of veal parmesan when I was all of 8 years old and even concocted a homemade version of vomit to drizzle along the hallway and oh-so-carefully in the bathroom so I could get of school whenever I wanted. Dad never caught on but I eventually came clean about that vomit recipe. About two years ago. My skills have greatly improved and my obsession has only deepened as the years go by. In the mornings, I ask my co-workers what’s for lunch, what they ate last night and what is on the menu tonight. I groan when I eat almost anything I like because I can barely contain my excitement. Because, well, because it’s food! I was technically trained and once worked as a formal chef but physically that takes its toll so I joined the much less strenuous, albeit entertaining, world of HR. Food is still at the forefront of my mind as I continue to cook and love all things food. Enjoy!

Replay: Ode to the Redskins Victory Chili

I posted this recipe a couple of seasons ago but it’s a perfect standby for a gorgeous football Sunday.  Better yet, make it today to the sound of touchdowns and field goals while screaming “sack him!” and let the flavors … Continue reading

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Spanakopita – The Perfect Friday Finger Food

Spanakopita.  Say it.  Span-eee-kooo-peee-tah.  This delightful little Greek finger food packs a mean punch when it comes to flavor.  The word spanakopita literally means spinach pie.  You can buy them frozen and just pop them into the oven but they … Continue reading

Posted in food, greek cuisine, holiday, recipes, spinach | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Shrimp Scampi (or Oh Baby, It’s Umami!)

Most of us know that when we eat, we can pin-point the flavors as being salty, sweet, sour or bitter.  Not many people know that foods such as shell-fish, tomatoes, meat, cheese and even the humble potato have a flavor … Continue reading

Posted in fish, Foodie News & Updates, italian, shrimp, tomatoes, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

DC Restaurant Week – Willow Review

I recently had the good fortune of dining at Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year nominee Willow in the Ballston area of Arlington.  Willow uses locally sourced American ingredients with French and Italian techniques to create an array of incredibly tasty … Continue reading

Posted in cocktails, Food Happenings, holiday, Restaurant Reviews, reviews | Leave a comment

Ode to Food: An Open Letter

You know who you are.  My memories about you are sometimes fantastical, sometimes sad, always clear.  As many as there are, you continue to amaze me daily on my path through life.  I once over indulged in the sweeter version … Continue reading

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Palak Paneer (Puh-lease!)

Oh yeah, The Cheese is back!  What better recipe to return with than one with creamy lil blocks of the hearty, versatile cheese known as paneer?  For those who have yet to discover this tasty treat, paneer doesn’t melt, isn’t … Continue reading

Posted in cheese, food, herbs & spices, how-to, indian cuisine, spinach, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Yes, This Blog is Still Alive. (part II)

Where do I even start?  I have not cooked a solid meal at home in um, well, probably since Christmas.  I made lasagne.  Because I make it every year.  Because my grandma did and if I don’t, who will?  I … Continue reading

Posted in Foodie News & Updates, Uncategorized | Tagged | 2 Comments

Baked Eggplant

My initial idea for this recipe was to cut eggplant into length-wise slices and bake them, then coat them with a thick layer of ricotta cheese mixed with garlic, basil, sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella, then roll them up tight, to … Continue reading

Posted in eggplant, food, herbs & spices, italian, pesto, recipes | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Salt-Baked Potatoes (and melty-roasted garlic) or Yes, This Blog is Still Alive

Yes, team, this blog is still alive.  I know, I know “where have you been?!”  Well, I’ve lost a job, gained a job, lost a sibling (;*(, gained a puppy, gained a son-in law, geeze, it’s been crazy busy.  Mr. Cheese … Continue reading

Posted in garlic, Home, how-to, potatoes, recipes | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Zing Up Your Lentil & Sausage Soup with Pesto!

If the word ‘zing’ had a definition specific to the food industry, I believe it would be “holy nuts Batman, that tastes incredible!”  The difference between being a good cook and being an incredible cook, at least in this Cheese’s humble opinion, … Continue reading

Posted in food, herbs & spices, Home, pesto, recipes, soups | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments