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Sea Scallops Under a Crisp Pastry Dome — The Life of a Recipe
This sea scallops recipe under a crisp pastry dome is about control — of heat, of moisture, of expectation. After multiple iterations, this version delivers what it promises: tender scallops, a light buttery broth, and a golden dome that rises, holds, and shatters at the table. Elegant, dramatic, and fully doable in a home kitchen.
lyukum
Mar 307 min read


Pickled Fennel, or Why on Earth Humans Love Crunch
What do Soviet cornflakes, American chips, and a slice of cold pickled fennel have in common? Crunch. This essay explores why humans love that snap — how sound shapes flavor, why crispness signals freshness, and how a simple jar of fennel, cauliflower, and carrots proves that crunch isn’t junk. It’s chemistry, memory, and sensory aliveness.
lyukum
Mar 36 min read


A Protein-Forward Breakfast from Northern Mexico
Machacado con Huevo, Discovered in Central Texas My husband and I sometimes recall migas as our first real breakfast in Texas — a long time ago now. Tortillas, eggs, texture, comfort. It stayed with us as a memory more than a recipe. We eat breakfast at home most days, so some regional dishes simply never announced themselves to us. Recently, that memory nudged me into wanting to understand Mexican egg dishes better — not just migas, but to see what else is out there. How egg
lyukum
Jan 276 min read


Green Peas, Seriously
Green peas are familiar, convenient, and often underestimated. After a skeptical dive into the science behind their health claims, I found myself cooking with them more intentionally. This post follows that path — from a simple composed salad made with canned peas, to a Portuguese peas-and-eggs dish, to a festive green pea sponge inspired by viral holiday salads — and looks at why peas deserve a second glance.
lyukum
Dec 19, 20257 min read


How to Caramelize Onions for French Onion Soup (The Right Way)
The world’s problems sometimes feel as impossible to solve as the mystery of French Onion Soup. The ingredients couldn’t be simpler — onions, water, and a little fat — yet turning them into something truly delicious takes an hour of patience and understanding. This post (with video) explores the origins of the technique and shows, step by step, how to achieve that perfect chocolate-brown color without sugar, flour, or shortcuts.
lyukum
Nov 20, 20259 min read


Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki: A Delicious Introduction to Japanese Cuisine
A bit of history about Okonomiyaki, what makes the Osaka style special, and my favorite recipe so you can enjoy it at home.
lyukum
Jan 9, 20253 min read
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