Lynn Smythe's Blog

Posted by Lynn Smythe

For the past few weeks, I have been on a Latin American cooking spree. I have been testing recipes, taking lots of photographs, and writing articles for various Mexican, Cuban and Spanish dishes.

Here are the links to some of the recipes, and even a review of a Mexican cookbook.

Latin American Inspired Recipes

Authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate. Recipe for a classic hot cocoa drink.

Black Bean and Corn Turkey Chili Recipe. How to Make a Variation of a Classic Chili Dish.

Mexican Green Chile Cornbread Casserole. Recipe for a Lightly Spicy Latin American Inspired Corn Side Dish.

Picadillo Recipe. How to Make a Classic Latin American Meat Sauce.

Quick and Easy Savory Corn Muffins. Traditional cornbread enhanced with corn, onion and cheese.

Quesadillas. Homemade Corn Turnovers. Learn how to make quesadillas filled with a spicy pork, with red chile sauce and top with a mild and creamy green chile cheese sauce.

Pozole. Pork & Hominy Stew.

If you are interested in more ideas for authentic Mexican food, check out my review of the Culinary Mexico Cookbook. The book was written by Daniel Hoyer, and features authentic recipes and traditions of Mexico.

Take care,

Lynn Smythe

Suite101 Herbs & Spices Feature Writer

Posted by Lynn Smythe

I first posted my Blueberry Muffin with Crumb Topping recipe to Suite101 back in July, 2008. I had someone make the following comment about the recipe:

"This recipe as written is thick like cookie dough and would probably be a disaster. Had to add more milk and oil, alternating, until logical consistency for muffin. Still awaiting turnout, but something wrong with this recipe."

I just tested the recipe this morning, to make sure I didn't make a mistake typing up the instructions. But just like I remembered, the recipe is perfect, although I did make a slight alteration to the crumb topping.

Here is my response to the previous comment:

"This recipe makes a really thick batter. No need to adjust the recipe, I've made these muffins many times. I've just added 5 photographs of the muffins being made, so you can see exactly how I make them. I did alter the crumb topping a bit, previous version called for too much butter. I'm eating a muffin as we speak - YUMMY"

Glad I had to test my blueberry muffin recipe this morning. I needed something to go along with my cup of coffee, and the regular bowl of oatmeal wasn't looking too appealing. The muffins are a much better choice.

Take care,

Lynn Smythe

Suite101 Herbs & Spices Feature Writer

Posted by Lynn Smythe

Hello everyone,

Lately I've been on a Mediterranean recipe theme, and have been posting up a few Greek inspired recipes to the Herbs & Spices section.

Mediterranean Inspired Recipes

Eggplant Moussaka Recipe; Classic Greek Style Lasagna Featuring Eggplant, Tomato and Parsley.

Tzatziki Yogurt Sauce Recipe; Classic Greek Style Condiment with Cucumber, Dill, Garlic & Lemon.

Taboule Salad Recipe; Middle Eastern Side Dish Featuring Fresh Herbs and Vegetables.

Greek Vegetable Salad Recipe; Hearty Side Dish Festooned with Olives, Cilantro and Feta Cheese.

Lemon Herb Pasta Toss Recipe; Spiral Noodles Mixed with Zucchini, Lemon, Herbs and Parmesan Cheese.

Local Connection for Greek Ingredients

I am fortunate to live near a year round farmer's market that offers a great selection of fresh produce along with many items that can be used in Greek style recipes.

I have found stuffed grape leaves, Greek style yogurt, hummus, pita bread and tons of fresh herbs and vegetables at the Woolbright Farmers Market.

• Woolbright Farmers Market
• 141 SW Woolbright Road
• Boynton Beach, FL 33435
• 561-732-2454
• farmersmarket@bellsouth.net
• www.woolbrightfarmersmarket.com

Take care,

Lynn Smythe

Suite101 Herbs & Spices Feature Writer