lemon | The Rambling Epicure

Food Art: The Incredible Sensuality of a Lemon, a still life painting by Ralf Heynen

Published by Jonell Galloway + Wednesday, June 5, 2013 Permalink 0

Ralf Heynen is a contemporary still life and portrait painter from the Netherlands.

The incredible twists of the lemon peel bring a particular energy to this painting. Although it appears to be simple, the lemon peel is hanging on to the pulp of the lemon itself for dear life, just by a string. Meanwhile, the lemon is staid, still, unflinching in its almost perfect roundness. It looks heavy and sure of itself as compared to the peel, which is thick and rough and “struggling” to wrench itself from the body of the fruit or “mother”.

Click here to see more of Ralf’s work.

Simple Sustenance: A Healthy Bite — Cucumber and Radish Sandwich with Mint Hummus

Published by Renu-Chhabra + Sunday, April 22, 2012 Permalink 0

by Renu Chhabra

Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.–Albert Einstein

In spring, I look forward to visiting farmers markets and produce stands. Spring vegetables are piled high in abundance everywhere — fresh, clean and inviting. Slender stalks of asparagus, colorful varieties of artichokes, vibrant radishes, and tender leaves of greens are just a few to name. In fact, produce speaks for itself. Just simple preparation and a few good ingredients are all it takes to make it shine.

Keeping simplicity in mind, I made this sandwich with fresh vegetables and mint hummus. The hummus packed with flavor and freshness of mint was good enough to complement the vegetables. Even though authentic hummus is not combined with any additional vegetables, the American version contains several of them: roasted eggplant, red pepper, sun dried tomato, and more. I decided to incorporate some mint to the original version to add a refreshing element to it. Another reason for this minty addition was my new herb pot from farmers market. Sitting at my kitchen window, it was gazing at me as if it wanted to remind me of its presence. And I couldn’t ignore the fragrant mint leaves, calling out for my attention. Adding them to the hummus gave it a light touch of color and a subtle minty hint.

Simple Sustenance: Green Goodness — Broccoli and Pepita Pesto

Published by Renu-Chhabra + Tuesday, April 10, 2012 Permalink 0

by Renu Chhabra

“When you’re green inside, you’re clean inside.” – Dr. Bernard Jensen

Today it’s all about green goodness in our diet. Yes, I mean green vegetables. We all know they are good for us, but why do some of us ignore them? Maybe, we just don’t like their taste, or they sound like diet food. In that case, we should try making them different ways than we usually do — something out of the box. Give them a new twist and explore a little. Who knows, they may surprise us.

Speaking of green vegetables, broccoli comes to my mind instantly. Its health benefits are several. But I know, it’s not an exciting vegetable for many of us. We have memories of eating bland steamed broccoli that we wished we could throw under the table. At times, it was topped with some plastic-like yellow cheese to make it more enticing. Even then it wasn’t very appealing. Since Mom insisted it was good for us, there wasn’t anyway to escape it except to wolf it down as fast as possible and forget about it until next time it showed up at the dinner table, staring at us.

Simple Sustenance: Roasted Cauliflower with Kalamata Olives and Lemon-Parsley Gremolata

Published by Renu-Chhabra + Thursday, March 29, 2012 Permalink 0

Mediterranean Flair: Roasted Cauliflower with Kalamata Olives and Lemon-Parsley Gremolata

by Renu Chhabra

Food is our common ground, a universal experience.– James Beard

Spring is in the air, a season for new growth and rejuvenation. Everywhere we look, nature is awakening from its long winter rest. With flowers blooming and landscape covered with a blanket of green, there is a sense of new life welcoming the ever-inspiring spring, signifying a fresh start. And what better way to celebrate this beautiful time than to cook up something delicious with fresh ingredients and clean flavors just like the season itself.

Growing up I was always intrigued by cauliflower, a vegetable that came in a beautiful green leafy package. Peel off the leaves, and a white head of tiny trees clustered together greeted me. It was like removing gift wrap to find a lovely present inside. And who doesn’t like presents? I guess, that is why I have always loved this vegetable — a beautifully packaged gift from Mother Nature.