Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
It is almost three months since my sister Eileen left us. It's a strange time. Family and close friends remember what you are still going through, but most forget. This is normal. You may remember that I had gone through quite a bit during the months before and after her death. When I think back... Continue Reading →
Last night I dined at the JW Steakhouse (Marriott Hotel) in Ankara. I can't really say I was disappointed, because I did not expect much from it. I can say that I will never go again, unless someone else is buying! I'm a food snob. I love a good greasy cheap diner and I love... Continue Reading →
Recently, I had the opportunity to meet a fellow American expat who has started her own American-style bakery in Ankara. Not only did I meet her, but I had the chance to taste some of her delicious sweets! Two Chicks Bakery was established in Ankara last year. The owners realized that American-style cakes and... Continue Reading →
I was surprised last night by a Turkish menu. I didn't know most of the items on the small menu. This rarely happens to me anymore. The star of the menu was Pöç. It was basically the meat and fat surrounding the spine of a cow. (They say the tail bone, but it looks like a... Continue Reading →
I bought pumpkin on the weekend and prepared a puree, in hopes of making pumpkin pie this week. (I know I haven't yet shared that recipe with you and will some day.) For some reason, I can bake pies, even though I now have to do pumpkin pie without the benefit of Libby's canned pumpkin.... Continue Reading →
On the weekends, my husband and I sit down for breakfast. Most times it is as simple as eggs, or cheeses, olives and bread. Today there were no eggs and no bread in the house. And I just wasn't "feeling" a walk to the store. So while he slept, I started brainstorming. I had picked... Continue Reading →
I have seen limes from time to time in Turkey, but not often. The first time was on vacation at a restaurant in Kas. I hunted them down afterwards and finally found one store selling them. They were imported and extremely expensive. More recently, I have seen them at specialty shops usually around the holidays. ... Continue Reading →
When I was a kid, I always requested the same cake from Mom, a white box cake, with light blue icing and decorated with cherries. It wasn't that I liked this cake so much, it was that I thought it looked pretty. I loved blue and I loved cherries. Eventually I moved on to dark... Continue Reading →
Dear Readers, It's been a long time. You must be wondering if I have forsaken you. No, I have not. I have not forgotten you either. The times, they've been a changing. There were some health issues, some family issues. These have straightened themselves out for the most part. Then came major life changes. Most... Continue Reading →
. . . the mouse will cook bacon! Orecchiette with sauteed (in virgin olive oil) brussel sprouts, onions, tomatoes, garlic, thyme, black pepper and bacon. Topped with Parmesan/Reggiano cheese! It's quick and easy! And I don't think a recipe is needed for this one . . .
A fabulous post from our friend at Captivating Cappadocia: This list was not difficult to make but was wonderful to discover, and there are no filler entries. Every item is legit. To say that Turkish food is delicious would be trite – delectable, scrumptious, delightful, yummy… The breads, the... Continue Reading →
A few days ago, I was hungry, wanted something healthy, and I didn't want to go to the grocery store. I looked in the refrigerator and saw three jars of pickled beets and fruit. Thinking I should start eating them, I searched the internet for recipes and came upon many recipes for beets with apples.... Continue Reading →
2012. What a year. Here's a look back at some of my better blog posts, one from each month. I left out the recipes and restaurant reviews - although there were some goodies there! January, Keeping Up Appearances - How I learned to cover up. February, Junking - Comparing Turkey and the U.S. and my... Continue Reading →
Musings of a Philadelphia lawyer - who married a Turk, quit her day job, and set out for adventure!
-by Terry Henson Kaymak
Adventures in Ankara 