The Busy Hedonist is a hectic writer-mom-food lover who is never too busy to cook a mouthwatering dish, seek out the best ingredients or dine at an amazing restaurant—all in this magical city of New York. You just might find a fresh culinary gem as you follow The Busy Hedonist on her food adventures.

Are you a busy parent who needs help in the kitchen (my specialty) or advice on where to eat in NYC (my favorite pastime)? Email The Busy Hedonist.

The Menu

Past Meals

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Clams & Chorizo

I love the combination of clams and chorizo. Here, a sultry rendition that pairs well with a spicy red wine and some grilled bread. You can easily serve this as an appetizer or as a main course with salad.
For the recipe, visit my post on Dean & DeLuca.

The Bread Art Project with Melissa d’Arabian

A couple of weeks ago I attended an event at a dreamy West Village townhouse in which the Grain Foods Foundation and Melissa d’Arabian launched The Bread Art Project, which benefits the Share Our Strength® Foundation. The Bread Art Project was created to increase awareness of the growing hunger problem in the U.S.
From now [...]

Chipotle Salsa

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo. When I was pregnant, my daughter’s due date was May 5th. I was hoping she born on this day because it seemed like a festive day to be born. But two years ago she arrived with much surprise and fanfare 3 1/2 weeks early, and now her birthday is all [...]

Spice rubbed shrimp

I recently discovered annatto seeds (I love cooking with unusual ingredients) and made a spice rub for grilling shrimp. They were so delicious I made them twice in one week!
Find my recipe on The Gourmet Food Blog at Dean & DeLuca.

Olive Tapenade

Tapenade is one of those items I love having in my refrigerator for snack time. Because I work at home, it just makes sense to have dips and things around for quick lunches. And it’s so incredibly easy to make. What’s funny is that years ago I detested olives. That is until I tasted tapenade. [...]

Papadum Recipe

How to feed a toddler? She will not eat carrots, mashed potatoes or apples, typical toddler food. She does not like plain, unseasoned food…even her oatmeal must have cinnamon sprinkled on top. Her chickpeas must be swimming in some sort of curry. No wonder: she is my daughter, all of 2 (almost), and she most [...]

Flatbread with nigella seeds

What a joy to have warm, homemade flatbread (dusted with with nigella seeds, an unusual spice) to enjoy with two of my favorite dips: tzatziki and sweet potato/chickpea (both pictured above). Although it takes some time for the dough to rise, flatbread is otherwise very simple to make. Also great plain (or with a dab [...]

Sweet potato chickpea dip

At A Voce Columbus Circle, after marveling at the verdure, their stellar small vegetable dishes meant as appetizers, I realized how convenient it would be to keep such snacks in my refrigerator either for lunch or to appeases those hunger pangs when I’m super busy and can’t cook. And though I am not able to [...]

Tzatziki recipe

Titan Foods in Astoria is one of my favorite shops for Greek goodies, but I can’t believe I used to drive all the way there to buy tzatziki when it’s so incredibly easy to make. (But please do visit the store for other things, like the large variety of feta cheese and olives). I even [...]

Buckwheat blinis with smoked salmon and caviar

After writing about caviar for Dean & DeLuca, I was considering making my own blinis rather than buying them, but I’ve never made them and didn’t have a recipe. That is until now, when The Garden Cat Cottage offered her blini recipe, along with how she serves them. The Busy Hedonist will definitely be eating [...]