Craving a hearty, barbecue sauce slathered slider? But you’re not into meat? Well…we’ve got something delish, just for you.
Ilda Costa-Sarnicki, Recipe Tester
A list of all the recipes Ilda Costa-Sarnicki has tested.
Ilda Costa-Sarnicki subscribes to the Dalai Lama’s rule that suggests one should approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
Her first recollection of having a foodie gene was, when at 4 years of age, her mom sent her outside for some fresh air and she returned with a bunch of parsley asking if that was it.
Ilda discovered food as more than sustenance by watching the Food Network with her daughter and then going into the kitchen to replicate recipes seen on the shows. Thirty years later, the kitchen experiments continue. All things food and cooking are a passion enjoyed on days off from her work as a Neonatal Intensive Care nurse.
Over the years, Ilda has collected an arsenal of kitchen gadgets and has designed an ergonomic kitchen that maximizes efficiency and pleasure while minimizing stress and fatigue. She confesses she’s a hardcore foodist, and she does deep dives not only into cooking but also cheese making, charcuterie, food preservation, fermentation, and food gardening.
Recipe testing feeds into her motto of being continually inspired and of inspiring others to cook and be creative and confident in the kitchen.
Portuguese Almond Torte ~ Bolo de Amêndoa
Dense and rich, this gluten-free cake is a fave among the Portuguese, and anyone who’s ever tried it. Its unforgettable taste comes from almonds, lemon, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Harissa Baked Eggs with Goat Cheese
A unique riff on baked eggs that are creamy, smoky, and spicy. Topped with goat cheese and scooped up with slices of bread, they’re divine.
Jerusalem Artichoke Soup
If you’re not already in love with Jerusalem artichokes, we suggest you start with this soup–velvety, nutty, and earthy. Divine.
Burmese Beef Curry with Rice Noodles
Beef curry by way of Burma. That is to say, beef infused with ginger, coconut milk, chiles, turmeric, cilantro, and basil. Universally appealing.
Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread
An irresistible and tender, sweet and creamy, loaf of fall goodness. A slice of apple cinnamon bread a day, isn’t that what they say?
Warm Lentil Salad
Warm lentil salad, filled with the earthy flavor of lentils, slab bacon, onions, and shallots, is tossed with a walnut oil dressing. A fantastic side dish.
Dark Chocolate Gelato
Sweet, but not too sweet, and chocolatey (extra chocolatey, actually) gelato is smooth, silky, and rich. This sweet treat is for real chocolate lovers.
Char Siu Tofu
A richly flavored, sweet, and savory tofu dish that will make a tofu-lover out of anyone. It’s true–be prepared to share.
Steamed Mussels with Chorizo and Tomatoes
Mussels in half an hour? Heck yes. With chorizo, blistered cherry tomatoes, and white wine. Then you sop it all up with crusty bread.