Taste Budding

A Food Blog

I was a picky eater when I was a kid.

I grew up in the Garden State but never willingly ate a vegetable until I reached high school. I elevated the practice of picky eating to an art.

Flash forward to today: my palate has expanded—and I write about it. Welcome to Taste Budding.

I created this blog during my tenure with independent cookbook publisher Lake Isle Press, where I made it my business to cook the books.

Dara OBrien Dara OBrien

Spicy Kelewele Fried Chicken

Spicy Fried Chicken Recipe from Chef Pierre Thiam that uses a dry rub of flour, ground ginger, onion, and garlic powder, and cayenne. Inspired by the the West African street food , Kelewele (fried seasoned plantains).

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Dara OBrien Dara OBrien

Cabbage in Turmeric-Infused Butter

It may not be the trendiest of veggies, but it’s nutritious, versatile, and easy to cook—cabbage gets the job done. In this easy recipe from Vikas Khanna, the texture of the cooked cabbage, the flavor from the spice blend, and the unexpected burst from the green peas all work together.

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Dara OBrien Dara OBrien

Chicken Yassa

A classic Senegalese dish of chicken marinated in lime, scallions, oil and vinegar, then grilled and finished in a bed of caramelized onions seasoned with dijon mustard and lime.

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