Spice Station in Silver Lake makes my life spicy

I love the Spice Station in Silver Lake. It's a regular stop for me on the way to Farmer's Market. They have an incredible selection of salts, flavored sugars and just about any spice you can name. I have spent a lot of time in here sniffing the little jars and learning about new spices to take home and discover further. One of my favorite discoveries has been urfa biber, aleppo pepper and their chermoula spice blend makes quick and easy fish a decadent experience.

Check it out when you're in the neighborhood!

Spice Station Silver Lake

3819 W. Sunset Blvd.
(btwn Hyperion & Lucile)
Los Angeles, CA 90026
323-660-2565

Hours:
Monday to Saturday 11am-7pm
Sunday 12pm-5pm

Tortilla Pizza

When I'm tired and want to make a delicious snack, I usually make a tortilla pizza. It's easy to make because there really is no recipe except to start with a tortilla and put some good stuff on it. I sometimes use tomato sauce but in this case I didn't have any. So I used olive oil and balsamic.

Tortilla Pizza with Goat Cheese, Parmesan, Mushroom, Scallions, Olive oil & Balsamic.

TORTILLA PIZZA RECIPE:

1. Start with a flour tortilla. You can also use corn. There are no rules.

2. Get Saucy. Put a light coat of sauce on your tortilla.

Suggested Sauces:

• Tomato Sauce

• Pasta Sauce

• BBQ Sauce

• Sarayo

• Pesto

• Olive Oil & Balsamic (if I use this I usually drizzle over rather than use as a base).

3. Get Cheesy. Add your cheese. Use what you have.

Cheese Ideas:

• Goat Cheese

• Oaxacan (Mexican Melting Cheese)

• Fresh Mozzarella

• Shredded Cheese

• Sliced Deli Cheese

4. Top if off. Add your pizza toppings - look in your fridge and use what's there. Things you may have a little of or that may not be fresh much longer.

Topping Suggestions:

• Mushrooms

• Scallions (Green Onions)

• Canned Olives

• Pickled Artichoke Hearts

• Onion

• Tomato

• Fresh or dry herbs: Basil, Thyme, Parsly 

• Capers

• Spinach

5. Bake in pre-heated oven at 300º for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and edges get golden brown.

Recipe by Xhico.

Recipe: Poached Pear

Pears are one of my favorite fruits. I tend to overbuy at the farmer's market. So I like to switch it up - it's especially good to use these before they start to get too soft, but might be firm any more.

Poached Pear

I don't have a recipe, just a method.

1. LIQUID
You need some liquid to simmer the pear in. I fill a small sauce pan with water a juice of a lemon or lime. You can also use, white wine, cranberry juice, apple juice or orange juice.

2. SPICES
Add some spice. You can use a combination of anything aromatic and makes you think of the holidays. I like to use vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg. I add just a pinch of salt too.

3. SIMMER
Peel your pear with a peeler. Keep stem intact. Simmer pear for 15-20 minutes until tender. Remove and let cool for several minutes.

4. SYRUP
Meanwhile make a syrup to top it. You can use any kind of juice. I like to do 1 part juice,  1 part sugar  - maybe a splash of gran marnier, whisky, scotch or rum. Simmer and reduce to half amount.

5. SERVE IT UP
Once the pear is cool, cut it in half. Cut into slices about 1/4" thick. Place in shallow dish. Pour syrup over top. Add a crunchy topping. I used coconut cookies in this case. Things like chopped nuts and cereal would work just as well.

Enjoy!

Recipe: Salsa Fresca for one

Salsa Fresca makes a great topping for tacos, great for dipping chips
and goes good on eggs for breakfast too.

Making fresh salsa is easy. This salsa fresca is more of a pico de gallo. There's no real recipe, just basic ingredients mixed to your liking. I was making taquitos but needed something fresh to compliment the deep fried crunch. I made this salsa in less than 10 minutes.

Salsa Fresca

Servings: This is a good way to make it for one or two people for a meal or appetizer without having a surplus of salsa leftover.

Ingredients:

1 Tomato - Chopped 1/4 - 1/2 inch
1/4 White Onion - Chopped 1/4 - 1/2 inch  (Red Onion can also be used)
1/2 Jalapeño - Finely Diced  (Use more of less depending on how spicy you like it)
2 Tbsp Cilantro - Chopped
1/2 Lime
1 Tsp. Olive Oil
Salt to taste

Mix Tomato, Onion, Jalapeño, Cilantro in bowl. Drizzle with Olive Oil. A a little squeeze of lime (or lemon). Salt to taste. Toss and refrigerate for at least half and hour so flavors can blend.

Enjoy with mexican food or on your eggs at breakfast.