Articles written by Polina Chesnakova
Polina Chesnkova is a Seattle-based food writer, cooking class instructor, and the author of Hot Cheese: Over 50 Gooey, Oozy, Melty Recipes.
Chicory Salad with Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Smoked Blue Cheese
A warm and nutty yet sharp vinaigrette brings out the toasted sweetness of smoked blue cheese, while allowing its rich paste to pop. The vinaigrette can be made in advance and rewarmed just before serving.
Preserved Lemon Ice Cream with Olive Oil and Sea Salt
A drizzle of olive oil and pinch of flaky sea salt add a wonderful, rich subtleness and contrasting texture to this sweet and salty ice cream. Seek out a light-bodied, fruity olive oil that will not only play off the sweetness of the cream but also balance the savory cured lemons. Preserved lemons can be […]
Gougères with Ossau-Iraty and Piment d’Espelette
Fresh and fruity Piment d’Espelette pairs with sweet, nutty, and floral Ossau-Iraty to give these classic cheese puffs an irresistible whiff of the French Basque region. The gougères are best eaten warm, but they can be made a few hours in advance and re-crisped in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes just before serving.
Rye Crispbreads with Labneh and Hot-Smoked Salmon
With a hint of sourness thanks to the rye, these thin, crispy crackers are the perfect foil for tangy, rich labneh and unctuous smoked salmon. The crispbread recipe makes more than you’ll need—store the remainder in an airtight container.
Roasted Harissa Chicken with Herbed Pistachio Goat Cheese
A zingy, flavor-packed goat cheese is slipped under the skin of this bird before harissa, a North African chile pepper paste, paints it a brilliant red and adds an extra kick of heat. Placed over a bed of fennel and carrots, the chicken keeps moist while the vegetables become infused with pan drippings during roasting. […]
Savory Granola with Yogurt and Spring Vegetables
This savory mix of nuts and seeds adds a healthy kick of flavor and crunch to salads, vegetables, and even your morning yogurt.
Lemon Ricotta Waffles with Blueberries
These waffles are light and tender on the inside thanks to the ricotta, yet still remain pleasingly crisp on the outside.
Whipped Feta with Honey and Spiced Walnuts
Ditch your traditional cream cheese for this feta-infused option, bursting with cheesy flavor.
Savory Oatmeal with Fromage Blanc, Sweet Potatoes, and Kale
Oats work as a starchy vehicle—for sweet and savory toppings. Here, we top the whole grain with cumin- and coriander-spiced sweet potatoes, garlicky sautéed kale, a jammy egg, and fromage blanc brightened with cilantro and citrus zest.
