No longer updating, but hope you enjoy the recipes!
Unfortunately, I got too busy to go back to blogging, after I was forced to take a break from it in 2015 because of tendonitis.
But you can still follow my cooking, eating, and travels on instagram: (@spontaneoustomato)
One Year! + Purple Potato Gnocchi & Pesto
Is there any word cuter than “gnocchi”?
Actually nearly as cute is– coincidentally– the word “dumplings.” Or maybe I just think the word “gnocchi” is cute because mini potato dumplings masquerading as pasta are, too.
I am in love with gnocchi. And I am sharing this recipe with you today because 1) it’s colorful, 2) it’s fancy, 3) and it turned out deliciously.
And because today is the day that Spontaneous Tomato turns one!
I can’t believe it’s been a whole year!
The Perfect Snack & a Blog Award
Could there be a more perfect snack than a fresh, ripe avocado?
Argue with me if you want… I love all sorts of snacks just as much as the next person.* I just think there’s something so simple and yet decadent about eating an entire avocado with a spoon.
Sprinkle it with sea salt and fresh lime juice. Dig in.
I love this edible ode to an avocado so much, I had to squeeze it in somewhere among my other summery avocado posts (with actual recipes).
But back to the avocado in a minute. Before I bore you away with my non-recipe ramblings, I’d like to thank Tanya of the wonderful blog Humble Feast for nominating me for a Liebster Award!
Fig and Walnut Balsamic Vinaigrette
There’s something you should know: I get obsessed quite easily.
(I’m aware that “obsessed” is a bit hyperbolic; that’s never stopped me.)
I’ve been obsessed with grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches, obsessed with Japanese flashcard-studying, obsessed with yoga (level 1 forever!), and recently obsessed with pickles (more pickle posts coming soon!).
Certain products have hooked me, too. I’m a recovering Sriracha addict (but my girlfriend will always be true to Tapatio), I’ve mentioned my love for Tomolives before, and if you bring me back a bag of apple chips from the store called Muji (Mujirushi) in Japan then I might just love you forever.
Over the past year, my girlfriend and I have become obsessed with Lucini’s Fig & Walnut Savory Balsamic, a self-proclaimed “Artisan Vinaigrette.”
It’s so so good. But I will never buy it again.
Walnut Oil!
Travel Photos: Madison Farmers’ Market
This is not exactly a travel post, since going to Madison is not “travel” for me; it’s going home.
And this is not exactly a food photo post either, at least not a post about cooked food, that is.
This is simply a post about the greatest farmers’ market in the country.
(Ok, fine, my favorite farmers’ market in the country.)
Korean Banchan: Spicy Sesame Bean Sprouts
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I just got back from the scorching hot Midwest, where I made sure to eat Korean food once in Chicago and once in Madison.*
Can you believe there is no Korean restaurant in Santa Barbara even though this is Southern California?! (My friends and family can believe it by now; I complain about it ALL the time.)
Since moving here (and since becoming obsessed with the spicy awesomeness that is Korean cuisine) I’ve gradually been expanding my repertoire of Korean food I can make at home. But the best part about eating out at Korean restaurants is banchan! A.k.a. side dishes.
Banchan at a restaurant in Berkeley, CA (although usually 4-8 side dishes is more typical).
Grilled Apricots with Arugula and Burrata
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Is there such a thing as too many salad recipes?
The answer is no.
I’ve lapsed into the groove of repetitive salad concoctions just as much as the next person. Yet salads can be so versatile and so varied, if you allow them to be.
Step #1: Mix your greens. Toss some arugula, mizuna, spinach, or kale in with your lettuce, or skip the lettuce altogether.
Step #2: Add fruit. Whatever you have around the house. Swap that tomato out for strawberries, peaches, pears, or plums.* Halve grapes, consider craisins, or get crazy with mango or berries.
spontaneous tomato 