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Syrah Merkow McGivern

Syrah Merkow McGivern has written 9 posts for Boston Food and Recipes Blog

Irish Soda Bread Recipe – An Excellent Easy Bread Recipe

Irish soda bread is a staple in my household – not because we’re Irish, but because it is so easy and a total crowd-pleaser. As far as I understand, it is not really an Irish food but an American invention reminiscent of wheaten bread, I gleaned from my real Irish neighbor as he nibbled on [...]

Heart-Warming Homemade Falafel Sandwiches with Homemade Tahini

I’ve always lived in a do-it-yourself household and prefer to cook most meals for the convenience factor (and, as my husband would point out, because I’m picky about where my food comes from, I try to deny this because I don’t want to seem like a snob but have to admit that the more I [...]

Fredericksburg Brewing Company

“Hill Country” in the heart of Texas is not only the home of the totally amazing Enchanted Rock, it is the peach growing capital of the state, and home to many German-influenced towns like Fredericksburg.
After a rough, windy day of rock climbing in the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, we stopped into this charming oasis [...]

Ridiculous Food Tidbits

Holy guacamole! My stint in New Orleans is coming to a close. Portfolio and final exam behind me; my graduation ceremony will be over in 48 hours. I am just one board exam away from becoming a Registered Dietitian!
A mnemonic to remember the reduced state of iron (Ferrous; Fe2+) for my final exam [...]

Catfish Tacos

This Californian balanced meal is a staple in my household down here in the bayou.  If purchased from Louisiana farms, the Catfish is a sustainable choice that is good for your body and the environment.  The guacamole provides healthy fats; the zesty sauce is full of beneficial bacteria; the garlic adds naturally immune-boosting antimicrobial properties [...]

The Mystery Vegetable

Just when I was starting to get discouraged with the (lack of a) sustainable-nourishing-healthful-affordable-environmentally-friendly food scene around here, I found myself on an errand for a school assignment at the Crescent City Farmer’s Market.
My schedule hadn’t allowed me to visit this one before- it runs from 9 to 1 on Tuesdays in an uptown parking [...]

Camellia Grill in New Orleans, LA.

Camellia Grill is a 70 year-old classy short-order diner, famous for its sandwiches, breakfast all day, pies and “freezes.”
Hurricane Katrina closed down this staple of the Uptown-Riverbend neighborhood. Luckily, its persuasive fan base (evidenced by the number of internet postings referring to the place, its wikipedia page, and the copious amounts of love letters left [...]

Banning Junk Food in Schools

With recent historical political events in our country, we thought it would be appropriate to post an article regarding the issue of food and nutrition as it pertains to our youth.
To ban or not to ban?
One of the ongoing themes in Nutrition Policy is whether or not to ban foods- specifically “junk foods” for kids [...]

Studying Dietetics in a Notoriously Delicious Place

Hi I’m Syrah, like the wine.
Have you ever heard anyone say anything even slightly bad about the food in New Orleans (NOLA)?
Have you ever heard of Dietetics?  Well its my life right now as I settle into my cozy uptown apartment just minutes from Magazine Street and Audubon Park. I’m realizing that I landed in [...]

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