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A few years ago I was introduced to the gorgeous and unbelievably talented Aida Mollenkamp. So intimidated was I by this lovely lady, that the gawky 11 year-old in me was immediately reawakened. Aida’s endless knowledge about travel and anything food, to her effortless style and impeccable taste are awe-inspiring. In addition, this gal couldn’t be sweeter. Aida has the uncanny ability to impress and charm the pants off of you while simultaneously putting you completely at ease.
If those weren’t all reasons enough to write about Aida, I’m excited to tell you that she has just released her first cookbook, appropriately titled, Keys To The Kitchen. And it’s brilliant. This book is like our generation’s Joy To Cooking, covering fundamental kitchen techniques, offering incredible tips on how to become a better cook and featuring 305 recipes (yes, 305!), all presented in a simple and easy to understand way and jazzed up with Aida’s flair for out-of-the-box ideas. It makes you want to run out to the market, come home, and become a much more adventurous cook.
While perused the pages, featuring delectable photographs by the talented Alex Farnum, I came very close to having to wipe drool off my chin. I couldn’t help but fall in love with the chapters at the end of the book which contain recipe ideas that are perfect for someone who is busy, but still wants to prepare tasty dishes. We’re all big smoked salmon lovers in our house, but until I read Aida’s book I hadn’t thought about preparing it the way she does (see recipe below). Just take the best bread you can find, top it with a smear of creme fraiche (or cream cheese or sour cream), layer on a piece of succulent smoked fish, and top it off with a snip of chives from the garden. We’ve literally made this recipe every Sunday since I got my hands on the book.
Over the past few years I’ve been fortunate enough to spend time with Aida, as well as with a great bunch of other talented and like-minded foodie bloggers. For the past week we’ve been celebrating the book release by partaking in a “virtual dinner party” on all of our websites_ sharing Aida’s recipes, doing giveaways, and engaging in Aida-themed stuff (I had never heard of a virtual dinner party before, but given that I barely get out of the house, a virtual fun is right up my alley!).
Simple Breakfast Flatbread
Ingredients
- 2 pieces thinly slices and toasted bread or flatbread such as naan
- 2 tablespoons creme fraiche, sour cream or ricotta
- 4 pieces thinly sliced smoked salmon or cured meat
- 2 chives, chopped
Instructions
- Spread the creme fraiche on the sliced bread.
- Top with smoked salmon and chives.
Nutrition
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Love Aida! The book looks like a work of art. Think I’ll try the recipe with a pear buckwheat bread from a local bakery. mmmmm
Loooovvvvve Aida! The book looks like a work of art! I think I will try the smoked salmon with a pear buckwheat bread from a local bakery – love a touch of sweet with my smoked salmon!
Anything you add smoked salmon to is a win in my book
Can always use new ideas=)
I’m a newlywed, learning my way in the kitchen… always open to trying out new recipes for my husband! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
Would love this! I love smoked salmon!
Yum!!!!! Would love the cook book!
Yum! So simple, bet yet bruillant!:) So making this!
I’d like to do this as a vegetarian version….maybe with avacado instead of meat? Mm, yes, sounds good!
I try to offer international giveaways as often as possible! Unfortunately, it is up to the company giving away their product where they’re able to ship. Sometimes it is just too expensive for companies to ship internationally. I hope you continue to enter giveaways and find value in this site!
I’ve been receiving Weelicious emails for a long time now, and recently “liked” the site on Facebook. I enjoy the ease of updates in my news feed. I’ve purchased several advertised items that I love, including two planet boxes and two Wawabots water bottles. I use your recipes all. the. time. I’m a bit sad that this particular giveaway is for US residents only. I’m sure I’m not the only loyal Canadian fan…
Looks like an awesome book want to have one.
I too love Aida and would love to have her new book!
Who can resist cream cheese and lox. Will try with ricotta soon!
This looks delicious and the new cookbook sounds great.
This simple recipe could pass for an appetizer, snack, or breakfast dish! It looks fantastic!