PinnedAlissa MerksamerIs It Wrong to Want to Be a Housewife?June Cleaver had it good. The quintessential postwar homemaker in the sitcom “Leave it to Beaver” cared for her family from within her…Jul 16, 2021Jul 16, 2021
Alissa Merksamer3 Tips for Ordering Peruvian FoodSpanish, Inca, Chinese, Italian, and German traditions all influence Peruvian food. Known for its strong flavors and refreshing ceviche, it…Jul 20, 2016Jul 20, 2016
Alissa MerksamerHow to Eat Spring Rolls the Right WaySpring rolls aka imperial rolls aka cha gio are rice paper wrapped rolls filled with pork, carrots, cellophane noodles, and mushrooms and…Jul 8, 20161Jul 8, 20161
Alissa MerksamerOverheard — No cigarette for the homelessI was walking on Irving Street in the Inner Sunset when a couple approached Yancy’s Saloon. A homeless guy sitting in front of the bar…Jul 1, 2016Jul 1, 2016
Alissa MerksamerAnchovies are sexyThe 1946 movie Gilda starring Rita Hayworth and Joseph Calleia was too sexy for the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. He censored the…Jun 30, 2016Jun 30, 2016
Alissa MerksamerHow do you Scoop Hummus?I can’t remember the last potluck I attended that didn’t include at least one kind of hummus in the appetizer spread. Pita bread is the…Jun 26, 2016Jun 26, 2016
Alissa MerksamerCrème Brûlée v. Crème CaramelCool, creamy custard can remedy a bad day. Perhaps that’s why so many cultures make versions of it. You’ll find flan in Latin America…Jun 22, 2016Jun 22, 2016
Alissa MerksamerSelfishThere were ten brownies on the tray. They were small but deathly fudgy. I made them just a few hours earlier. I had baked other desserts…Jun 10, 2016Jun 10, 2016