student epicure

Student epicure (a.k.a Rachel) is a medical school student living in Worcester, MA, and a self-described "travel junkie." A woman of many talents, she's also a former dancer, so it's not surprising Rachel's recipes get rave reviews for their simplicity, grace and balance. Her Bourbon Chocolate Bread Pudding (pictured above) is just sweet enough, making it equally good for an indulgent breakfast as for a crowd-pleasing dessert. (And for the next morning you can have her restorative and guilt-free Morning Breakfast Dal!)

Indeed, she has a masterful understanding and near-scientific appro ach to the satisfying complexity booze brings to recipes. Her recipes for Dates Poached in Spiced Wine Spooned Over Fresh Ricotta, Tiramisu 151, and Bourbon Steak au Poivre make the best uses of the oaky, fruity, and floral -- not to mention flammable! -- qualities found in wine and liquor.

We'd be remiss if we didn't mention her talents with Chinese ingredients, too. The next time you find yourself considering Chinese take-out, take a moment to review her recipes for Fragrant Chinese Broth and Double Pepper Scallops on Asparagus -- both will satisfy any cross-Pacific cravings.

For more of student epicure's delicious recipes, see her profile page and fan her here.  Also, be sure to check out her blog.

Read student epicure's profile Q&A below:

What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
Urchin ovaries in Crete...silkworm cocoons on a stick in China

What do you cook when home alone?
Pasta pasta pasta

Your most treasured kitchen possession:
A well-seasoned cast iron skillet one of my uncles gave me for Christmas

Your ideal meal:
Simple, seasonal, shared with people I love

Something you'd like a chance to eat or cook:
I want to learn to make my own pates and terrines.

The number of bottles of wine you own:
11

The ideal number of guests for a dinner party is:
2, 6, or 18

Your favorite cookbook:
Martin Yan's Chinatown Cooking