During my visit to Switzerland earlier this year, I found myself surrounded by exceptional chocolate everywhere I went – from Coop grocery stores to the Lindt factory to premium chocolatiers like Läderach. But the real story isn’t just about quality; it’s about how Switzerland built global leadership in premium chocolate without growing a single cocoa…
In my previous exploration of gold jewelry markets, I examined how different cultures solve the fundamental economic challenge of trust and information asymmetry – whether through Florence’s hallmarking traditions, India’s trusted national brands, or America’s standardized quality tiers. But these trust mechanisms are only part of the story. Gold jewelry, beyond its aesthetic appeal and cultural…
Standing in The Gold Corner jewelry store on Piazza di Santa Croce in Florence this past November, examining an 18-karat gold ring, I found myself reflecting on how differently gold jewelry markets operate across the world. As an economist who has experienced gold markets in India, the United States, and now Italy, I realized that…
Craving cookies but want to keep your macros in check? These sourdough chocolate chip cookies pack 6g of protein and only 87 calories per serving. Made with sourdough discard and protein-rich ingredients, they’re the perfect blend of tangy and sweet. Pro tip: Use mini chocolate chips for more chocolate in every bite, and don’t skip…
Experiencing first-hand how nostalgia transforms a utilitarian ‘people’s car’ into a premium tourism product in Florence’s competitive market. Last November, while exploring Florence, my husband and I decided to venture beyond the usual tourist trail of museums and churches. We opted for a self-drive vintage Fiat 500 tour through the Tuscan countryside. As we navigated…
The aroma of fresh croissants wafting through a Parisian morning isn’t just about breakfast – it’s about supply chains, labor markets, and agricultural subsidies. The pristine glaciers of Alaska aren’t merely Instagram-worthy vistas – they’re living laboratories of environmental economics and sustainable tourism. And those intricate tiles in Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods? They’re a study in…
Warm spices, red wine, and bourbon make this traditional Nordic Christmas drink a favorite in our home during the holiday season.
This recipe is inspired by Mallika Basu’s recipe. This is not a low-fat recipe but it is simple and is as close in taste to the Delhi-style butter chicken as it gets while cooking at home. You can make the chicken in advance and prepare the sauce before serving. Alternatively, you can find my Low…
This is the easiest, whole wheat, zero-refined sugar or artificial-sweetener cake you will find, and it is also extremely low-fat. It comes together quickly and is perfect for a light dessert or a mid-day snack.
