Citrus abounds in winter. Fragrant Meyer lemons weigh down California trees, and tangerines and grapefruits swell in Florida’s groves this time of year. Even if they aren’t local in your area, they are some of the freshest fruits available on grocery store shelves. I used a variety of citrus treasures in place of tomatoes to […]
Do you ever find yourself reaching for a salty snack, but cringe that eating the bag of potato chips in the cabinet will cause you to renege on your new year’s resolutions? Nuts are a healthy alternative to the greasy, overly salted snacks found in grocery store aisles, and this recipe, which includes a bit […]
Although the solstice has passed and the sun is slowly creeping its way back into our lives, we still have a lot of winter left. A hearty bean soup is one way keep your energy and stay warm until temperatures rise. My favorite take on this bean soup is Creole-style. For those who prefer it, […]
I have a friend who takes holiday cookies seriously. She starts well in advance, makes many dozens of cookies and always has a plateful ready to offer her guests and co-workers. Often we manage to bake together in her large kitchen this time of year; it’s a domestic pleasure and a gesture of friendship I […]
Sophisticated, seasonal and simple: I love this combination of fruit, chocolate and wine. The tawny pears turn garnet when poached in red wine, and the same red wine in the cake makes it glossy and just sweet enough. A sprinkle of confectioners sugar might be a pretty garnish, but the cake needs no thick frosting […]
When I exclaimed at finding fuzzy, yellow quince at the local apple orchard, a fellow shopper asked me what they were and what they tasted like. Maybe because quince must be cooked and can’t be eaten out of hand, these fragrant and ancient fruits are unfamiliar to most of us. They taste like a mix […]
There are so many variations on beans and greens. While I love the stew-like Italian pasta e fagioli and Portuguese caldo verde, I’m especially fond of this sparse, nourishing version. Yes, you can add a small ham hock, slices of good sausage, little meatballs, a minced hot pepper, some barley or small pasta, but the simplest […]
As you’re preparing for this week’s Thanksgiving dinner, other meals may fall by the wayside, but they shouldn’t—especially not breakfast. There are many options for serving up a simple yet nutritious breakfast on Thanksgiving morning to prepare you for the day of cooking and feasting ahead. Homemade muffins, for example, are fast, flexible and healthy. […]
If I had used more tomato, achiote and cilantro, this would have been arroz marinero. If I had used bacon or tasso instead of olive oil, it would have been Creole rice. If I had added saffron and chicken or sausage, the dish would have veered closer to paella. As it was, I had some very good […]
My green bean spread has been known as mock chopped liver for a generation. You can serve this hors d’oeuvre before a festive meal as an alternative to pâté for vegetarians or non-liver eaters, but I object to it’s nickname—it’s not mock anything! It’s a variable and novel way to enjoy fall green beans, especially […]
