Instead of steaming it, this year I decided to roast the cabbage. I thought it was a nice variation that took advantage of my already hot oven. I roasted the cabbage while the shepherd’s pie was in the oven anyway. I have to admit, that steamed or boiled cabbage beats steamed or boiled brussels but […]
Continue readingLamb and Eggplant Shepherd’s Pie
This is one recipe that I tend to make at some point every winter. It’s that good. And I’ve tinkered a little, but in general, I make it almost as I read it a few years ago. I roast the eggplant instead of sauté it as I like the flavor and texture better. I lose […]
Continue readingSoda Bread
Soda Bread is an important part of any St. Paddy’s menu. In fact, I’ve had people threaten to boycott dinner if it wasn’t on the menu. Aside from its delicious nature, it’s also really easy and really fast since it’s a no-rise bread. This version is nice because it fits in a standard loaf pan […]
Continue readingSnakebite
I first learned what a snakebite was while waiting tables at Davis Street Fish Market in Evanston, IL. Since then, I’ve had many at many different bars and they’re all made differently. But when I make them at home, I still go back to the first one I had. It’s the perfect drink to start […]
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Lemon Raspberry Tiramisù
It’s still lemon season, so you’re still getting lots of lemon recipes from me, like this Lemon Raspberry Tiramisù. But I have a confession: I make this delicious Lemon Raspberry Tiramisù year round. Not only is it that good, but lemon raspberry desserts are my favorite- good thing it’s a common combination. My Lemon Raspberry Tiramisù […]
Continue readingPasta Carbonara with Peas and Pepper
I had a pet theory about pasta carbonara. To me, it seemed like the quintessential late winter, early spring dish. Before being able to buy whatever ingredients whenever we wanted, eating with the seasons was the only option. In the late winter and early spring, the only meat still hanging around was doing it quite […]
Continue readingSmart Gal Salad: Tri-Color Peppers, Hearts of Palm, Cilantro
This recipe is quick, easy and satisfying assemblage cooking at its best. The fresh veggies take a couple of minutes to chop and the hearts of palm are canned. This salad can be assembled in 5 minutes. For real. While I make this salad most often in the summer for barbeques and picnics, it occurred […]
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Dying for Summer Apple or Pear and Cherry Almond Crisp
When you grow up in sour cherry country, you develop a very expensive problem, and this Dying for Summer Apple or Pear and Cherry Almond Crisp is a great solution. Your problem? You need sour cherries. Too bad they’re really difficult to get outside of cherry country. And outside of cherry season. And definitely really […]
Continue readingChicken, Veggie and Quinoa Bowl
My dear friend Molly recently asked for this recipe. She likes to eat at Protein Bar in Chicago for quick, healthy lunches; her favorite is their Healthy Parm and she wanted advice on how to make it at home. While I’ve never been myself, next time I’m in Chicago, I hope to stop in and […]
Continue readingRoasted Veggie Caponata
Caponata is a Sicilian dish that’s old enough and it’s history murky enough that I can call this dish Caponata too. Most recipes and histories of the dish agree on eggplants and capers being included in the relish. And that’s where I started. Lots of eggplants. Then I balanced it out with lots of other […]
Continue readingPulled Pork Quesadillas
One of the reasons I like to make big batches of soups, sauces and dishes like pulled pork is for the leftovers. I love quick but tasty weeknight meals and leftover doesn’t have to mean tired and boring. These pulled pork quesadillas make the pulled pork I made last weekend seem brand new. Some store […]
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Blood Orange Margaritas
These beautiful Blood Orange Margaritas, on the rocks, with pink salt are a beautiful and delicious cocktail twist on the classic margarita, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Margaritas are a great compliment to most Mexican dishes, but since they’re not exactly traditional, I paired them with a not-so-traditional Mexican dish as well. Of course, […]
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