Pulled Pork Sandwiches
I realize that a recipe for pulled pork is a kitchen version of an oxymoron. But I tried to write mine down in a way that will give you the confidence to pull off the sort of clean-out-the-fridge improvisation that makes the best pulled pork. While bbq sauce varies region to region, all over the... Read More→
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This Buffalo Chicken Dip should probably be categorized as an illegal substance. While in general, I plan to share mostly my personal recipes, I can’t take credit for this one. Nor can I ignore it if I’m responsibly posting a Super Bowl Party menu. I mean, this Buffalo Chicken Dip is really, really good. My childhood friend... Read More→
Cherry Oatmeal Cookies
For me, a Super Bowl means football. Football means the Packers. Packers mean Wisconsin. Wisconsin means sour cherries. This is quite the causal chain, huh? If you followed me this far, you’ll probably agree that the obvious dessert for a Super Bowl Party is Door County Cherry Oatmeal Cookies. I can’t really claim credit for... Read More→
Golden Beet and Fresh Chèvre Bruschetta
Guess what I asked of my sister for a Christmas present? If you said “golden beets,” I’m shocked but you’re right. They can be hard to get here in Philly, for no apparent reason. I prefer them to red beets; they taste more earthy to me and a little less sweet. Since she brought me... Read More→
Feel Better Chicken Noodle Soup
Whenever I get that scratchy throat- stuffy head feeling, I want two things: really expensive orange juice and homemade Feel Better Chicken Noodle Soup. I trek to the store in a ridiculous outfit and seek out a chicken. Usually, when I make soups it’s about finishing off the dregs of the veggie drawer but I’m... Read More→
Dryuary Salad with Chickpeas and Feta
Last year, I didn’t eat meat or drink alcohol (unless I was at Blue Hill in New York since I made the reservation in November) for the month of January. This wasn’t a resolution so much as a staving off death measure. For whatever reason, December 2011 was so wet it required a Dryuary. Fortunately,... Read More→
Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Glaze
I really love citrus in the winter when it’s at its peak. Fortunately, my dear friend Elena and her mother try to keep me in citrus in the winter. I already have been gifted a big bag of limes and more recently some Meyer lemons, which her mom ships to us in Philly from her... Read More→
Fig, Goat Gouda, Prosciutto Sandwich
I’m not sure whether she or I coined the term, but my sister-in-law, Liza, is an infamous assemblage cook. While I don’t always (or even often) practice assemblage cooking, it’s an important weapon in any culinary arsenal. Assemblage cooking, or assembling as Liza calls it, is the category of cooking devoted to keeping a variety... Read More→
Chili Cheese Cornbread
Chili demands cornbread and while it is always delicious, a simple tip and some extra ingredients will make yours stand out. Preheating not just the oven, but the skillet too, creates the excellent crust the best corn breads have. This works for muffin tins as well. ½ cup butter or margarine—softened (can use a little... Read More→
Peanut Butter Molasses Dog Cookies
‘Tis the season for spoiling everyone, including the important four-legged creatures of the household who I guarantee will love these Peanut Butter Molasses Dog Cookies. Since Chloé the dog is my constant cooking companion and part of the exciting challenge of the dirty laundry kitchen is dodging the doodle, it’s time you see how she... Read More→
Lucky Vegetarian Chili with Black Eyed Peas
It’s hard work to make a terrible chili. It’s also easy to make a great one. At this point I have both had and made so many versions that I can’t pick a favorite. But for me, two obvious requirements in a great chili are lots of veggies and lots of spices. The heat and... Read More→
Warm Shrimp Salad
This salad is inspired by many trips to Parc restaurant. I love to sit at the outdoor tables on Rittenhouse square and watch the dog walkers while I pretend I’m in Paris. But this salad and the wonderful French bread they bake makes a trip worth it even in the winter. When I don’t have... Read More→
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
I love soups. It’s true. I make a lot of them and I make them in large quantities and freeze half for a rainy day. For me, there’s nothing like this slow Oven Roasted Tomato Soup. I use lots of garlic and often keep it really plain. But you can season it any way you... Read More→
Double Almond Pumpkin Bread
Some recipes are an essential part of acknowledging the change of seasons for me and Double Almond Pumpkin Bread is definitely one of them for me. For passionate pumpkin lovers, there’s no such thing as too many pumpkin bread recipes and I’ve tried a lot of great ones of the years both in my kitchen,... Read More→
Swedish Pancakes
If you ever make it over to my house early on a Saturday morning, you’ll usually find us eating Swedish Pancakes. It’s my preferred weekend breakfast. The thin, delicate pancakes roll up beautifully and are a great vehicle for lots of gorgeous fruit. Swedish pancakes are mostly eggs and milk, so they’re packed with protein... Read More→
Pomegranate Martini Punch
In the spirit of encouraging you to get to really know me, we should probably start with a cocktail… This particular cocktail has a long and sordid history in my own kitchen. And if you message me privately, I’ll tell you the story of its real name. I tend to pour with a heavy hand... Read More→
Ginger Rogers
A great meal needs a great cocktail to get your guests in a festive mood and this Ginger Rogers Cocktail certainly does the trick for my Middle Eastern Feast. The bourbon makes the Ginger Rogers perfect for winter and the spicy ginger let’s your taste buds know that something fun is on the way. Finally,... Read More→
Homemade Pita Bread
One of the first breads I really mastered was homemade pita bread, and for good reason. It’s really simple, and for fresh bread, it’s also quite fast. And you get a lot of bang for your buck. There’s something about serving homemade bread at a dinner party that really wows guests like no other entree.... Read More→
Cous Cous with Pomegranates
I absolutely love making this Cous Cous with Pomegranates salad all winter long. It pairs well with almost any protein, or it’s great on its own. I love it because of the vibrant colors and flavors of the mint and pomegranate kernels. I also love all of the textures. The chewy cous cous, the tart... Read More→
Persian Love Cake
At the end of the Middle Eastern Feast Dinner Party, after you’ve enjoyed a spicy Ginger Rogers cocktail and a meal full of rich and bright flavors, you’ll need a dessert that can hold its own. This Persian Love Cake does the trick. I certainly didn’t invent this one, but I definitely claim to have... Read More→