Nov 05, 2009 -
If your house is the location of a Thanksgiving potluck, you're hosting duties not only include making the turkey, but also preparing a cocktail. When guests arrive offer them a glass to get things started. Since the meal is a big one, serve an apéritif — something not too sweet that will stimulate the palate like these campari triple-sec concoctions.
- 1 Comment
Jun 24, 2008 -
The other day I was going on about wanting to make strawberry pie (I saw the recipe in Gourmet's June issue) when my friend interrupted me. She pointed out that sadly, strawberry season is almost over! Determined to make the pie, I headed to my local market in hopes of finding the last of the season's berries.
- 16 Comments
Jul 19, 2009 -
Today, I'm planning a popular Italian-American supper, eggplant parmigiana. To prove that it can be just as enjoyable in warm weather as it is comforting in Winter, I'll be keeping my oven turned off and making use of the grill grates instead — grilling adds a smoky flavor to an already substantive vegetable. When preparing this dish, be sure to slice the eggplant right before using to prevent any discoloration.
- 5 Comments
Jun 07, 2009 -
After a week of eating flavorful yet indulgent meals like barbecue, pizza, and chicken Parmesan, I'll be lighting up the grill for a simple, unembellished fillet of wild salmon for dinner tonight.
If you haven't had fish with lime zest before, give the technique a try: it lends a clean, bright note that enhances the freshness of the fish. Get grilling when you read more
- 3 Comments
Nov 04, 2009 -
It isn't a true Thanksgiving meal without loads of sides, scattered around the table like banchan at a Korean barbecue. And one side (other than creamed spinach) that I can't do without is a bowl of candied carrots.
The premise behind glazed carrots couldn't be more basic: you simmer the root vegetables in some form of sweetener (sugar, maple syrup, honey, etc.) until the sauce has thickened and coats the carrots.
- 2 Comments
Jun 18, 2009 -
A couple of weeks ago I catered a dinner for a group of hungry hikers. The crew spent a Saturday trekking the 14-mile round-trip up and down Mount Diablo and the meal was the shining light at the end of the walk. My sister, the leader, requested that I prepare a hearty yet meat-free vegetarian meal that included black beans.
- 13 Comments
May 21, 2009 -
Muenster is an American creation related to France's Munster cheese. It has a smooth texture, yellow interior, and orange rind. Muenster is incredibly mild in flavor with a taste somewhere between American cheese and Jack cheese.
- 4 Comments
Jan 10, 2009 -
About a month ago, I got an intense craving for lasagna. I spent way too much time searching for the perfect recipe and I finally settled on Aida Mollenkamp's Italian sausage and three cheese variation.
While this lasagna was delicious, I found myself, a week later, reading the new Gourmet magazine devoted to Italian-American cooking.
- 7 Comments
Jun 05, 2009 -
Last week I got a text from an old college friend. She would be in town one night only and wondered if I wanted to get together for dinner. Since I'm a huge fan of impromptu soirées, I invited her and two other gals for dinner.
- 6 Comments
May 09, 2009 -
Last Summer I was seduced by Gourmet's strawberry pie, and this year the magazine enticed me with a strawberry mascarpone tart with port glaze. This scrumptious dessert is surprisingly easy to put together — especially if you make the dough (like I did) in a food processor. Although I ended up purchasing a new pan, the delightful combination of crisp buttery crust, smooth creamy filling, plump juicy berries, and thick rich sauce was worth it.
- 7 Comments