Archive for May, 2008
Friday, May 30th, 2008
This past weekend my neighbors were grilling it up with their friends from graduate school (and since they just finished up the spring semester, it was quite a party). As the guests pulled in, I realized that I had completely forgotten about the get-together so I scrambled to throw some bites together. I had just finished re-reading one of my favorite cookbooks, The New Spanish Table, and tapas were on my mind.
In looking over the recipes from The New Spanish Table I was surprised to see how easy some of them were, especially the egg section, which was filled with recipes for deviled eggs and other simple egg dishes. Without much else to bring, I threw together an egg salad spread and crossed my fingers that the dish would go over ok with the guests (nobody wants their plate to be left untouched at a potluck). (more…)
Posted in spring recipes | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, May 27th, 2008
Last month’s issue of Eating Well boasted a whole bunch of burger recipes by Bruce Aidells (legendary sausage maker and all around pork expert), and I was inspired to throw together something new for the grill. I don’t want to keep any secrets, so I’ll be honest: I am a complete burger fanatic. In fact, back when I was a vegetarian, one look at a nice juicy burger was my biggest temptation, practically propelling me from the veggie wagon. Now that I am an omnivore, I am able to eat burgers guilt-free, and sometimes I feel that I need to make up for lost time. (more…)
Posted in summer recipes | 1 Comment »
Monday, May 26th, 2008
During my college years I worked at a local deli, and as a former sandwich artist I can attest that when it comes to mayonnaise there are two distinct camps: the lovers and the haters. I have always been a mayo lover and I can’t think of anything better to spread on a B.L.T. or a chicken salad sandwich. However, in recent years I have somewhat unwillingly found myself drifting into the hater camp.
I really don’t want to become a mayo hater, but every time I am handed a packet of mayonnaise I cringe a little bit. Composed of low-quality vegetable oils, frozen or pasteurized egg yolks (or other non-egg emulsifiers) and chemical preservatives (or “natural flavorings”), industrial mayonnaise doesn’t have much going for it. (more…)
Posted in anytime recipes | 8 Comments »
Thursday, May 22nd, 2008
Memorial Day weekend has always been one of my favorite holidays, and I actually prefer it to the hectic nature of the Fourth of July. It marks the beginning of the summer season for me, which means longer days, warmer nights and outside grilling. In my family it is usually more of a working weekend when we head up to our camp on a lake in the Adirondacks and get ready for the summer ahead. Living out in California, I haven’t gotten back for the family work weekend in a couple of years (sorry, Mom & Dad!), but I do keep the tradition by using this weekend to clean up the grills, tidy up the outdoor furniture and get the backyard ready for summer fun. (more…)
Posted in summer recipes | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 20th, 2008
Good news - the computer glitch has been solved (hopefully for good) and I am excited to finally share this recipe! These ricotta dumplings (or gnudi) are a perfect addition to any spring menu. Prepared in a very similar fashion to gnocchi, gnudi are much lighter than their potato-based cousins, so they are a perfect match for warmer weather or when you are craving a lighter pasta dish. (more…)
Posted in summer recipes | 6 Comments »
Thursday, May 15th, 2008
Over the past couple of years I have been prowling used bookstores for culinary gems and have put together a nice cookbook library. I often refer to cookbooks for straight-up recipes, culinary inspiration and tips on ingredients and techniques. I thought it might be nice to share some of my favorites. This is a list targeted for new cooks but I think they are a great addition to any collection.
I try to purchase all of my cookbooks second-hand, either from local shops or on mega-sites like Amazon where you can buy from individual sellers - this definitely helps the budget and is also a bit more fun finding hidden treasures (I think this is how people who like to antique must feel!). (more…)
Posted in resources | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, May 13th, 2008
I am always on the lookout for great brunch recipes and when I saw Jamie Oliver make this tart on his Food Network show, Jamie at Home, I immediately put it on my recipe to-do list. Brunch is a great time to entertain friends and family, especially during the spring and summer when you can enjoy the sunshine in the backyard or patio. The only problem with brunch is the timing crunch. Unlike a dinner party where you have a few hours to plan ahead, brunch necessitates either an early wake-up (not so nice during your weekend) or a menu that is quick, easy, and can be made ahead of time. (more…)
Posted in spring recipes | 4 Comments »
Wednesday, May 7th, 2008
Last week my cousin Meag shared the sad news with me that her flag football team lost their championship game, a big letdown after a successful season. Not only did she return home without a trophy, but she also has to cook the winning team dinner - what a bummer! Determined to throw a killer party and regain some of her dignity after the loss, my cousin turned to me for help with her party menu and we set out to make a winning game plan. (more…)
Posted in anytime recipes | 9 Comments »
Monday, May 5th, 2008
One of the best things about spring cooking is combining the warm comforting foods suitable to winter with the crisp and cooling vegetables of summer – it’s seasonal fusion cuisine! This pasta dish with asparagus and fava beans is a perfect spring meal when you are looking for something to warm up cooler nights but still crave the fresh vegetables emerging from the garden.
Fava beans are a wonderful spring treat, with a sweet flavor and an almost melt-in-your-mouth texture. They take a bit of work to prepare since they must first be shelled from the the pod, and then blanched in order to remove their thick skins. (more…)
Posted in spring recipes | 4 Comments »
