I hail from the North Carolina Piedmont, not far from barbecue capital, Lexington, N.C. If you’ve got an impressive BBQ IQ then you know that Lexington lovers take their smoked pork with a vinegar tomato sauce and their chopped slaw stirred with the same. In my home kitchen, I cook my locally-raised pork shoulderContinue reading “Barbecue Sauce”
Author Archives: christinanifong
Pizzelle
I had never seen nor heard of these light-as-air cookies before meeting my Italian-American mother-in-law. Now my family makes them at least once a year, typically around Christmastime or sometimes to celebrate the first snowfall. Their thin circle shapes and dusting of powdered sugar make them resemble delicate snowflakes. But as beautiful as they are, it’s their sweetContinue reading “Pizzelle”
Creamed Spinach
When you’re looking for something green but not necessarily a salad, this dish fits the bill. Serve it with cornbread and pork, or eggs and toast. Perhaps the biggest endorsement of this dish is my 15-year-old, vegetable-averse son who recently said: “You know that spinach you made? At first I didn’t think I would like it, butContinue reading “Creamed Spinach”
Chicken Piccata
This lovely dish was our Christmas dinner last year. It was flavorful, but not heavy, fancy but not fussy, with the added advantage of offering a simple chicken tender and pasta option for the pickiest eaters at our table. Serves 6 Ingredients 2 large lemons 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and pounded to 1/4 inchContinue reading “Chicken Piccata”
Basic Meatballs
Meatballs are a staple in our kitchen. Whether served as a complement to roasted vegetables, atop spaghetti and mixed with marinara or stirred together with a sweet and sour sauce, they are a versatile and easy dinner, beloved by all. We have, over the years, tried many recipes: Swedish meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, Asian meatballs. ButContinue reading “Basic Meatballs”
Giving Chestnuts Another Go
My first encounter with a chestnut was in my friend’s backyard. She and her family have a beautiful chestnut tree whose branches reach across their whole lot, providing shade and climbing for her three boys — even supporting a swank treehouse. So when I asked if she might have a few extra nuts for meContinue reading “Giving Chestnuts Another Go”
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones
In my quest to enjoy all the pumpkin I process and freeze every fall, I am always searching for new recipes. This one crossed my computer a few months ago and has since become a hit. The scones are hearty and earthy and the chocolate chips give them just a hint of decadence. Recipe inspired byContinue reading “Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones”
Celebrations
Thursday is Thanksgiving — a time to gather with family and friends, a day to indulge and relax. It’s an occasion to count our blessings and to spend time romping in the chilly sunshine and lounging in front of televised parades. It’s also the only holiday I can think of that isContinue reading “Celebrations”
Tangy Tomatillos
We pulled out the tomatillo plants a few weeks ago. I’m missing them already. For years we had talked of growing these delightful cousins to the tomato but had never found the plants when we needed them. So we’d move on, regretfully. Next year, we’d sigh, we’ll try those tomatillos. Then this spring, it allContinue reading “Tangy Tomatillos”
Salsa Verde
We planted tomatillos in our garden for the first time this year and I loved them so much I hope we never have a garden again without them. The crisp, bright taste of fresh salsa verde has a lot to do with this love. This recipe earned me raves at the two potlucks where I shared it,Continue reading “Salsa Verde”