When it’s cold out, there’s nothing that feeds the body and soul so well as a good hearty soup. And I’m not sure any soup fits the bill so well as Minestrone, an ancient Italian soup that includes pasta and beans, onions and tomatoes and whatever you’ve managed to put up from your summerContinue reading “Minestrone”
Tag Archives: dinner
Family Favorite Mac and Cheese
If my kids did the meal planning around here, it would go something like this: Monday Mom’s Mac and Cheese, Tuesday Tacos, Wednesday Pizza, Thursday Mom’s Mac and Cheese, Friday Mom’s Mac and Cheese, Saturday Pizza. They would, if given the chance, eat this mac and cheese several nights of every week. Which, of course, meansContinue reading “Family Favorite Mac and Cheese”
Brussels Sprouts and Braised Chestnuts
This recipe pairs two earthy, autumnal flavors in a hearty, filling way that is perfect for fall or winter. Brussels sprouts are having something of a comeback these days and chestnuts can’t be far behind. Stirring them together creates an incredible nutritional profile and an even better taste. recipe inspired by Julia Child in “The Way toContinue reading “Brussels Sprouts and Braised Chestnuts”
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”
Grilled Spiced Okra
I’m a subscriber of and sometimes writer for the fantastic food magazine The Local Palate. So I’m always excited when one of their recipes becomes a keeper in my kitchen. This dish took the okra from our garden and turned it into spicy, crispy, Indian-leaning goodness. Inspired by a Local Palate recipe from Chef StevenContinue reading “Grilled Spiced Okra”
Fried Okra
This summer, we grew okra in our garden for the first time and came to discover how much we loved it. While there are certainly healthier ways to eat this summer veggie, I don’t think there are any tastier ways. The crisp of the corn meal and the slight sweet of the coconut oil turn this intoContinue reading “Fried Okra”
Spring Stir Fry (with Scapes)
In early summer, our garlic bulbs send up flowers that must be picked if the plants are to grow into fat, tasty bulbs. The best part is the flowers (scapes) are edible — and delicious at that. I experimented and found I liked the stem of the scapes best. They have a starring role in this simple, yummyContinue reading “Spring Stir Fry (with Scapes)”
Why I Cook Dinner
True confession: Sometimes I hate making dinner. I know, I know. You do too. It takes too much time and you don’t have everything the recipe calls for and you get distracted by your dryer beeping then you burn something. Or maybe you put a beautiful, healthy dinner on your table and someone says inContinue reading “Why I Cook Dinner”