Although we are eating less meat lately, it is impossible for me to say that a simple, whole roasted chicken is not a delicious thing. First, when the meat is fresh and organic from your local farm, you will be astonished by how much better it tastes than its grocery store cousin. Second, it can … Continue reading Simple Herb Roasted Chicken
Grilled Pizza with Asparagus, Caramelized Onions, and Brandied Figs
At the beginning of last summer, we decided to abandon our patio as a dining room. Â We had the obligatory table and chairs outside and never ever sat there. Â Because the patio is right spanking next to our eat-in kitchen, it just always seemed so pointless to lug all of our food outside. Â And then … Continue reading Grilled Pizza with Asparagus, Caramelized Onions, and Brandied Figs
Whole Wheat Macaroni and Cheese
It's only been recently that I have been able to crack open a box of mac and cheese and cook it for my kids. Â I've always had to make it from scratch with soy cheese/soy milk because my daughter was severely allergic to dairy (which she has thankfully outgrown). Â And somehow when you get used … Continue reading Whole Wheat Macaroni and Cheese
Fried Tofu: Chicken Style and Buffalo. Yes, Buffalo.
Like many people right now, we are cutting back on our meat consumption.  And when we do eat it, we now spend our "meat dollars" (wow, that sounds gross) on responsibly raised and locally produced animals. Clearly, ethical issues and environmental impacts have led us down this path. I absolutely cannot justify having cheap, feedlot … Continue reading Fried Tofu: Chicken Style and Buffalo. Yes, Buffalo.
Leek and Porcini Risotto
Good risotto is one of those things that is nearly impossible to get at a restaurant. Â Certainly, there are places that do it well. Â But if I order it, I am usually disappointed nine times out of ten. Â It just doesn't lend itself well to advance prep and requires lots of stirring while cooking. … Continue reading Leek and Porcini Risotto
Lamb Tikka Masala with Brown Basmati Rice
In the middle of Pennsylvania, we fight hard for spring. We endure a long winter that only reveals itself in shades of black and white (and sometimes brown) -- so when I start to see the mint sprouting up in my backyard, I become a happy person. Â Mint is a crazy perennial grower -- plant … Continue reading Lamb Tikka Masala with Brown Basmati Rice
Spring Pasta with Brown Butter, Asparagus, Peas, and Chanterelle Mushrooms
I often think that my laziness has been great fuel for my cooking creativity.  There are so many days when I stare into my pantry (while my two year old desperately attempts to clutch every box of crackers in it) and think that there is absolutely nothing to cook.  And then I walk away and … Continue reading Spring Pasta with Brown Butter, Asparagus, Peas, and Chanterelle Mushrooms
Grilled Pork, Mashed Potatoes with Chervil, Applesauce, and Sauteed Collards
My intent with the "Farmer's Market Dinner" category is to highlight a meal made almost entirely with local ingredients. Clearly this is a not a 100% promise, but more of an intent to use as many local ingredients as possible. Tonight's meal was made from local pork tenderloin sourced at my winter's farmers market, mashed … Continue reading Grilled Pork, Mashed Potatoes with Chervil, Applesauce, and Sauteed Collards
Making Pizza … Whole Grain Spicy Spinach White and Plain Old Cheese
I love making pizza with the kids. Number one, they are always psyched to hear that pizza is on the dinner menu which means we can skip the overly dramatic groans. Number two, they love to help -- and giving them the ability to make their own dinner is a skill that might come in … Continue reading Making Pizza … Whole Grain Spicy Spinach White and Plain Old Cheese
Fried Brown Rice with Edamame (With Bonus Leftover Idea)
I have been making fried rice for years. Â I have analyzed the techniques of the master chefs (you know, at Benihana) and come to the conclusion that the best fried rice recipe has no real recipe at all. Â The whole point is to use the ingredients that you have on hand. Â This is a brilliant … Continue reading Fried Brown Rice with Edamame (With Bonus Leftover Idea)