Spicy Shrimp & Couscous Salad
This dish came together from a few sources. The couscous is a loose adaptation of a Jamie Oliver recipe; an uncooked couscous (yes, really) that is incredibly easy and versatile, depending on what veg you like. As far as the shrimp, I honestly can’t remember what the original source recipe was – might have been Emeril – but in any case I have tweaked it … Continue reading Spicy Shrimp & Couscous Salad
Ten pantry items I can’t live without
We all have them: those things in our pantry (or freezer) which, when they are running low, we immediately add to a list, physical or mental, to buy more. I’m not talking about standard items like onions or garlic, milk or butter, or the produce or meat you buy depending on what you are making that week. No, these are the ingredients, unique to each … Continue reading Ten pantry items I can’t live without
Bacon Asiago Scallion Scones
I love scones. But not all scones; I find most scones at bakeries and such much too sweet. For some time I’ve had a favorite scone recipe, culled together from a few sources, that turns out a nice , lightly sweet scone made with yogurt, to which you can add fruit, zest, or whatever pleases you. It manages to make you feel pampered and healthy … Continue reading Bacon Asiago Scallion Scones
Warm tortilla chips
There is no reason to buy commercially made tortilla chips, when it’s so easy to make your own. And, if you buy the right brand* of fresh corn tortillas, they are far healthier, too. Warm tortilla chips are the perfect accompaniment to Five-Pepper Chili, but I also use them to make homemade nachos (also a great use for leftover chili!). You don’t need any special … Continue reading Warm tortilla chips
Chipotle Chicken Mac & Cheese
Originally published on culturebitch.com, May 12th, 2010 This winter I got really into making mac & cheese from scratch. I’ve tried a few different recipes from various cookbooks, and some are OK, some just mediocre, but the best one yet is in Alice Waters’ The Art of Simple Cooking, upon which this recipe is based. One weekend as I was craving this dish, I happened … Continue reading Chipotle Chicken Mac & Cheese
Ratatouille, reinvented
Originally published on culturebitch.com, August 6, 2009 One thing I love about where I live is the abundance of farmers’ markets from which to choose. I’m lucky enough to have two during the week right near my office, as well as one a short walk from my house on Saturday mornings, which means from May to October, I can spend much less time at my … Continue reading Ratatouille, reinvented
Restaurant Georges, and the Perfect French Waiter
Originally published on culturebitch.com, October 2008 A highlight of our recent vacation in Paris was lunch at Restaurant Georges, at the top of the Centre Pompidou. If you’re not familiar with the Pompidou, it houses France’s National Modern Art collection, and is a spectacular place to visit. Some of the art inside is very contemporary, of course, but “modern” includes early 20th century paintings and … Continue reading Restaurant Georges, and the Perfect French Waiter
A few of my favorite (Parisian) things…
The first sip of a cafe noisette. The way every meal is served with a basket of baguette slices, even if you ordered a sandwich. The way a waiter (who is always a man) will speak only French to you, if you speak very poor but earnest French to him. The plastic-bag public trash receptacles on every street, labeled in French, “Vigilance and Cleanliness”. The … Continue reading A few of my favorite (Parisian) things…
Fourth & Home
Post originally published on Culture Bitch, July 2008 Well, we are finally in our first home. After many months of looking at condos all over the city, a blizzard of paperwork, tons of purging and packing, moving day finally arrived. Somehow we managed to be so uncoordinated with our efforts that we needed to make several additional trips after the “real move” between the old … Continue reading Fourth & Home
Five-Pepper Chili
This is a very flexible chili recipe, and can be different every time you make it. E.g., beef & kidney beans, turkey & black beans, or chicken & white beans…it’s all up to you. This will make enough for four people (or two VERY hungry ones). Can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. In a dutch oven or large pot, heat about 2 … Continue reading Five-Pepper Chili
noodlecork 