Archive for October, 2006

Like the perfect storm, a good stew is a confluence of individual ingredients, each of which having its own powerful properties. When these ingredients are introduced to one another and given time to mix properly, the result is even greater than any one of the singular items could ever be. Prepared by knowing hands, a... »

What a wonderful combination! The starchy-sweet richness of butternut squash lightly cut through with the tart sweetness of apples. You can use any type of apple for this recipe, but a nice green apple with a bit of a sour edge to it works best. Although it is not required, I like to roast my... »

Chimichurri sauce is an amazingly refreshing concoction of fresh, green herbs, olive oil and garlic, with a few other ingredients thrown in. It is attributed to Argentinian cuisine, which is often overlooked in my opinion, but it seems to have derived oringinally from a basic Genovese Pesto. Since its preparation involves no meat, stock,... »

Most soups are either clear broth-based or cream-based; but split pea soup is one of the starch-based soups that use the starch in the main ingredient to thicken the liquid, much as flour will do with a gravy or white sauce. Other starches that are commonly used in soups are potato, squash, and, to... »

If you ever have any shell fish left over from something, or you just happen to find a good deal on a small amount of seafood, a bisque is a terrific way to use it and not have it get lost in the middle of some large, complicated dish. A bisque is nothing more... »

This is one of those recipes that is so easy that it is almost embarrassing to post it, but it is so tasty, and so quick to prepare, that it would be a disservice to not do so. This recipe first came to me from an employee of mine years ago. She had found... »

Contrary to popular belief, making lasagna at home is not difficult. Certainly there is a lot of assembly involved, and lots of ingredients to prepare; but none of the steps is difficult, and it is hard to make a bad-tasting lasagna. In fact, I think you would have to substitute several of the ingredients with... »

This is a tasty little treat that will impress your family or guests, or even just yourself. Like most Italian cooking, this recipe makes simple use of good ingredients that go well together. If you want a variation on grilled cheese sandwiches, this is the way to go. Also, because it is fried, you... »