It’s sort of a stepped up version of a salad with a warm bacon dressing, but instead of the bacon, we are using the more delicately flavored pancetta, thinly sliced, and crisped on the stove-top. You can substitute bacon for the pancetta, but if pancetta is available, I recommend using it. It has a beautiful flavor that works well with the beans, tomatoes, and Parmesan. The dressing is lightly sweet and sour....
What is Couscous? Despite its grain-like appearance, couscous is technically a pasta made of durum wheat semolina that’s been rolled into tiny granules. While the traditional method of preparing couscous involves a relatively lengthy process of steaming and separating the granules, the pre-steamed and dried “instant” variety of couscous that’s commonly sold in the U.S. requires simply steeping in boiling water for a matter of minutes. Often served: Traditionally served with a stew of meat and/or vegetables spooned on top Commonly used in: Maghrebi cuisines of Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Mauritania, and Libya; also France, introduced by Maghreb immigrants Where to buy: In the rice or grains grocery store aisle(s) or the international foods section The term “couscous” can refer to both the granules themselves and a complete main dish, topped with stew....
Hosting ice cream socials is one of my favorite things to do! I love it so much that last year I bought a fun ice cream maker and a waffle cone maker, and with the help of my oldest daughter, we made waffle cones for days. This summer, she’s been selling the ice cream at her neighborhood ice cream stand, and I keep some of the supplies for myself to have friends over for a fun, summer treat....
Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with classic cocktails, bourbon-based mains and classic Southern desserts to make the most of the occasion.
Since that day, I’ve learned how to make a lot of pantry items from scratch and have thoroughly enjoyed the freedom of not relying heavily on canned items. Yes, I said FREEDOM! I remember the feeling of defeat I used to have when I wanted to make a recipe but didn’t have the canned goods in my pantry. Just start with one item and master making it. Use it in several different recipes, and before you know it, making it from scratch will become second nature....
Mid-week, I cruise to our favorite farm stand and load up on sweet corn, plus whatever other goodies they may have to offer: ripe peaches, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, blackberries, watermelon—this is what we dream of all year long! This week’s meal plan keeps that momentum going. Even if your farmers market happens to be a standard grocery store, you can still embrace the glory of summer produce. Whether the vegetables came from your own backyard or the produce aisle, we picked recipes everyone can dive right into....
We eat with our eyes first, and this week I want my plate filled with an array of colors! Turmeric in a roast chicken lends an earthy flavor and golden, crispy skin. Roasted kale and butternut squash pasta is as pretty to look at as it is tasty to eat. Ginger, lime, and chilis excite the taste buds in coconut poached cod with ginger and lime. Turn Instant Pot Mexican pulled pork into a mid-week taco bar with lots of bright toppings like radishes, red onion, lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, and salsa....
Even now, if you open up my pantry door, you’ll find a stack of cans on the shelf right next to the cans of sardines and whole peeled tomatoes. It’s just the most perfect food in pinch, when you haven’t had time to shop, or what’s in the fridge is scarily long past its use-by date. Canned tuna is budget-friendly, good for you, and wonderfully versatile. With it you can make tuna patties, tuna salad, tuna crostini, tuna casserole, and even tuna mac n cheese....
The holidays are upon us, and whether you’re scaling back your celebration or just into the snacks and comradery with virtual friends, there’s good reason to celebrate! While actual dinner parties may be off the table this year, intimate or virtual gatherings with family and friends are meant to be easy! The Set-up The beauty of a small holiday party is the simple set-up — thankfully, no one is expecting nice glasses or cloth napkins....
Lest any “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” fans snicker (the long-suffering father in the movie receives a membership to a jelly of the month club instead of a big cash holiday bonus as hoped), jam and jelly of the month clubs are a thing. But not a big one just yet. We sifted through the ones out there that have charm, personality, and variety. And hardline jelly eaters, take note: None of these are exclusively jelly of the month clubs....
Assemble a cheese board to snack on and you have all the makings of a fun night in, whether you’re partaking with just your household or signing onto Zoom with family and friends. Here are our picks for the best virtual wine tastings. Best Virtual Wine Tastings of 2022 Best Overall: In Good Taste Best for a Personal Experience: Bartholomew Estate Winery Best High-End Tasting: Matthiasson Winery Best for Frequent Wine Tasters: Priority Wine Pass...
I’ve been mad for them as long as I can remember. But I never thought to sub out the lettuce for arugula (which grows like a weed around here) until my mother brought home an arugula BLT from a local bistro. So good! The spiciness of the arugula is wonderfully countered by the fatty smokiness of the bacon. If you don’t have arugula available (also known as rocket) you can use watercress....
I was surprised when I heard the news, at the time, my mother was in her early sixties, and insanely active and healthy. The woman participated the AIDS lifecycle event; a 6 day, 550 mile bike ride. A few days after, she was off to Egypt and Russia. I get tired biking to work, and my last big trip was Napa which is only an hour away. In fact, her main concern after being diagnosed was that the surgery would get in the way of her bike riding....
This particular recipe is only for adults thanks to a healthy dose of booze. Whipped cream and mini marshmallows are optional. What’s the Difference Between Hot Cocoa and Hot Chocolate? First, let’s clear up some confusion about hot chocolate and hot cocoa. These two names are used interchangeably, but they’re actually not the same thing. Hot cocoa is a mix of cocoa powder, sweetener, and a hot liquid. Hot chocolate is a blend of melted chocolate (this can be dark, semisweet, milk, or even white chocolate) and a hot liquid; the sweetener here is optional depending on your chocolate choice....
Most people in Phnom Penh buy their food from the markets. I saw both live and freshly killed chickens, fish that were still wriggling, a very pungent fermented fish called prahok, and baskets piled high with all kinds of fresh produce like lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, baby (pea) eggplant, banana flowers, morning glory, and water spinach. It was all so colorful, chaotic, mesmerizing, loud, and messy! Luckily, I was able to get a cooking lesson from a chef in Phnom Penh who helped me learn more about all the ingredients I saw in the market and taught me some of the basics of Cambodian cooking....
It is at once tangy, rich, and herbaceous—though commonly used to flavor fish and other seafood, chermoula pairs equally well with meats and vegetables. This is the back-pocket recipe you need to use up the fresh herbs overflowing in your garden. My version is reddish brown in color, with plenty of greenery throughout. I use a combination of preserved lemon, parsley, cilantro, and smoked paprika. As someone who has the “soap” gene for cilantro, I’m always surprised at how enjoyable it is in this sauce....
“How are you planning to do that?” I asked, curious to know how this young man, a former college football player who could probably bench press a Volkswagen, would approach the challenge. “Lettuce wraps,” he replied. Well Patrick, this one is for you. It comes from my best pal and blogging buddy, the incredible marvelous Jaden Hair of SteamyKitchen.com, from her newly released cookbook, Steamy Kitchen’s Healthy Asian Favorites. (In fact, all of the recipes in her book would be great for your new year resolution, hmmm, maybe I’ll get you a copy as a pre-wedding gift!...
While this salad was made to be served alongside hearty fare like pizza, chicken parmesan, or pasta dishes, it is plenty hearty enough to be the star of dinner on its own. It also makes wonderful lunches! Homemade Italian Vinaigrette I make my vinaigrette by combining fresh lemon juice, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, sugar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a glass jar with a lid. Shake it up for a few seconds to combine the ingredients and its ready to go!...
