A Quick (One-Handed?) Meal

After work yesterday, I wanted to make a quick meal, so I went for a classic; Stuffed Crepes with Walnut and Cheese Gratin.  For the filling, I browned some chopped up bacon, onion, apple, and currants.  Meanwhile I made the crepes.  I brought all of the sauteed bits together with a couple of eggs, and [...]

Cooking Vocabulary and Notes (Whipped Potatoes)

Our second chapter in the series that follows my last coaching session.  Mashed (or whipped) potatoes are filled with emotion.  It seems like every family gathering has someone who is ‘responsible’ for the potatoes.  And that person, having assumed the ‘responsibility’, becomes very serious about the business of potatoes.  Zealous even.  The method, recipe, specific [...]

Split Pea Smoked Turkey Soup

A good friend of mine has come down with the dreaded H1N1 influenza.  He’s well, and caught everything before his respiratory system was compromised greatly.  A blessing, indeed.  And, like most people who are ill, he really just wants some soup.  So, that’s what I’m bringing him later today; along with some home baked breads.  [...]

Cooking Vocabulary and Notes (Pan Roasted Filet of Beef)

I spent some time with a great client a few nights ago, and we worked on his steak cooking skills.  First, a trip to the market, followed by seasoning a cast iron skillet, leading us into a pan seared steak.  We also put together a mushroom sauce and some whipped potatoes.  As he concisely stated, [...]

Tagliatelle, potatoes, Pt. Reyes Blue, walnuts, mushrooms, and black garlic –

Yep.  That’s right.  Winter as we know and use it has gently settled into the bay area, and it’s time for some hot carb on carb action.  This is a variation of a dish that Michael Park made for me back in the days of Restaurant Vintage Park (Kearney, Nebraska).  We ate some great pasta [...]