Merguez and Olive Braised Lamb

When the season gets cold enough, I love to serve braised beasts.  There is no easier (or tastier) way to turn a tougher cut of meat into a juicy, yielding morsel.  And it’s pretty easy.  If you follow the steps for braising, you can apply the technique to any protein and even some vegetables.  It [...]

Your First Bread Pudding

Think of this as breakfast for dessert.  When I first heard the words ‘bread’ and ‘pudding’ slapped together and offered as a dessert, well, let’s just say I was skeptical.  But after several exploratory samples, I realized that bread pudding is like the best French toast ever.  With whipped cream and booze.  Hello!!!  The picture [...]

Cooking Notes and Vocabulary (Gnocchi)

I’ve been waiting to make these little treats for the last two days.  Actually, I’ve been looking all over San Francisco for a gnocchi paddle.  Two days, five wasted hours, and an indulgent trip to Kamei Restaurant Supply; still no paddle.  But, a new pasta roller, shinny martini shaker, bread knife, and crazy grooved rice [...]

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 [...]

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.  [...]