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 [...]

Let’s Make Soup

I’ve been eating this really versatile curried carrot and lentil soup for the last couple of days, and I got inspired to chat about soups in general.  Good soup is a gentle indulgence.  Few plates of food can be as satisfying, and few spoken about with such reverence, passion, and gusto.  I don’t want to [...]

Food, Inc. Watch. This. Film.

    Although this film has been out of the gates for a little while, I just watched it at home tonight.  Please watch this film.  The story is compelling, unnerving, disappointing, and revealing.  I encourage all those I know and love to sit down to a generous helping of this movie. Here’s the web [...]