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 [...]

Chestnut Soup (on an open fire)

  I love me some chestnuts.  They put me in the mood for holiday festivities, and I can’t get that “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” song out of my head until I’ve brought some home and roasted them up.  It’s an illness.  The flavor is slightly sweet, and a little starchy like potatoes.  I [...]

Baking with Michael Ruhlman’s ‘Ratio’

So far, I’ve got a little bit of a crush on this book.  The subtitle, “The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking” is absolutely on point.  Here’s the take-home message: “This book is about the culinary fundamentals, without which, as Esoffier said, nothing of importance can be accomplished.  Nothing.  But because it’s about [...]

Housewarming Recipes –

I had the pleasure of helping a friend host her housewarming party this last weekend.  (Hi Arliene!)  Everyone had a fun night, and we ate a lot of good food.  As requested, I’m providing some of the recipes from that event for the attendees.  If anyone has questions or if the directions seem unclear, feel [...]

Spiced Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s my second effort for the Food52 Chocolate Cookie recipe contest.  The basis for this recipe comes by way of the former Restaurant Vintage Park in Kearney, Nebraska.  I used to make a metric butt-load of these guys.  I think it’s the best chocolate chip recipe ever; not too crisp, not over cake-like.  Just right.  [...]