Some of my best memories growing up are placed around the dinner table. Â Beyond that, I will say that the wonderful ritual of food expanded my world in many directions. Â There was no reason, in Pennsylvania in about 1980, that I should have been eating things like Moussaka or Paella, but I did. Â We had … Continue reading Paella
Shredded Beef Soft Tacos
Not sure about you, but pork just doesn't sound that good to me right now. Â I know, I know ... if you cook your pork to 160 degrees, it is fine. Â But that leads me to ask... what happens if you don't cook your pork to 160 degrees? Â Because I rarely cook it that hard, … Continue reading Shredded Beef Soft Tacos
Manicotti with Whole Wheat Crepes
I loved to cook as a kid. Â I remember one particular cookbook that my mom had that featured recipes made with brand name products. Â It was at least two inches thick -- and I was pretty convinced that each recipe was magic. Â Even if the main ingredient was Stove Top Stuffing. Â I guess the corporate … Continue reading Manicotti with Whole Wheat Crepes
Leek and Porcini Risotto
Good risotto is one of those things that is nearly impossible to get at a restaurant. Â Certainly, there are places that do it well. Â But if I order it, I am usually disappointed nine times out of ten. Â It just doesn't lend itself well to advance prep and requires lots of stirring while cooking. … Continue reading Leek and Porcini Risotto
Lamb Tikka Masala with Brown Basmati Rice
In the middle of Pennsylvania, we fight hard for spring. We endure a long winter that only reveals itself in shades of black and white (and sometimes brown) -- so when I start to see the mint sprouting up in my backyard, I become a happy person. Â Mint is a crazy perennial grower -- plant … Continue reading Lamb Tikka Masala with Brown Basmati Rice
Pasta with Tomatoes, Spinach, Ricotta Salata, and Toasted Sunflower Seeds
I have hit the point in the year where I am officially out of my summer tomatoes. Â And my strawberry jam (which makes everyone very unhappy). Â I never freeze enough because I am always limited to my meager amount of freezer space. Â So I have to either learn to can or buy a deep freeze … Continue reading Pasta with Tomatoes, Spinach, Ricotta Salata, and Toasted Sunflower Seeds
Chicken Apple Pot Pie with Cheddar Whole Grain Crust
A farmer at our local market had "Sunday Dinner Chickens" the other day, so I bought one. Â Of course, I fell right in line and cooked it on Sunday -- because that's what the marketing told me to do. Â It was delicious and left us with a whole lot of leftover meat (he promised it … Continue reading Chicken Apple Pot Pie with Cheddar Whole Grain Crust
Rueben’s Barbecued Chicken
My mom grew up in a very small town in Northern Pennsylvania. Â And apparently there was this guy named Rueben who was responsible for all the chicken grilling at local events. Â His famous marinade has graced our family's chicken for as long as I can remember. Â I remember tasting it before my Mom would put … Continue reading Rueben’s Barbecued Chicken
Rustic Ham, Bean, and Spring Green Soup
Our spring this year has been very dreary. Â And cold. Â And cloudy. Â Actually that is pretty typical, I think. Â We get one sunny day and I am nearly manic -- excited to exercise and clean and parent with limitless energy. Â But then we have to endure at least three cloudy and cold days because of … Continue reading Rustic Ham, Bean, and Spring Green Soup
Sprouted Wheat “Enchiladas”
This meal was one of those "fly by the seat of my pants" moments. Â I have many of those. Â It highlights one of those go-to ingredients that allow you to have a quick and easy family dinner: Â tortillas or wraps. Â With a few leftovers and a few simple ingredients, you are on your way … Continue reading Sprouted Wheat “Enchiladas”