With the early darkness of winter nights, comfort foods are appreciated far more than in the light of summer. To brighten some of these meals, we look for ways to switch it up, while sticking with the tried and true basics. Here are three ways to enjoy red potatoes as sides. Super simple, but each…
Mushroom Soup with Chestnuts & Apple
The first time I ever witnessed someone actually swoon over food was at Pino Posteraro’s “Cioppino’s”. On the other side of sixty, she had walked in wearing a swanky denim pantsuit, with a blond flip of a hairdo. She sat talking with her friends as they poured over the menu, just as we were, one…
Mexican Skillet Chicken
Sometimes a recipe is born simply from a suggestion. While being told about a chicken dish that was enjoyed on a recent trip to Vegas, my mind was clicking away, trying to think about how to prepare a similar dish, having never seen the original, with the description more about how good it was, not…
Mayonnaise
The ubiquitous mayonnaise is used in so many ways, from fresh to grilling to oven baking. It is one of the simplest emulsions, using five ingredients. Taught to make it by whisking vigorously, I was more than happy to start using my immersion blender to do the work for me. This is really incredibly easy, and will…
Dark Chocolate Cake
Chocolate cake, one of our culture’s go-to desserts for celebrations, or the cake that sits waiting for the family to come home to from a long day hike, is deservedly legendary. Moist layers of chocolaty crumb, layered and topped with creamy icing make it decadent and yet simple, while a thin sliver satisfies, a big…
farmhouse cook 