Every autumn, as the temperatures drop, we are drawn to all things pumpkin and butternut squash. But is it really all about the squash or about the warming spices that bring these quintessential American foods to life? After all, winter squashes have a delicate flavor. The spices, on the other hand, were once worth a royal ransom and for good reason; they ignited our taste buds, warmed our bodies and provided an exotic pallet of flavors heretofore unknown in Europe. And who can dismiss the power of Pumpkin Muffins baking in the kitchen on a chilly late autumn or winter morning?
No Cranberry Sauce with the turkey? A few years ago there was a cranberry shortage and word spread quickly. Within a few weeks, there were no packages available in the markets. Fortunately, this year, we’re in far better shape. This is a good thing as everyone knows we need cranberry sauce with turkey! They’re both native to the Americas, along with Maple Syrup, allspice and vanilla.
When the weather outside is cold and damp, salad isn’t the first thing that comes to my mind when I’m planning a meal. That said, salads are a refreshing contrast to a rich, heavy stew, a hearty grain dish, or roasted meat. I like the subtle sweetness and crispness of Fuyu persimmons and Japanese pears, but if neither is available or you prefer, substitute firm, crisp apples and grapes. The salty, sharp character of blue cheese balances the sweetness of the fruit. A good appetite stimulator! And trust me on the vanilla. It always brightens salads.
Pumpkin and vanilla were meant for each other. Ditto with all the spices in this incredibly light, moist, delicious cake. Really, what could say autumn better than a freshly baked Pumpkin Chiffon Cake, a Pumpkin Pie or Pumpkin Spice Latte? Over the years I’ve really come to appreciate really fresh spices. I grate my nutmeg and grind allspice and cinnamon in a coffee grinder dedicated just for spices. The flavors really pop when they’re fresh. And our dear vanilla is the backup chorus once again, making sure all the flavors work synergistically.
If you have never prepared or even tasted jicama (hee-cah-mah), you’re in good company. These odd looking vegetables don’t offer a clue about how to use them, yet they are are a wonderfully crisp, mild and refreshing treat, perfect for a summer salad or as finger food to dip in guacamole or other light dips.
Recently I found an interesting re-do on Chicken Parmigiana in a magazine. The recipe came from Kitchen Remix, by Clarkson Potter. I’m surprised that somehow I never had the wildly popular Chicken Parmigiana, or maybe I saw it on a menu but chose not to order it. Who knows? What caught my eye about this recipe is that this summer my teen grandsons are putting their stay-at-home time to good use by learning to cook. This delicious recipe sounded like the ideal easy chicken dish to teach them, from the crushed potato chip crust to the creamy mozzarella topping that could then be popped into warm buns with more melted cheese, and eaten as a sandwich.
My mother took culinary classes when she lived in Washington, D.C. in the late 1960s, and one of the series focused on desserts from various countries. Karidopita Cake was among the desserts and one we really liked. So, when I was invited by a chef friend to a Greek Easter party I volunteered to bring the cake.
Wow! Who would have thought that writing about pantries would be fascinating. I effectively stepped back into our American past when pantries were crucial for making it through the winter. At the same time, we’re exploring how to best navigate a segment of our current, rather challenging history, as it unfolds.
Disaster is sure a powerful teacher, isn’t it? The pandemic has most certainly upended our comfortable routines and made us look at our daily lives in an entirely different way. We didn’t expect this, but we have an opportunity to reassess everything, to “wake up,” to appreciate what we do have and also to look at the weak links in our daily lives. One area we can fix right away — Stock our pantry!
These are the appetizer of your dreams, the kind you’d most want with a beverage of choice at the end of a work-week, or sitting outside with friends on a late summer afternoon while dinner cooks on a grill. Or just about anytime you want something both savory and soothing. My only caveat is that these Herbed Cheddar Shortbread cookies are very addictive, so be prepared!
I have a confession to make. Until yesterday, I have never made a cheese soufflé. This is a somewhat startling revelation given I’ve been cooking since I was five years old. When I was younger, I was intimidated by the idea that it might fail and I would have what I assumed would look like a pancake. (It won’t). This was of especial concern if I had guests waiting for a spectacular dinner that failed.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s raining, snowing or sunny, when we’re exhausted or coming down with a cold or the flu, or even a little too much fun on the weekend, sleep and homemade chicken soup are the best medicine for whatever ails you.
This rich, creamy, dense flourless chocolate cake serves as a perfect dish for Passover Seder. A little goes a long way, so it can easily serve eight, but it also keeps well for left overs. A delightful dessert for those on a gluten free diet, this cake is versatile and delicious. However, don’t expect leftovers unless you are four or less enjoying this cake. It’s exceptionally good! Another thing I love about this cake is how the honey makes the glaze glisten. A wonderful way to celebrate the ancient land of milk and honey!
We probably can never have enough good, “straight ahead,” recipes in our collections. I have been wanting a good chocolate cake recipe for a while. You know, the kind you can whip up for a birthday or a rainy day or even a potluck. One that’s not complicated and you know will be good.
These moist, nutty, carrot cake cupcakes are a family favorite, both for birthdays or for an everyday treat. This recipe makes 1 1/2 dozen cupcakes, for easy individual servings, but can also be made into a 2 layer cake. Made with coconut sugar, if you choose to eat them as muffins, without the cream cheese frosting, they make a tasty, low-glycemic addition to brunch.
Mushrooms are so amazing! They make a flavorful meat substitute and help to strengthen our immune system, a big plus during the winter and early spring. Using a variety of mushrooms adds more flavor and texture to this easy-to make dish. The mushrooms can be cooked ahead of time, then baked just before dining. It’s good as an entrée, side dish or appetizer. Use a cast iron skillet as I did, and it can go from oven to table and remain warm as cast iron cools down slowly.
One of the popular dishes David Jackman served at the 2019 Vanilla and Chocolate Festival, was spinach salad with a pesto dressing. A couple of details made it a stand-out salad. The baby spinach leaves were sliced as thinly as possible then coated in pesto made with baby arugula and pistachios, and topped with coarsely toasted pistachios. It’s unique, delicious, joyfully messy and you’ll want to check your teeth after eating it, but it’s worth it!
Celery soup appears to have fallen by the wayside over the years, as has celery in general. It’s too bad as celery is a nutritional powerhouse as well as low in calories. And, it tastes good! I remember as a child even Campbell’s canned soup had Cream of Celery, which was often used in condensed form for the liquid in the ubiquitous casseroles of the 50’s. Actually, maybe that’s reason celery soup fell out of fashion; the canned version wasn’t anything to write home about. At any rate, I really like this soup and I hope you’ll try it as it’s really good. On a cold afternoon or evening, add a grilled cheese sandwich and you’re set.
