Nov 11, 2009 -
If you're attending a potluck this Thanksgiving and have been assigned to bring a side, be sure to pick something that's classic yet breaks just enough from the norm, so you know there won't be repeated dishes on the table.
Why not spring for the always stress-free and elegant course known as stuffed squash? Keep it simple and fill the gourd with an Italian-inspired medley of sausage, garlic, peppers, and cheese.
- 1 Comment
Nov 01, 2009 -
Earlier this month, Party and I were enticed by one reader's rendition of beef stroganoff. If you, too, found yourself salivating over her creation, here's another dish that you need to bookmark! Unlike the classic course, which has sour cream and mushrooms, the ground beef in this recipe becomes a stew with the help of a roux, beef broth, and Worcestershire.
- 5 Comments
Aug 31, 2009 -
Pappardelle with a tomato ragu sounds typical enough — until you jazz it up with the addition of leftover ground lamb, shallots, and parsley. Not only does it make for a seemingly effortless yet sophisticated Monday night dinner, but it's also a great way to introduce other family members and friends to the rich and slightly gamey flavors of lamb. Top it off with some mild ricotta salata or feta cheese, and you've got a very memorable meal.
- 4 Comments
Aug 25, 2009 -
41 years ago today, Rachael Ray was born in Glen Falls, NY. While she's probably not ringing in the year with another skydiving trip, the 30 Minute Meals and talk show star is doubtless just as campy as ever. The words she's introduced to the English language, like "yum-o" and "EVOO," may have you rolling your eyes, but American families' kitchens (and vocabularies) certainly wouldn't be the same without her.
- 10 Comments
Aug 24, 2009 -
Sundays are my shopping nights, but in a chaotic turn of events, I had a jam-packed weekend and wasn't able to squeeze it in. Thankfully, I've got everything I need for a spectacularly seasonal meal with leftover zucchini, gruyere, and basil from last night. The only other ingredients are pantry items — olive oil, corkscrew pasta, breadcrumbs, and garlic — and frozen corn works as well as fresh in a pinch.
- 1 Comment
Jul 26, 2009 -
This weekend might be a sunny one, and since I don't have any major plans, I'm thinking of inviting some high school friends over for an ultra-chill dinner. It's so casual that I'm not exactly positive what I'll be serving yet, but one thing's for sure: I'll definitely be grilling some of these skewers. They're goofproof to make, portable, and contain the perfect ratio of crunchy, charred bell pepper to spiced, succulent pork sausage and sautéed spinach.
- 2 Comments
Jun 29, 2009 -
We are currently fixated on red, white, and blue foods, and this berry lemon meringue cake is absolutely no exception. If you're short on ideas for an Independence Day dessert, this cake would be perfect. After all, what could be more festive (and all American) than super-seasonal berries, moist white cake, and a fluffy meringue topping?
- 6 Comments
Jun 29, 2009 -
Yesterday I spent a laid-back afternoon outside, and enjoyed a meal of swordfish, hot off the grill, prepared Sicilian-style. While tonight I don't have time for open-air cooking, I'll continue my love of all plates Sicilian (and using my leftover swordfish!) with a penne avvocato. This fresh pasta toss calls for high-quality Mediterranean ingredients, like San Marzano tomatoes, anchovy fillets, capers, and basil, to build layer up on layer of flavor in under half an hour.
- 1 Comment
May 31, 2009 -
When you take over the grill tonight, test out a vegetarian barbecue option that's not so redundant: a meatless take on the New Orleans muffuletta sandwich. With crusty bread and warm, caramelized slices of eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper, and mushrooms, this sandwich is a scrumptious, filling, and nutritious variation of the hearty Louisiana original. For extra creaminess and crunch, you can toast the bread and the provolone on the grill, too.
- 2 Comments