This dish was the result of rummaging through my freezer and cupboards, in an effort to use things up that were a tad (shall we say) past their prime. When I see a package of duck legs at the Asian supermarket, I think how nice that would be to have, and into the freezer they … Continue reading
Filed under Home Cooking …
DIY Candy
Now here’s a sweet treat – and these holiday candies were home made! Maybe you’ll whip up a few DIY candies for your sweetie on Valentine’s Day, or save the idea for future inspiration. Either way, here is proof that it can be done in a home kitchen, so make your resolution to learn something … Continue reading
Swiss Chard Gratin
In my recent review of Blue Bottle Cafe in Hopewell, I raved about the little ramekin of Swiss Chard gratin that came with the tenderloin. My friend and I swooned over this deceptively simple accompaniment to a meal that was already a success. Our forks vied for every bite, and I resolved to try making it at … Continue reading
Pizza de Provence
I recently enjoyed dinner at Sophie’s Bistro in Somerset (you can read about it in the February 17-19 issue of the Packet’s TimeOff), including their appetizer Pizza de Provence, topped with pear, bleu cheese, and sunflower seeds. So good was it, I couldn’t resist trying it at home. Please excuse my crust! I bought pizza … Continue reading
Wegmans Stir-Fry
I have to hand it to Wegmans (and not for the first time). I was there today and in the produce section saw pre-cut stir-fry vegetables, all laid out in rectangular trays, ready for you to take home and cook. There was even a store chef there about to start a demonstration. The photo here … Continue reading
Butternut Squash
Ever since they started selling pre-cut butternut squash a few years ago, I’ve been eating it more often. The convenience (not to mention the safety issues with me and knives and big hard squashes) is irresistible. Often I’ll just toss it with olive oil and sage leaves and roast it on a sheet pan until … Continue reading
Indoor Farmers Market
Some of my favorite events during the winter months are these indoor farmers markets put on by Slow Food Central New Jersey. It’s a chance to catch up with some of your summer farmers market vendors, run into friends, entertain the kids, listen to music, and and generally celebrate all things local. The next one takes place … Continue reading
Bread & Friends
This lovely apricot-walnut loaf is from the Blue Rooster Bakery & Cafe in Cranbury. I went to Cranbury to drop off a couple of items I’d bought at the Indian market for some friends who live there. Of course, I could not leave town without stopping into the bakery to see which of their fabulous … Continue reading
Seitan
Time to pay the piper for holiday indulgence. Actually, this photo is from November, when I finally broke open the frozen package of vegan black-pepper sauced seitan from Vegetarian Plus I had in the freezer. Every now and then I can’t resist trying one of these meat alternative meals. It was actually quite tasty, with … Continue reading
Good Morning Starshine
A snowy weekend meant a more leisurely breakfast for me. So on Saturday, once I’d made peace with the idea that I would do no Christmas errands that day, I indulged in impromptu (and improvised) Eggs Benedict. By then I was so hungry, though, that I cooked in a hurry. I always have on hand … Continue reading
NJ SPICE 