Cauliflower Casserole

Cauliflower Casserole

When the weather shifts towards a decidedly fall-into-winter temperature range, my cooking shifts too in an almost subconscious way. I like the way this makes me feel connected to the natural patterns of the world around me. The produce at the farmers market has been glorious of late: the deep greens of the lettuces, kales and their kin and the rich sunset-like hues of the tree fruits, winter squash and cruciferous clan. You almost can't avoid making a casserole or two and such was the impetus for this simple, satisfying bake.

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Double Grape, Rosemary and Pine Nut Compote

Double Grape, Rosemary and Pine Nut Compote

When fall approaches, the canner in me starts to envision hearty sweet-savory compotes rather than summer fruit jams. This compote just screams out to be enjoyed with grilled or roasted meat on a cool evening, atop hot polenta and taleggio and would also be absolutely wonderful on your Thanksgiving table. The concord grape base nicely supports the addition of rosemary, garlic, black grapes and brown sugared-pine nuts and the flavors interplay in a truly sublime way.

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Rustic Shrimp Bisque

Rustic Shrimp Bisque

Do you love seafood bisques but find yourself wishing for something lighter on occasion? This cream-free bisque is a beautiful marriage of shrimp, brandy and aromatics and uses cooked rice in place of the cream. You'd never know!

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Red Beans and Rice, Louisiana Style

Red Beans and Rice, Louisiana Style

This is the best recipe I've found for recreating the wonderful Louisiana staple! I found this online but cannot for the life of me remember where. I've made only a few minor tweaks. Extras freeze well! Keep in mind that your dried beans will need to soak overnight and that once the dish is fully cooked, it's great to let it sit in the fridge overnight as the flavors will come together more fully.

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Kale, Fava, Sultana and Walnut Salad

Kale, Fava, Sultana and Walnut Salad

I really love the way that a gentle massage of olive oil into raw kale softens it enough so that you don't feel you're gnawing on leather but leaves it firm enough that you know you're getting kale at its essence. A zippy garlic dressing is the perfect adornment, and I like the mix of toasted walnuts + sweet sultanas + blanched favas as toppers.

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Lobster with Herbed Egg Noodles and Sherry

Lobster with Herbed Egg Noodles and Sherry

This lobster pasta is a cholesterol bomb but totally delicious and worth it! I used two lobster tails, steamed them, and then made less of the sauces. I did not use or miss the salmon caviar; this is a very rich meal!  This dish is not hard but you really have to pay attention and multitask. Have everything ready to go and at arm's length. Do not overcook the pasta before adding it to the skillet or you'll end up with a gummy mass.

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