Cool and refreshing, the perfect answer to summer’s heat
Looking for a peppy predinner potation to start your summer evenings? This delightful combo of white rum, dry vermouth, and pineapple juice (with a hint of grenadine to add flavor and color) is just the drink.
Its fruity, snappy flavor will wake up your tastebuds. So share it with your friends and enjoy their delight, too.
Because into each life some sun should shine.
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
The Sunshine Cocktail
Labels:
Cocktails,
Dry Vermouth,
Grenadine,
Pineapple,
Rum
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Smacked (Smashed) Cucumber Salad
Spicy chili crisp livens up this classic Chinese side (or first course)
Cukes! Is there a better veggie for beating summer’s heat?
For a quick pickled version, try them in this Sichuan dish. It combines cudgeled cukes with tangy extras. It’s terrific with Chinese food, of course. But it works just as well with traditional cookout fare. So skip the coleslaw and serve this as a side with pulled pork or barbecued ribs. Or hamburgers and hot dogs.
Smashing good stuff.
Cukes! Is there a better veggie for beating summer’s heat?
For a quick pickled version, try them in this Sichuan dish. It combines cudgeled cukes with tangy extras. It’s terrific with Chinese food, of course. But it works just as well with traditional cookout fare. So skip the coleslaw and serve this as a side with pulled pork or barbecued ribs. Or hamburgers and hot dogs.
Smashing good stuff.
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
The Golden Cadillac Cocktail
This retro celebration-in-a-glass makes a great dessert drink
June celebrations (weddings, Father’s Day, graduations) are great fun. But then come the after-dinner speeches. You need something with heft to get through them. Preferably something that pairs well with dessert.
Enter the Golden Cadillac, a cocktail that was created to celebrate a newly engaged couple. And their car (more history in the notes).
But for now, cheers!
June celebrations (weddings, Father’s Day, graduations) are great fun. But then come the after-dinner speeches. You need something with heft to get through them. Preferably something that pairs well with dessert.
Enter the Golden Cadillac, a cocktail that was created to celebrate a newly engaged couple. And their car (more history in the notes).
But for now, cheers!
Labels:
Cream,
Crème de Cacao,
Galliano
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
White Bean and Fresh Greens Salad
Arugula and spinach zip up this hearty summer salad
Summertime means salad days. So why not have a quick main-course salad for dinner?
We particularly like to mix white beans (garbanzos are good too) with big handfuls of fresh greens. Add a flavorful vinaigrette, and your dinner prep is done.
Time to eat!
Summertime means salad days. So why not have a quick main-course salad for dinner?
We particularly like to mix white beans (garbanzos are good too) with big handfuls of fresh greens. Add a flavorful vinaigrette, and your dinner prep is done.
Time to eat!
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
The Barbotage Cocktail
Made with sparkling wine, this drink is sort of like a Mimosa – but with more style
June has arrived! Which means there are plenty of celebrations afoot – weddings, anniversaries, graduations. Time to break out the bubbly.
And we have a cocktail for that! The Barbotage contains sparkling wine, but it’s also fortified with cognac (or brandy) and Grand Marnier. The result is festive flavor with a hint of orange.
Perfect for toasting.
June has arrived! Which means there are plenty of celebrations afoot – weddings, anniversaries, graduations. Time to break out the bubbly.
And we have a cocktail for that! The Barbotage contains sparkling wine, but it’s also fortified with cognac (or brandy) and Grand Marnier. The result is festive flavor with a hint of orange.
Perfect for toasting.
Labels:
Brandy,
Champagne,
Cognac,
Grand Marnier,
Orange Curaçao
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Seared Steak with Arugula and Spinach
Fresh herbs, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice liven up this simple summer supper
As summer approaches, we want easy, satisfying meals with bold flavor. Steak with salad is a classic favorite. So why not combine the two in one dish?
Add a tasty starter and a luscious dessert, and you have a terrific company meal. Oh, and don’t forget to add a nice bottle of red to your shopping list.
Your guests are worth it.
As summer approaches, we want easy, satisfying meals with bold flavor. Steak with salad is a classic favorite. So why not combine the two in one dish?
Add a tasty starter and a luscious dessert, and you have a terrific company meal. Oh, and don’t forget to add a nice bottle of red to your shopping list.
Your guests are worth it.
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Bacon Jam with Jalapeño
A zesty spread for breakfast breads or predinner canapés
This bacon jam (you could also call it relish or chutney) makes a great addition to morning biscuits or toast. But it’s also terrific atop a cracker (preferably with a bed of cream cheese or pimento cheese) as a canapé.
Or use it on about anything you can imagine. If you can think of it, it’ll probably be good.
Because bacon. One of our favorite food groups.
This bacon jam (you could also call it relish or chutney) makes a great addition to morning biscuits or toast. But it’s also terrific atop a cracker (preferably with a bed of cream cheese or pimento cheese) as a canapé.
Or use it on about anything you can imagine. If you can think of it, it’ll probably be good.
Because bacon. One of our favorite food groups.
Labels:
Bacon,
Brown Sugar,
Jalapeño,
Onion,
Vinegar
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Pasta al Limone with Artichoke Hearts
A lighter version of a classic – with a zesty flavor addition
Not up for cream sauce in hot weather? We hear you. That’s why we’ve tweaked the classic recipe for Pasta al Limone (Pasta with Lemon) to create a lighter dish. Our version has all the flavor but none of the heavy stuff.
We’ve added artichoke hearts because they pair beautifully with lemon. The result is a dish that’s quick and easy enough for weeknight dinner. But good enough to serve weekend company.
Time to send out the invitations.
Not up for cream sauce in hot weather? We hear you. That’s why we’ve tweaked the classic recipe for Pasta al Limone (Pasta with Lemon) to create a lighter dish. Our version has all the flavor but none of the heavy stuff.
We’ve added artichoke hearts because they pair beautifully with lemon. The result is a dish that’s quick and easy enough for weeknight dinner. But good enough to serve weekend company.
Time to send out the invitations.
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
The Knickerbocker Cocktail
This 19th century drink is kinda, sorta like a raspberry daiquiri
Amber rum, lime juice, and sweetener (in the form of raspberry syrup)? Sounds a lot like a raspberry daiquiri to us. Add a dash of orange curaçao, and you’ve got the Knickerbocker.
It’s one of the older cocktails on record, dating back at least to the 1860s.
And still good after all these years.
Amber rum, lime juice, and sweetener (in the form of raspberry syrup)? Sounds a lot like a raspberry daiquiri to us. Add a dash of orange curaçao, and you’ve got the Knickerbocker.
It’s one of the older cocktails on record, dating back at least to the 1860s.
And still good after all these years.
Labels:
Chambord,
Grand Marnier,
Lime,
Orange Curaçao,
Raspberry,
Rum
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Huevos Rancheros
Spicy, flavorful, and hearty, this traditional Mexican dish is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dinner
The name translates as “Eggs Rancher’s Style.” It probably originated as a rib-sticking breakfast for ranch hands who needed to fuel up for a day of heavy labor.
We’re not cowboys, so we tend to serve Huevos Rancheros for brunch or dinner.
But anytime you eat this, you’ll want to say yippee-ki-yay.
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stir Fry
Quick, healthy, and tasty – an ideal vegan weeknight dinner
When dinner time rolls around on a weeknight, veggie dishes can be a great go-to. Especially if you’ve been eating less than optimally during the day.
This stir fry (aka sauté or skillet dish) is ready to step up. It doesn’t take much prep work and the cooking time is fairly brief. So you can whip up dinner in a jiffy.
That’s our kind of short-order cooking.
When dinner time rolls around on a weeknight, veggie dishes can be a great go-to. Especially if you’ve been eating less than optimally during the day.
This stir fry (aka sauté or skillet dish) is ready to step up. It doesn’t take much prep work and the cooking time is fairly brief. So you can whip up dinner in a jiffy.
That’s our kind of short-order cooking.
Labels:
bell pepper,
Chickpeas,
Chili Crisp,
Cilantro,
Curry,
Green Peas,
Soy Sauce,
Stir-Fry,
sweet potatoes
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Creamy Lettuce Soup
Delightful springtime flavor in a quick and easy soup
Springtime means lettuce at its freshest. Hence this soup.
The name says “creamy,” but that doesn’t mean heavy. We add just a touch of cream (which you can omit if you want). So this is almost a diet dish!
Because if it’s spring, swimsuit season is just around the corner. Enough said.
Springtime means lettuce at its freshest. Hence this soup.
The name says “creamy,” but that doesn’t mean heavy. We add just a touch of cream (which you can omit if you want). So this is almost a diet dish!
Because if it’s spring, swimsuit season is just around the corner. Enough said.
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
The Tulip Cocktail
This spring charmer uses calvados (or applejack)
Ah, spring! Balmy days, chilly nights. And the welcome appearance of flowers.
Like tulips. So the Tulip Cocktail would make a terrific springtime tipple, no?
It’s a wonderful mixture of French calvados (or American applejack), sweet vermouth, apricot liqueur, and lemon juice.
The Tulip Cocktail is a bit on the sweet side, but far from cloying – which makes it a delightful predinner drink. Floral, you might say.
Ah, spring! Balmy days, chilly nights. And the welcome appearance of flowers.
Like tulips. So the Tulip Cocktail would make a terrific springtime tipple, no?
It’s a wonderful mixture of French calvados (or American applejack), sweet vermouth, apricot liqueur, and lemon juice.
The Tulip Cocktail is a bit on the sweet side, but far from cloying – which makes it a delightful predinner drink. Floral, you might say.
Labels:
Applejack,
Apricot Brandy,
Calvados,
Lemon,
Sweet Vermouth
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Fennel and Apple Salad with Smoked Salmon
Crisp, bright flavor makes this a terrific starter
It’s “shoulder season” in our part of the world. We’re still getting good-quality winter produce, and just starting to see spring favorites.
So this salad celebrates late-season fennel and apples. We mix them with celery and a lemony vinaigrette, then top it off with succulent smoked salmon.
It’s the beginning of a great company meal. And maybe a beautiful food friendship.
It’s “shoulder season” in our part of the world. We’re still getting good-quality winter produce, and just starting to see spring favorites.
So this salad celebrates late-season fennel and apples. We mix them with celery and a lemony vinaigrette, then top it off with succulent smoked salmon.
It’s the beginning of a great company meal. And maybe a beautiful food friendship.
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Manhattan Clam Chowder
This easy, vegetable-rich dish is made from pantry staples
Clam chowder is a double classic, featuring both a creamy New England style and a brothy Manhattan version.
We love all that cream in the New England version, but its rich heartiness makes it a winter dish for us. Come spring, we like lighter, healthier Manhattan Clam Chowder. Plus, it’s a great way to load up on vegetables.
Serve this for dinner and you’ll know where the saying “happy as a clam” comes from.
Clam chowder is a double classic, featuring both a creamy New England style and a brothy Manhattan version.
We love all that cream in the New England version, but its rich heartiness makes it a winter dish for us. Come spring, we like lighter, healthier Manhattan Clam Chowder. Plus, it’s a great way to load up on vegetables.
Serve this for dinner and you’ll know where the saying “happy as a clam” comes from.
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Creole-Spiced Shakshuka
Louisiana seasoning and andouille crank up this classic breakfast or dinner dish
Shakshuka (aka shakshouka or chakchouka) is a spicy tomato stew that features a garnish of cooked eggs.
The dish probably originated in North Africa. Today, versions of it are found throughout the Mediterranean region. The basics of the dish remain the same no matter where it’s found, but the end flavor can vary.
We decided to put our own Creole-spiced spin on shakshuka, giving it a New Orleans vibe. Jazzy, in other words.
Shakshuka (aka shakshouka or chakchouka) is a spicy tomato stew that features a garnish of cooked eggs.
The dish probably originated in North Africa. Today, versions of it are found throughout the Mediterranean region. The basics of the dish remain the same no matter where it’s found, but the end flavor can vary.
We decided to put our own Creole-spiced spin on shakshuka, giving it a New Orleans vibe. Jazzy, in other words.
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Wheat Berry, White Bean, and Spinach Sauté
Mushrooms add homerun flavor to this simple vegan dish
Need easy vegan for Meatless Monday? Or maybe for hosting vegan friends? We have just what you’re looking for.
It’s a mix of cooked wheat berries, white beans, mushrooms, and fresh spinach. Add some herbs for extra flavor, and you have a luscious main dish that everyone at the table will like.
Healthy flavor. It’s what’s for dinner.
Need easy vegan for Meatless Monday? Or maybe for hosting vegan friends? We have just what you’re looking for.
It’s a mix of cooked wheat berries, white beans, mushrooms, and fresh spinach. Add some herbs for extra flavor, and you have a luscious main dish that everyone at the table will like.
Healthy flavor. It’s what’s for dinner.
Labels:
Beans,
Mushrooms,
Spinach,
Wheat Berries
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
The Tipperary Cocktail
Irish whiskey makes this classic a natural for St. Patrick’s Day
This drink features Irish whiskey and sweet vermouth (so it resembles a Celtic Manhattan). But there’s also green Chartreuse liqueur in the mix – which makes for an extra tangy drink.
And who can resist tangy?
This drink features Irish whiskey and sweet vermouth (so it resembles a Celtic Manhattan). But there’s also green Chartreuse liqueur in the mix – which makes for an extra tangy drink.
And who can resist tangy?
Labels:
Bitters,
Chartreuse,
Cocktails,
Irish Whiskey,
Sweet Vermouth
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Buckwheat Pancakes
Nutty and funky, buckwheat adds extra flavor to your morning pancakes
Ready for some pancakes (aka griddlecakes)? Now’s the perfect season. Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) is next week – and pancakes traditionally are on the menu.
These buckwheat beauties take pancakes up a notch. Because we like to buck the trend.
Ready for some pancakes (aka griddlecakes)? Now’s the perfect season. Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) is next week – and pancakes traditionally are on the menu.
These buckwheat beauties take pancakes up a notch. Because we like to buck the trend.
Labels:
Baking Powder,
Breakfast,
Buckwheat Flour,
Butter,
Eggs,
Flour,
Maple Syrup,
Milk
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Wheat Berry Chili
Tasty and warming, this vegan comfort dish is perfect for Meatless Monday
Can the world ever have too much chili? We think not. Especially during these long, cold winter months.
Chili is often heavy on meat, but it doesn’t need to be. Much of its rich flavor actually comes from dried chile powder or fresh chile peppers. So it’s well suited to vegetarian or vegan variations. Meaning everyone can enjoy it.
So when it’s chilly out, you need chili in (your bowl).
Can the world ever have too much chili? We think not. Especially during these long, cold winter months.
Chili is often heavy on meat, but it doesn’t need to be. Much of its rich flavor actually comes from dried chile powder or fresh chile peppers. So it’s well suited to vegetarian or vegan variations. Meaning everyone can enjoy it.
So when it’s chilly out, you need chili in (your bowl).
Labels:
Beans,
Chile Powder,
Chili,
Jalapeño,
Tomato,
Wheat Berries
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Tex-Mex Sloppy Joe Cobbler
Fancy enough for your Super Bowl party, easy enough for weeknight dinner
Seasoned, saucy, and tomato-fueled, Sloppy Joes are ground beef fun on a bun.
But we like to play with our food, so we couldn’t resist a few tweaks. The result is a Tex-Mex casserole version that adds spicy flavor and a presentation twist.
Kids will love these. But maybe have Margaritas on hand for the grownups in the room.
Seasoned, saucy, and tomato-fueled, Sloppy Joes are ground beef fun on a bun.
But we like to play with our food, so we couldn’t resist a few tweaks. The result is a Tex-Mex casserole version that adds spicy flavor and a presentation twist.
Kids will love these. But maybe have Margaritas on hand for the grownups in the room.
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
The Remember the Maine Cocktail
Heering Cherry Liqueur and absinthe add spice to this Manhattan variant
The USS Maine was a battleship that exploded and sank in Havana Harbor in February 1898, during Cuba’s war for independence. Soon afterwards, “Remember the Maine!” became a rallying cry that pushed the US to war with Spain. We’ll provide more history in the Notes – but right now we want to discuss how good this drink is.
It’s a magical mixture of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Heering Cherry Liqueur, plus a touch of absinthe. So it’s a Manhattan Cocktail with extra zing.
The flavor will explode on your tongue. Fitting, we suppose.
Labels:
Absinthe,
Cherry Heering,
Cocktails,
Pernod,
Rye,
Sweet Vermouth
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Joe's Special Scrambled Eggs
Spinach, mushrooms, and meat flavor this San Francisco classic
This dish, beloved on the US west coast, was created at Original Joe’s Restaurant in San Francisco.
It looks like breakfast fare. But the dish is so hearty and filling that it may work better for lunch or dinner.
It certainly does for us, because we’re just not that hungry first thing in the morning. Plus, if you serve it for dinner, you can pair it with an alcoholic accompaniment. Win win.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Pasta with Peas, Prosciutto, and Cream
This classic combo makes for a quick, tasty dinner
Need luscious comfort food in a hurry? Pasta to the rescue!
This dish cooks so quickly that it’s ideal for weeknight dinner. But it’s tasty enough for weekend company, too.
So whenever you make this, buon appetito!
Need luscious comfort food in a hurry? Pasta to the rescue!
This dish cooks so quickly that it’s ideal for weeknight dinner. But it’s tasty enough for weekend company, too.
So whenever you make this, buon appetito!
Labels:
Butter,
Cream,
Parmesan,
pasta,
Prosciutto
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Cream of Celeriac and Celery Soup
A flavorful but not-too-rich winter starter
Need a cream soup that’s not a calorie bomb? We’re here for you. Our Cream of Celeriac (aka Celery Root) and Celery Soup is hearty but not overly filling.
Which means you can enjoy this as a first course, and still have plenty of room for the main and dessert.
Perfect for warming up your guests.
Need a cream soup that’s not a calorie bomb? We’re here for you. Our Cream of Celeriac (aka Celery Root) and Celery Soup is hearty but not overly filling.
Which means you can enjoy this as a first course, and still have plenty of room for the main and dessert.
Perfect for warming up your guests.
Labels:
Butter,
Celeriac,
Celery,
Celery Root,
Chicken Stock,
Cream,
Prosciutto,
Soup
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
The Eye Opener Cocktail
This “morning after” drink delivers great flavor any time of day
Happy New Year! Still feeling the effects of late-night revelry? We’ve got a restorative beverage for you.
Some say the Eye Opener Cocktail is the perfect pick-me-up after a night that ended in the early hours of the morning. Because it contains an egg yolk, some might call it a health drink, too.
We just consider it a fun drink with interesting flavor. And it’s a bit of a conversation starter – that is, if you’re up for conversation after that wild New Year’s Eve you celebrated.
Labels:
Apricot Brandy,
Cocktails,
Eggs,
Grand Marnier,
Grenadine,
Rum
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