Rhubarb is one of the first local crops to appear at the Farmers Market or in my CSA box. I always get excited when I see it, and I love to make a good rhubarb crumble with the first of the season. It’s the first thing I’ll make, when I […]
Recipes
Small-batch Carrot & Radish Pickles (Do Chua)
These traditional refrigerator pickles – Do Chua – are a typical condiment that accompanies many classic Vietnamese dishes. You might be most familiar with them on banh mi sandwiches, but you’ll also find them beside rise plates, noodle bowls, and salads. They’re easy to make, and you need not make […]
Beet Chocolate Cake
The first time I made this beet chocolate cake, my family was skeptical. However, when it came out of the oven, the first loaf disappeared within 20 minutes (I timed it). You can almost persuade yourself that it’s healthy. This may be the original Red Velvet cake; you can still […]
Smoked Salmon Spread with Dill
Bagels are always a favorite in my house. Fortunately there’s a good bagel source nearby, so we often have them on hand. We also like to keep something we affectionally call “salmon glop” – a smoked salmon spread with dill, spiked with lemon. It turns a plain bagel into a perfect […]
Summer Squash with Lemon, Mint, and Feta
It can be difficult to find a good side dish in a small version. It’s even harder to discover one that’s both tasty and simple to make. This summer squash with lemon, mint, and feta fits perfectly into my summer plans. It goes together quickly, can be made in the […]
Little Radish Snacks
Everybody needs good nibbles! In the spring and late spring, when local radishes are at their best, I like to make these little radish snacks. They’re good at tea-time, for lunch, on a picnic, or whenever you need just a little something. Based on the classic French combination of radishes, […]
Bean and Roasted Pepper Salad (Small Batch)
When the weather begins to warm up, it’s time to lean on interesting salads. This year, our farmers at the CSA are delivering truly excellent produce in great variety. For this warm weekend, I wanted to make a bowl of a vegetable-forward salad – but not in a huge quantity. This […]
Quick Classic Sorrel Sauce
I know that spring has arrived when the sorrel in my garden bursts forth with a profusion of lance-shaped green leaves. Sorrel is a perennial, and the leaves have an intense lemony tang. People use it raw in salads, but it also makes a fabulous quick classic sorrel sauce. While […]
Adaptable Marshmallow Bars
I love an easy bar cookie, don’t you? These endlessly adaptable marshmallow bars are even better, because I get to use up the remnants of an open jar of jam. These cookies are inspired by and adapted from Joy the Baker – and they remain a favorite in my family. They’re cookielicious! January 2022: I’m […]
Crustless Quiche Lorraine for 2
What do you make for supper, when you haven’t been to the grocery store in a week? When you’re tired, and you have very little energy, and your spouse is feeling worse? At my house, the answer was this crustless quiche Lorraine for 2, a cheesy, custardy delight. looking in […]
Austrian Goulash Soup
Many years ago, dear hubby and I spent a winter vacation in Austria. We skiied (real mountains!) we sledded (dear Gods, 8 km down a steep mountain road together on a single flimsy sled! ) and we led the genteel life in Vienna (Coffee! Sacher Torte!). We still talk about that vacation […]
Sous Vide Roast Beef for 2
Summertime is both a cook’s best friend and a horrible fiendish experience. On the one hand, there’s an abundance of lovely fruit and vegetables at the peak of their season. On the other, it can be hot everywhere but especially in the kitchen, which makes me want to just eat ice […]