Tomato Jalapeño Salsa

I usually make this salsa only during the height of tomato season, because it is best when it is made with the ripest, freshest tomatoes you can find. But when I recently checked my chest freezer to see what of last summer's bounty remained, I discovered a definite theme. I found bell peppers, chiles, tomatillos, … Continue reading Tomato Jalapeño Salsa

Pantry/Freezer Pasta e Fagioli

It seems cliché to lead with this, but I really love this soup. It's quick and easy to make, and yet it is so full of flavor and texture, it feels like a much more complicated soup. It performs the amazing trick of being hearty and light at the same time. It doesn't seem to … Continue reading Pantry/Freezer Pasta e Fagioli

Indian-Inspired Roasted Cauliflower Soup

If you have never roasted cauliflower, here is a great reason to try it. Some of cauliflower's best flavors are only released by roasting. While other cooking methods can make it mushy, bland, and watery, roasting it develops a toasty, earthy sweetness. Combined with either a leek or white onion, it's happy to dance with … Continue reading Indian-Inspired Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Pantry/Freezer Pasta Primavera

I recently saw a social media post offering a list of "what's in season" in New England right now. I had to laugh because, unless it's growing in a greenhouse or under grow lights, there's nothing "in season" here. Unless I have a different understanding of what "in season" means. I mean, I'm willing to … Continue reading Pantry/Freezer Pasta Primavera

Hoppin’ John 2023

https://videopress.com/v/8LGtvYPs?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&posterUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fvideos.files.wordpress.com%2F8LGtvYPs%2F97fbe2d3-d5d2-4f12-81a2-6316f682d59f_mp4_std.original.jpg&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Hoppin' John has been a much-anticipated meal here each New Year's Day, since I decided to try making it years ago, to make good use of a leftover smoked ham. I started with my trusty Joy of Cooking, where I found a dependable, straightforward recipe. As I have gained confidence in my own cooking … Continue reading Hoppin’ John 2023

Roasted Asparagus, Prosciutto and Potatoes

This recipe might seem a bit fiddly at first glance, but it really isn't that difficult, and there is so much flavor delivered that it's worth the effort. Asparagus becomes a completely different vegetable once it's roasted, with a more mellow flavor and tender texture. It becomes the perfect companion to the roasted potatoes, crispy, … Continue reading Roasted Asparagus, Prosciutto and Potatoes

Rhubarb Balsamic Trio

Rhubarb is one of my favorite ingredients. In a lot of American recipes, its tart-sour acidity is treated as something to hide, usually with a lot of sugar. The inspiration for this trio of recipes was my desire to find a way to use rhubarb without using a lot of sugar, and taking advantage of … Continue reading Rhubarb Balsamic Trio

Curried Chickpea Vegetable Soup

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon za'atar 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup diced yellow onion 1/2 cup diced carrots 1/2 cup diced celery 1/2 cup diced Swiss chard stems 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon curry powder 3 cups coarsely chopped Swiss chard leaves 1 … Continue reading Curried Chickpea Vegetable Soup

Ethiopian-Seasoned Chickpea Vegetable Soup

Here's another recipe using one of Mola's seasoning blends. While I chose the Ethiopian-Inspired Blend, it would work well with almost any of Mola's blends. If you like things really spicy, garnish with one of Mola's Chili Relishes. (This is an excellent time for you to jump over to Mola's website and see what they … Continue reading Ethiopian-Seasoned Chickpea Vegetable Soup