Category Archives: Cooking

Julia’s Chickens

I came across this short clip tonight (it’s only about 90 seconds) and it is somewhat hilarious…when she begins talking she is so excited about what she’s doing it seems she can barely contain herself. But as funny as it is there is no questioning Julia’s knowledge or ability…she was a professional cook (not aContinue reading “Julia’s Chickens”

>Green Tomato and Pepper Salsa

>This is a variation of a recipe that I learned from my grandmother; I used (mostly) ingredients that I culled from the garden for the last time this year. I didn’t learn this by watching her, but more so from reading her recipe…I inherited her handwritten recipe book which contains a recipe for “Hot PepperContinue reading “>Green Tomato and Pepper Salsa”

Green Tomato and Pepper Salsa

This is a variation of a recipe that I learned from my grandmother; I used (mostly) ingredients that I culled from the garden for the last time this year. I didn’t learn this by watching her, but more so from reading her recipe…I inherited her handwritten recipe book which contains a recipe for “Hot PepperContinue reading “Green Tomato and Pepper Salsa”

Delicious Taco/Burrito Filling

I made tacos for my son and I the last night…this is a basic meat filling that is thickened (and stretched) with cornmeal. It can be made with pork or beef (or other meats, I suppose), and this is how I made ours. I started with a couple of pork chops, which I had inContinue reading “Delicious Taco/Burrito Filling”

Polenta Bolognese con Uova (made in under twenty minutes)

I am not the type of cook who buys ingredients to make specific dishes (ok, sometimes I do, but not often). My method of cooking dinner usually entails rummaging through the fridge and pantry to see what I have (or don’t have). And when you shop as infrequently as I do this is sometimes aContinue reading “Polenta Bolognese con Uova (made in under twenty minutes)”

>Polenta Bolognese con Uova (made in under twenty minutes)

>I am not the type of cook who buys ingredients to make specific dishes (ok, sometimes I do, but not often). My method of cooking dinner usually entails rummaging through the fridge and pantry to see what I have (or don’t have). And when you shop as infrequently as I do this is sometimes aContinue reading “>Polenta Bolognese con Uova (made in under twenty minutes)”

The Frugal Gourmet Cooking Chinese Soup

People ask me all the time what cooking shows I watch and I usually answer them with one word: none. Those who know me personally know that I have a somewhat disdain for the current state of cooking shows and what they have done and continue to do to the culinary industry (please, don’t getContinue reading “The Frugal Gourmet Cooking Chinese Soup”

Pork Ragu with Whole Wheat Penne (in pictures)

Like most pasta dishes this is one that can be almost infinitely improvised, but pork, tomato sauce, and pasta are one of my favorites. The ingredients can be interchanged to your liking. This is how I made it: I started with a couple heritage pork chops from the freezer (from T Meadow Farms), a yellowContinue reading “Pork Ragu with Whole Wheat Penne (in pictures)”

>Pork Ragu with Whole Wheat Penne (in pictures)

>Like most pasta dishes this is one that can be almost infinitely improvised, but pork, tomato sauce, and pasta are one of my favorites. The ingredients can be interchanged to your liking. This is how I made it: I started with a couple heritage pork chops from the freezer (from T Meadow Farms), a yellowContinue reading “>Pork Ragu with Whole Wheat Penne (in pictures)”

Experiments In Fermentation

I’ve been experimenting with fermentation for years…it never ceases to amaze me…put the ingredients together and provide the correct conditions (temperature and no oxygen) and it basically creates (grows) itself . Bread, yogurt, pickled vegetables and sauerkraut…all forms of fermentation. Anyhow, my latest experiment is two-fold. I’m making a form of kim chi using wholeContinue reading “Experiments In Fermentation”

>Experiments In Fermentation

>I’ve been experimenting with fermentation for years…it never ceases to amaze me…put the ingredients together and provide the correct conditions (temperature and no oxygen) and it basically creates (grows) itself . Bread, yogurt, pickled vegetables and sauerkraut…all forms of fermentation. Anyhow, my latest experiment is two-fold. I’m making a form of kim chi using wholeContinue reading “>Experiments In Fermentation”

>Lebanese-Style Chicken and Rice

>Every culture has a version of chicken-and-rice; this is my favorite, and it’s one that I grew up with…its flavors and aroma never fail to take me back. It’s easy to make, super-flavorful, and very fragrant…the sweet smell of cinnamon and allspice will permeate your house. I’ve posted on a variation of this recipe before…toContinue reading “>Lebanese-Style Chicken and Rice”

Lebanese-Style Chicken and Rice

Every culture has a version of chicken-and-rice; this is my favorite, and it’s one that I grew up with…its flavors and aroma never fail to take me back. It’s easy to make, super-flavorful, and very fragrant…the sweet smell of cinnamon and allspice will permeate your house. I’ve posted on a variation of this recipe before…toContinue reading “Lebanese-Style Chicken and Rice”

>Zucchini On Steroids

>Yup…I’m still trying to eat my way through the giant zucchini…look at the size of that thing, it’s as wide as my refrigerator (though I do have an apartment sized refrigerator…still, it’s gotta be 18″ long at least half that in diameter). Anyhow, here’s a pic of the zucchini, pepper, and tomato omelet I hadContinue reading “>Zucchini On Steroids”

Zucchini On Steroids

Yup…I’m still trying to eat my way through the giant zucchini…look at the size of that thing, it’s as wide as my refrigerator (though I do have an apartment sized refrigerator…still, it’s gotta be 18″ long at least half that in diameter). Anyhow, here’s a pic of the zucchini, pepper, and tomato omelet I hadContinue reading “Zucchini On Steroids”