THINLY CUT PORK CHOPS ARE OFTEN LABELED “breakfast chops.” But lightly breaded with panko crumbs that form a crisp, golden crust, they make an excellent lunch or dinner served with a glass of chilled white wine. Serves 4 to 6 6 thin-cut pork loin chops Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon […]
Chicken Piccata
March 2, 2018 by Leave a Comment
POUNDED THIN AND LIGHTLY BREADED, this chicken is a cinch to cook – seared for a mere three minutes on each side, then simmered just three more in a bright sauce of lemon, wine and butter. Serves 4 to 6 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 2 pounds) Sea salt and freshly ground black […]
Ginger Chicken Stew
February 8, 2018 by Leave a Comment
AS IT SIMMERS, THIS STEW FILLS THE KITCHEN WITH GINGER’S WARM AROMA. Complement it with something fresh. I prefer a bowl of steamed bok choy or Napa cabbage and a simple salad – sliced or julienned cucumbers and radishes tossed with rice wine vinegar and a sprinkle of sugar. Serves 6 to 8 8 […]
Toasted Farro Stew with Kale and Roasted Butternut Squash
January 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment
THE KEY TO THIS DISH (AND MANY MORE) IS PARMESAN – not just the grated cheese, but also the rind. Adding it to the pot as the soup simmers infuses it with Parmesan’s distinctive nutty undertones, which pair well with farro. For a bright finish, I swirl a spoonful of pesto in after the soup […]
Butternut Squash Lasagna
November 2, 2017 by Leave a Comment
For true comfort, layer up with this vegetarian lasagna no matter the season. We regularly fold mushrooms and spinach into a creamy pesto sauce, but in winter, we also turn to butternut squash and kale, and in summer, ratatouille. This is great with the addition of sausage for all you meat lovers. Makes one (9- […]
Family Dinner Meatloaf
November 1, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Makes 1 loaf / Serves 4-6 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cups diced onions 2 1/2 pounds ground chuck 1 cup bread crumbs 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/2 cup chili sauce […]
Creamy Grits with Roasted Butternut Squash & Blue Cheese
October 16, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Oven-caramelized squash and tangy blue cheese make this creamy side hearty enough to double as a vegetarian entree. It makes an excellent weeknight supper crumbled with crispy bacon or prosciutto and served with a simple green salad and a glass of crisp, sweet Sauternes or creamy Chardonnay. Serves 4 to 6 1 small butternut […]
Spring Herb Spaghetti
April 13, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Simple Herb Spaghetti with Greens, Pesto and Parmesan WHEN THE LARDER IS EMPTY, I turn to my lawn and windowsill. There, bright green herbs sprout from all manner of pots and buckets, ready to be plucked and thrown into spaghetti – a simple staple I always keep on hand. It’s a no-fuss meal that’s full […]
February 10, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Quick Seafood and Chicken Sausage Gumbo When Paul Prudhomme’s first cookbook, Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Louisiana Kitchen, came out, I think I made every last one of his gumbos in the span of a few weeks. To this day, his are the recipes I always refer to when I make gumbo. More often than not, however, […]
Carl’s Deep-Fried Turkey
November 26, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Every Thanksgiving, my friend Carl, who is also a pastor, makes his deep-fried turkey for some of the women in his church. Using a turkey fryer frees up the oven to make lots of sides, stuffing and pies. Carl seasons his turkey with plenty of cayenne pepper, so much that it made me nervous the […]