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 […]
Fork Tender Pork Ragu
November 6, 2016 by Leave a Comment
THERE ARE DOZENS OF TAKES ON ITALIAN RAGU -a meaty sauce that, at its most basic, includes minced beef, diced onions, spiced tomatoes and a splash of red wine. Perhaps it’s the Southerner in me, but my preferred version calls for pork, slowly braised and served over a bowl of thick noodles. Makes about 2 […]
Chile-Braised Pork Shoulder with Taco Fixings
August 24, 2016 by Leave a Comment
KEEP IT COOL. Offset this spicy pork with a heap of fresh fixings – from Avocado Crema and cilantro to Summer Tomato Salsa with a spritz of lime. Serves 6 to 8. PORK 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon ground paprika 2 teaspoons sea salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper […]
Fresh Mozzarella Tomato Salad with Torn Pesto Croutons
July 11, 2016 by Leave a Comment
I can’t get enough fresh basil in summer, so I often bake pesto croutons, which provide extra herbs and crunch. I love this salad on its own or spread across a bed of arugula. And I’ll put the croutons on any fresh mix of greens. Serves 4 to 6 1/2 cup Basil Pesto (see […]
Banana Pudding
June 25, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Here is my favorite recipe for classic banana pudding – spiked with rum, layered with bananas and vanilla wafers, and crowned with meringue. Serves 6 to 8 2 and 1/4 cups milk 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped and reserved 4 large eggs, separated 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch, sifted 1/2 teaspoon kosher […]
Beer Can Chicken
May 22, 2016 by Leave a Comment
THIS BEER IS FOR THE BIRDS. A whole chicken roosts atop a half-full tallboy to absorb extra moisture and flavor. Perched above a hot bed of coals, it also take on a golden, smoke-tinged hue. There’s not much to do except stand back and turn the bird a few times while sipping on the extra […]
Chano’s Tres Leches Cake
April 24, 2016 by 4 Comments
FOR 22 OF OUR 25 YEARS, we’ve been blessed to work with Chano Valencia, an incredible baker. Of all his cakes, I think this one is my very favorite. Topped with strawberries, sandwiched with jam and soaked in cream, it makes for a super moist take on a traditional strawberry shortcake. Just plan to make […]
Chicken Piccata
March 20, 2016 by Leave a Comment
POUNDED THIN AND LIGHTLY BREADED, this chicken is a cinch to cook – seared for a mere three minuets on each side, then simmered just three more in a bright sauce of lemon, wine and butter. Serves 4-6 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 2 pounds) Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 […]
Ginger Chicken Stew
March 13, 2016 by 1 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 boneless, […]
Potato Pancakes
February 18, 2016 by 1 Comment
These pan-fried potato cakes pair well with almost anything – applesauce, sour cream, creme fraiche, caviar and goat cheese are among my favorites. Makes 14 to 16 small cakes. 1 russet potato 1 Yukon Gold potato 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 2 tablespoons grated onion 2 tablespoons chopped […]