Fennel seed finesses Instant Pot Pork and Cabbage Stew

Pork, cabbage and potatoes create a hearty, peasanty stew; fennel seed subtly elevates it. Recipe below.

Instant Pot Pork and Cabbage Stew
Instant Pot Pork and Cabbage Stew

IT IS NOW DAY WHATEVER IN THE SHUTDOWN, and we are still self-isolating. I said three weeks ago that we hadn’t been inside any building that is not our house for some time. That remains true. We also have not eaten anything that was not cooked by one of us. I’m happy to report that we are okay with that. Continue reading “Fennel seed finesses Instant Pot Pork and Cabbage Stew”

A little kimchi delivers big flavor in Instant Pot Country-Style Pork Ribs with Kimchi

A modest amount of kimchi has a big, delicious effect on boneless country-style pork ribs, and the Instant Pot makes it weeknight-quick. Recipe below.

Instant Pot Country Style Pork Ribs with Kimchi
Instant Pot Country Style Pork Ribs with Kimchi

I’VE NEVER BEEN A FAN OF TV COOKING CHALLENGES, those ridiculous shows in which contestants are given a handful of seemingly random ingredients and 45 minutes to turn it into something. But now, we are all living that show on a daily basis. Going into the kitchen, delving ever deeper into the fridge, the freezer, the pantry, trying to turn something, anything, into dinner. Continue reading “A little kimchi delivers big flavor in Instant Pot Country-Style Pork Ribs with Kimchi”

Deliciously simple (simply delicious?) English Muffins

Turns out English Muffins are as easy to make as they are great to eat. You don’t even bake them—you cook them on your stovetop. Recipe below.

English Muffins
English Muffins

WHEN I UNDERSTOOD HOW EASY IT IS is to make English muffins, I regretted all the years in which I have never made them. The basic elements are few—flour, yeast, salt, buttermilk or yogurt. They have one hour-long rise and then a short ten-minute rest once they are shaped. You don’t even bake them—you cook them on the stovetop. And then you have these delicious things. Continue reading “Deliciously simple (simply delicious?) English Muffins”

Life in the time of shuttered restaurants, long walks and embracing home cooking

Some thoughts on life and food right now, and five simple, comforting recipes.

Martin's Corner Chcago
Martin’s Corner Bar & Grill, Pilsen, Chicago

THE OTHER NIGHT ON OUR NEIGHBORHOOD WALK, Marion said two things she was missing most right now were us getting in the car and going to see one of our daughters—both live driving distance away—and the two of us going to some little place for cocktails and dinner. A place like Martin’s Corner. Continue reading “Life in the time of shuttered restaurants, long walks and embracing home cooking”

Deconstructing a classic Polish dish: Unstuffed Cabbage

The hearty Polish dish Stuffed Cabbage is easier to make and just as delicious when you unstuff it. Recipe below.

Unstuffed Cabbage

SO HERE WE ALL ARE, STAYING IN, looking after each other by staying apart from each other. Hiding. Staying well, healing, hunkering down and making do with what we’ve got and just getting through it. Continue reading “Deconstructing a classic Polish dish: Unstuffed Cabbage”