Jamaican Jerk Ribs from a singer turned chef

Jerk rub, jerk sauce and pineapple-mango salsa bring plenty of flavor and a little heat to these oven-baked pork ribs. Recipe below.

Jubilee Jerk Pork Ribs — Jamaican Jerk Pork Ribs

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH, a month-long celebration of the achievements of African Americans and a recognition of their contributions to our national culture and history. So it seemed like a perfect time to delve into Toni Tipton-Martin’s wonderful cookbook, Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking, again. Continue reading “Jamaican Jerk Ribs from a singer turned chef” →

The forecast calls for Pork Stew with Caraway Seeds

Chunks of pork cooked with onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, caraway seeds, bay leaves and peas create a homey, peasant-y, comforting stew perfect for winter. Recipe below.

OH, THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL. Snow is the lead story across great swaths of the country. And around the world. Two storms collided on the east coast, dumping as much as two feet of snow on New York City. Madrid had the worst snowstorm in 50 years, a foot and a half in a city that rarely sees snow at all. And the UK issued a “risk of life” warning. So here in Chicago, Marion and I were thinking about food. Continue reading “The forecast calls for Pork Stew with Caraway Seeds” →

Vinegar, soy sauce and the (unofficial) national dish of the Philippines: Chicken Adobo

Vinegar, soy sauce and a handful of simple ingredients simmer distinctive flavor into this well-loved traditional Filipino dish. Recipe below.

INSPIRATION FOR THE THINGS WE COOK HERE COMES FROM MANY PLACES. And sometimes, it comes in pairs. The other day, Marion said she’d found a recipe for a beloved traditional Filipino dish, Chicken Adobo. I’d found another recipe for the dish the day before—and was so intrigued, I still had the tab open on my laptop. So we knew we had to cook it. Continue reading “Vinegar, soy sauce and the (unofficial) national dish of the Philippines: Chicken Adobo” →

Fridge improvisations: Linguine with Roasted Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasting cauliflower with shallots and bacon before tossing it with pasta mellows and sweetens its flavor. Recipe below.

THESE DAYS, A LOT OF COOKING IS STARING DOWN the ingredients you have on hand. Like the head of cauliflower we kept reminding each other needed cooking. And the bacon that wasn’t getting any younger. When we finally got around to taking on both, the result was an easy, wonderfully flavorful pasta dinner. Continue reading “Fridge improvisations: Linguine with Roasted Cauliflower and Bacon” →

What we’ve been doing instead of cooking new stuff

Usually, Wednesdays mean new recipes at Blue Kitchen. Spoiler alert, not this week. Here’s what we’ve we been up to lately instead.

WE’VE BEEN PLAYING WITH KNIVES. We first discovered these handsome Spanish-made knives at Almond and Oak in Oakland, California, in May 2019. We were having dinner with friends we hadn’t seen in years, and I was halfway through my thick cut pork chop before I realized how easily I was cutting it. The next morning, before flying home from San Francisco that afternoon, we took the bus to the elegant home store MARCH and bought two Pallares Solsona steak knives. Continue reading “What we’ve been doing instead of cooking new stuff” →

Santa’s actual house, right here in Pilsen

Santa's house in Pilsen — Santa’s house in Pilsen

WALKING IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, WATCHING THE SEASONS CHANGE, is always a treat. Maybe never more so than right now. Our neighbors embrace the holidays. Some with modest, quiet displays in their windows, some with exuberance. But all our walks and drives through the neighborhood had not prepared us for this. Continue reading “Santa’s actual house, right here in Pilsen” →

Hunger affects us all—here’s how to fight it

The pandemic is increasing hunger in virtually every community in America. Here are ways you can help feed people, wherever you are.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE A TIME FOR GIVING. That has always been the case. And now, in the midst of a pandemic, it has never been more important. Hunger, always a challenge even in this richest of nations, is at levels not seen in decades. Continue reading “Hunger affects us all—here’s how to fight it” →

Perfect for giving—or keeping for yourself: Pecan Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

Pecans, rosemary, plenty of butter and not too much sugar make rich, satisfying and not-too-sweet cookies. Recipe below.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US. DIFFERENT, BUT STILL HERE. We’ve been sending and receiving packages, mostly not gift wrapped, sent directly by the company (and often from the maker): “You guys are getting a package from a potter in Racine today—don’t open it!” And you know what ships well? Or drops off on doorsteps? Cookies! Continue reading “Perfect for giving—or keeping for yourself: Pecan Rosemary Shortbread Cookies” →

Warming up to winter cooking: six stew recipes

Cardamom Beef Stew with Roasted Root Vegetables

IF THERE’S ANY BRIGHT SIDE TO WINTER COMING, it’s that it signals time for making stews again. Slow cooking, flavors blending, earthy fragrances filling the kitchen. Here are six recipes to get us all back in the game. Continue reading “Warming up to winter cooking: six stew recipes” →

A French classic, made weeknight quick: Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce

A quick sauce of cream (or half & half), Dijon mustard, shallots and tarragon transform sautéed chicken thighs. Recipe below.

Chicken in Mustard Cream Sauce — Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce

CHICKEN ISN’T EXACTLY TOP OF MIND AROUND THANKSGIVING. But it’s often top of mind with us. It’s versatile, relatively inexpensive and healthier than red meat (which is also often top of mind with me, if we’re being honest). So as you deal with turkey prep—or turkey leftovers, depending on when you’re reading this—please indulge our chicken explorations here. Continue reading “A French classic, made weeknight quick: Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce” →