No recipe this week—just a few thoughts about a road trip we’re on, driving the coast of the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec.
[su_dropcap style=”flat”]W[/su_dropcap]e are at Land’s End, in the town of Gaspé at the easternmost tip of the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec. We are on another of our patented road trips, but this one is unlike the others. We are not visiting any museums. We are spending little time in urban areas. Continue reading “Notes from the back roads of Quebec”
Gin and store-bought lemon elderflower soda—and maybe optional lemon—make a quick, refreshing summer cocktail. Recipe below.
[su_dropcap style=”flat”]W[/su_dropcap]e’re big fans of fancy cocktails. We like the arcane ingredients, the layered flavors, the rituals of making them. We like sitting at bars and watching bartenders construct artisanal cocktails (everything is artisanal these days, so why not cocktails?). We like making them at home. But sometimes, all you need is something cold, refreshing, boozy and easy to make. This cocktail is exactly that. Continue reading “Cocktail in a can: just add gin to Trader Joe’s Lemon Elderflower Soda”
[su_dropcap style=”flat”]O[/su_dropcap]n this most American holiday, it is yet again necessary to remind us all that one thing that makes America what it is—that makes it, in fact, great—is immigrants. The men who drafted and signed the Declaration of Independence (and they were all men—don’t get me started on that) were either immigrants or children or grandchildren of immigrants. If you are not a descendant of Native Americans, you are the product of immigrants.
Today, Marion and I are going to a barbecue hosted by friends of ours, both first generation Americans, children of immigrants. We will be bringing this kimchi potato salad as our contribution to the meal. Not as a political statement, but because it is amazingly delicious. This is what happens when you welcome everyone to the table. You get to share wonderful riches. Happy fourth of July, everyone.
[su_dropcap style=”flat”]P[/su_dropcap]ork chops are one of our go-tos, especially on weeknights. They can cook up pretty quickly and lend themselves to lots of variations. Here are six recipes that show what we mean. Continue reading “Quick, easy, versatile: six pork chop recipes to cook right now”
Sweet, juicy nectarines combine with smoky mezcal, basil, lime juice and simple syrup to create a cocktail that tastes like its name—Nectarine Campfire. Recipe below.
ONE OF THE PRIMAL PLEASURES OF SUMMER IS STONE FRUITS. Biting into a ripe plum and having its juice run down your chin. Slicing a fresh peach into a bowl of vanilla ice cream. Turning apricots, rosemary and sugar into an effortless, classically French dessert. Or maybe inventing a smoky, fruity summer cocktail with mezcal and nectarines. Continue reading “Welcoming summer with mezcal and nectarines: Nectarine Campfire”
Inspired by Macau street food, pork chops are pounded thin and marinated overnight, then coated with panko bread crumbs and quickly fried. Serve with tossed greens or on slices of white bread. Recipe below.
[su_dropcap style=”flat”]L[/su_dropcap]ast Friday, Anthony Bourdain broke our hearts. All of our hearts. Partly, of course, because we knew we would never see him again, never hear his funny/smart/poignant/fierce stories again, never vicariously share his adventures again. But what truly broke our hearts was knowing that this generous, gentle, good man had suffered such profound sadness and pain. Continue reading “Macau-style Pork Chops and a farewell dinner”
The sudden onslaught of full-on summer has us thinking salads. Here are five recipes—traditional and otherwise—for flavorful summer salads.
I THINK WE SLEPT THROUGH SPRING THIS YEAR IN CHICAGO. We went from comforters on the bed well into May to 98º this past weekend. From braises and stews to salads. These are some of our favorites. Continue reading “Mixing it up, keeping it cool: five salad recipes”
At the 2018 International Home + Housewares Show, three cookware makers shared exciting updates to the hardworking kitchen mainstay, the Dutch oven.
[su_dropcap style=”flat”]T[/su_dropcap]he sturdy, versatile, cast iron Dutch oven traces its roots back to the early 1700s, the brainchild of an Englishman borrowing a casting technique developed in the Netherlands. At the Housewares Show, we saw some exciting variations on this venerable theme. Continue reading “Three new ways to up your Dutch oven game”
[su_dropcap style=”flat”]E[/su_dropcap]ggs—quick-cooking, affordable, versatile sources of protein—show they can go beyond the breakfast table in these six recipes. Continue reading “Not just for breakfast: a half dozen recipes made with (or made better with) eggs”
Penne Alla Vodka, a retro classic of uncertain heritage, combines tomatoes, butter, cream and vodka to create a lively, rich dinner. Leave out the sausage for a satisfying vegetarian meal. Recipe below.
FOR A SINGLE PERSON, OUR OLDER DAUGHTER OWNS A LOT OF STUFF. We know because we just helped her move. Professional movers were hired, but there were still things to pack and label (including six bookcases overflowing with books and a surprisingly vast collection of thrift-shopped ’80s prom dresses), stuff to sort and organize, donations to haul and deliver, recycling to, well, recycle. Continue reading “Hard work, serious cravings and a simple recipe: Penne Alla Vodka with Sausage”