I cook because I love to eat. I garden because I love to cook.
There’s something about carbohydrates and garlic; they go well together. Think garlic bread, garlic knots from any New York pizzeria, and even my mashed potato pizza, fragrant with roasted garlic, mashed potatoes, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. The carbs are a vehicle for the pungent …
Some foods are a blank slate; they are a vehicle for other flavors. Take escargot, for example. They’re probably not too exciting on their own, but as a way to get your fix of garlic butter, they can’t be beat. Boneless, skinless chicken breast and …
I love small plates, tapas, dim sum, hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, mezze, finger food, in any form, whatever you want to call them. At a formal event, these are almost always the best, most exciting part of the meal. I would rather a formal occasion with …
In early June, when the asparagus in the garden thin to the width of a pencil, their season has come to an end. As they fade until next year, new fruits and vegetables arise. The strawberries appear, bright red, juicy and delicious, ready to be …
Sometimes the main course is easy, but a side dish eludes you. Sometimes you need to concoct an accompaniment to the main meal, but it’s got to be quick. Sometimes you need simple and easy. Sometimes you want the side dish to be healthy. Sometimes …
While clothes may make the man, croutons make the salad…or soup…or pasta. They are little nuggets of crispness that finish a dish, and no, they should not be relegated just to salads. They can be a little oasis in a creamy soup and will add …
About 10 or 11 years ago, we were lucky enough to take a family trip to Italy. Our children must have been about 6 and 8. On this particular day, we spent a long time driving to our next destination; a beautiful hotel in the …
I love growing garlic in my garden because it is the gift that keeps on giving. In early spring I can pick green garlic, whole immature plants that are similar to scallions, before the bulb forms into garlic cloves. July is the main harvest time …
As spring approaches, the garlic that I planted in the garden last October is starting to poke up in rows from beneath its blanket of leaves. I look forward to using the abundance of garlic from my garden as I cook throughout the year. In …
