18 Sunday Apr 2021
Posted in Carrots, Fennel, Gluten Free, Herbs, Lentils, Make Ahead, Mandarin, Vegetarian
Over the years, I’ve gotten considerably more fond of lentils. They are so much more than just soup. I love lentil salads. And that’s almost what this is (and can be!). It makes a great backdrop for a piece of grilled salmon, cod or Branzino. And that’s what we’re doing with it today. Continue reading
08 Thursday Apr 2021
Posted in Beef, Cherries, Dried Fruit, Gluten Free, Instant-Pot, Make Ahead
Tags
allspice berries, arrowroot, bay leaves, chuck roast, dried garlic, dried sour cherries, herb sprigs, ketchup, onion, orange zest strips, port wine, red wine
This is an extraordinary pot roast. I was thinking about our trip to Portugal and remembering some of the fabulous meals we enjoyed, hence the Port, the oranges and the cherries. This seemed like just the thing to use for our Zoom dinner with friends to celebrate getting the vaccine. Everything is relative and one has to find joy in the little things. Continue reading
02 Friday Apr 2021
Posted in Gluten Free, Lamb, Main Course, Make Ahead, Middle Eastern Flavors, Slow-Roasting, Spices
Tags
I love lamb. I have always felt that the reason others don’t enjoy it, is because they’ve had over-cooked lamb. Gray-colored meat is all that appetizing to anyone. Admittedly, lamb has a distinct flavor and can be a tad gamey…maybe that’s why I like it so much! Continue reading
01 Thursday Apr 2021
Posted in Banana, Bread, Chocolate, Make Ahead, Quick, Vegetarian
Tags
all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, Banana, brown butter, brown sugar, espresso, extra-large eggs, Nutella, vanilla extract
The folks over at Leite’s Culinaria posted this terrific sounding Banana Bread with Nutella. Yes. Nutella. And I had a jar of Nutella in the cupboard, and several very ripe bananas just waiting for such a recipe. But…and you knew there would be a “but”, didn’t you? Because The Goddess can never, ever just leave a recipe alone. This time, I think you’ll be very happy that she didn’t! Continue reading
19 Friday Mar 2021
Posted in Gluten Free, Make Ahead, Parsnips, Pears, Soup, Vegetarian
Tags
bay leaves, bleu cheese, broth, Celery, Garlic, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, nutmeg, Onions, Parsnips, Pears, Thyme
I enjoyed this lovely soup at the Worcester Museum of Art, in Massachusetts. Their café is a lovely place for lunch and their signature Pear and Wild Mushroom Soup is a must try it. It just stood out, so how could I not try it? Oh, I’m so happy I did, because it’s absolutely delicious. And is the inspiration for this lovely elixir. Continue reading
05 Friday Mar 2021
Posted in Celery, Dates, Gluten Free, Make Ahead, Salads, Vegetarian
Tags
celery hearts, dates, extra virgin olive oil, fresh mozzarella pearls, lemon juice, lemon zest, slivered almonds
We tend to overlook celery much too often. Oh sure, we eat celery stick with Buffalo wings and on veggie trays with dips. But they don’t really let celery shine, do they? In this salad, celery has the starring roll. This is delicious for a dinner party and is best made several hours before serving. Trust me when I tell you, your guests will want more! Continue reading
29 Friday Jan 2021
Posted in Eggplant, Fennel, Gluten Free Option, Make Ahead, Mediterranean Flavors, Soup, Tomatoes, Vegetarian
Tags
diced tomatoes, dry chicken base, dry white wine, Eggplant, fennel bulb, garlic granules, herbs, olive oil, onion, parmesan rinds, parmigiano reggiano cheese, sour dough bread, sugar, tomatoe paste
We’ve done Eggplant Parmesan Soup, lo those many years ago, when we began this little adventure. I loved that version, but as you must be sick to death of hearing, The Goddess is a Being who enjoys change…and it just so happens she had some really nice fennel, ergo this version was born! Continue reading
28 Thursday Jan 2021
Posted in Braising, Fennel, Garlic, Gluten Free, Lemon, Make Ahead, Onions, Thyme, Veal
Tags
artichoke hearts, butter, chicken stock, Chives, fennel bulb, Garlic, lemon zest, Onions, pearl onions, Thyme, unflavored gelatin, Veal, white wine
I haven’t cooked a veal breast in years. The last one I made was stuffed and it was good, but…. Well, let’s put it this way, it didn’t make my taste buds do cartwheels. This one, which is based on Jacques Pépin’s recipe, does! Continue reading
02 Saturday Jan 2021
Posted in Dairy, Eggs, Gluten Free, Herbs, Make Ahead, Sauces
Tags
cayenne pepper, cornstarch, half and half, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, tarragon, whole egg, whole milk
No, you didn’t misread that. This is “almost” hollandaise sauce. It looks like it. It tastes like it…so what’s the deal? Well, no butter! Yes! Now you’re asking, why, for the love of all that’s holy in the kitchen, wouldn’t you want butter in a hollandaise sauce? Let’s face it, hollandaise has to be made last minute…it really does. It doesn’t reheat well and it’s a bit on the rich side, right? This has all the really good properties of a real-deal hollandaise sauce, but without the drawbacks…and you can have more without feeling like over-stuffed! Continue reading
30 Wednesday Dec 2020
Posted in Appetizers, Cheese, Gluten Free, Holiday Fare, Make Ahead, Vegetarian
Tags
cheddar, Chives, cream cheese, Greek-style yogurt, parsley flakes, red onion, Worcestershire sauce
At our house, a cheese ball is synonymous with the holiday buffet table. I it’s perfect holiday food…best made ahead, keeps well and is just plain delicious. Have you ever really tasted a bad cheese ball? I haven’t, but this one is stellar. Continue reading
