Tags
bell peppers, Carrots, cornstarch, dry white wine, fennel bulb, frozen mussel meat, Garlic, heavy cream, herbs, lemongrass, olive oil, onion, parsley, pasta sauce, roasted garlic, sherry vinegar, tomato paste
We traveled North for the holidays. it’s a bit chillier there than in the Carolinas, but decidedly more Christmas-y. This soup/chowder came about through the wonderful duo, Dave and Terri! They always come up with delicious fare and this was truly an inspiring way to ring in the New Year. Continue reading
I’ve been reading this really interesting cookbook, ****************. Actually, it’s less of a cookbook, though they have some wonderful recipes, and more of a reference work. At least for me it is. The authors are a chef and a specialist in scents. What a combination, right? 
With flu season upon us with a vengeance, I thought this was a good time of year to make a brothy, vegetable soup. There are a few beans tossed in, but they were more of an afterthought. This soup is all about vegetables, is slightly salty and will warm you to your bones. 
Lamb makes a wonderful sauce to splash over pasta, or better yet, cheese-filled tortellini. This version of ragú is wonderfully complex, with a deliciously interesting combination of herbs and spices. This is company fare. 
I like lentils. Actually, as far as legumes go, I think lentils may be my favorite. The Latin Lover is, shall we say, less fond of them. A bad childhood memory. But I’m trying to convert him. It’s always good to eradicate a bad childhood food memory and create a new, all-gown-up food memory! I think this soup may have done it! 
When the weather cools…okay becomes damn cold, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of soup or chowder. This is a simple combination of leeks, salmon, fennel and three kinds of potatoes. Chowder, without heaps of freshly ground black pepper, just doesn’t cut it on The Goddess’s table…. 
Tradition! Tradition! Can you hear the music soaring? Can you see the fiddler on the roof? Well, Oyster Stew was a New Year’s Eve tradition in my home. It was a simple version—butter, finely minced onion, whole milk, heavy cream, oyster and their liquor and heaps of black pepper…any oyster crackers. Simple and simply delicious. 
I love fennel. I love it raw, but when it’s roasted or sautéed…mmm…it’s just superb. So many times I’ve heard people say they don’t know what to do with fresh fennel. This is a perfect marriage…fennel and apple. There’s no fighting here! 
Every now and again, we have a vegetarian at our holiday table. There are always plenty of side dishes that will work for them, but I think vegetarians should be able to experience a filling and delicious main course. Just to be clear, non-vegetarians gobble this up, too! Yeah, I went for the Thanksgiving pun…get over it! 
Every now and again, you happen on a dish that’s just perfect. This is that dish. It’s a positively delicious dish. It’s loaded with rich flavors and vivid colors. Though it’s absolutely best made when the garden is overflowing, it transcends seasons. And perhaps best of all, it goes together quickly and is even better made ahead and eaten at room temperature. 