American Food Sitemap - Page 5 2013-05-21
Just Peachy
Just Peachy
Go Fourth!
Go Fourth!
Ice Cream Takes the Cake
Ice Cream Takes the Cake
Reasons to Love Shortcakes
Reasons to Love Shortcakes
Real Tomatoes
Real Tomatoes
Shrimp Trio
Shrimp Trio
Old Bay Endures
Old Bay Endures
Fresh Raspberries
Fresh Raspberries
Beyond the Jack o'Latern
Beyond the Jack o'Latern
Thanksgiving Duo
Thanksgiving Duo
Last Hurrah!
Last Hurrah!
Crisp Air = Crisp Apples
Crisp Air = Crisp Apples
Bacon-ggedon?
Bacon-ggedon?
Citrus Superstar: Lemon
Citrus Superstar: Lemon
One Pot Stews
One Pot Stews
Butternut Bonanza
Butternut Bonanza
Comfort in a Casserole
Comfort in a Casserole
The Dinner that Keeps on Giving
The Dinner that Keeps on Giving
5 Easy One Pot Meals
5 Easy One Pot Meals
Cookie Time
Cookie Time
Easy Bites
Easy Bites
Molten Chocolate
Molten Chocolate
In Praise of Braising
In Praise of Braising
American Celebrity Chef, Mario Batali Gets All Wound Up
Photo © John MitzewichYou know you are a true celebrity chef when you have your own wind-up action figure! While browsing in a local gourmet store in San
The "Chef Hat" Pumpkin - But, Can I Make Soup with It?
Photo © Peggy ManfrediI was recently given this Chef Hat pumpkin by a friend who had taken her family out to a local patch to pick a trunk load of pumpkins
A Picture's Worth a Thousand Mouthwatering Words
Photo © Flickr user Lee Coursey I am very proud to announce an exciting new feature to help you explore all the wonderful foods America has to offer. It's a
Just in Time for the Holidays: My American Foods "Must Have" List!
Photo © Joshua Sherurcij I've just put together a list of my top 10 kitchen tools and equipment I consider essential for any kitchen, but especially
Is This the Easiest Mac and Cheese Recipe Ever?
Photo © Flickr user jslanderI just posted a mac and cheese recipe that I believe may be the proverbial easiest recipe ever for this classic American
KISP: Keep it Simple, Pilgrim!
Photo © John MitzewichThe best advice this old chef can give you, as you face that daunting Thanksgiving dinner, is to keep it simple! The turkey gets seasoned,
Giving Thanks for Brooklyn, New York's Famous Chocolate Egg Cream
Photo © John MitzewichAs strange as it sounds, this just may be the perfect Thanksgiving after diner drink. Contrary to its name, this light and bubbly New York
Abraca-deli-dabra: The Trick to Turning Corned Beef Brisket into Pastrami
I just filmed this video recipe for taking a regular supermarket corned beef and converting it into pastrami. Normally, making homemade pastrami is a fairly
Get Under the Skin for an Over the Top Turkey
I know Thanksgiving is over, but many of you will be cooking a turkey for the big Christmas feast as well. I just posted a recipe for a delicious compound herb
There's a Reason They're Called "Whoopie" Pies
If you're from Pennsylvania or New England, I'm sure you have experienced the sweet oddity that is the whoopie pie. While it's called a pie, it's really more
Cioppino Lovers No Longer Crabby, the Famous Dungeness is Back
Due to a very unfortunate fuel spill in the San Francisco Bay, the opening of crab season was delayed while the clean up was going on. This was not only bad
Pears are Perfect for Your Holiday Party Preparations
This time of year the produce section in your local grocery store is piled high with a wide variety of crisp, sweet and juicy pears. Chances are they came from
Seared Scallops with Pancetta and Leeks - When Less is Way More
This video recipe I just produced is a great example of culinary restraint. Whether you're just learning to cook, or an experienced pro, letting the natural
Where's the Beef? Not in this Easy and Delicious 3-Course Vegetarian Holiday Menu!
While many of you will be dining on things like roast goose and prime rib this holiday season, others will be planning a meatless feast. So, I've come up with a
Ancient Chinese 5 Spice and New American Cuisine
I just posted a great roast carrot recipe that only has three ingredients, yet still manages a deliciously complex, aromatic flavor. The secret? Chinese 5
Homemade Steak Sauce - Easy as A1, 2, 3, and it's Fat Free!
American's love their steak. Whether pan-fried, grilled or broiled, many also enjoy a splash of steak sauce to compliment the flavor of the beef. There was a
Homemade Gourmet Gifts? You're Not Cheap, You're "Creative!"
If your funds are a little low this holiday season don't despair. You can make a batch of delicious, old fashion lemon curd and not only save money at the mall,
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham - Leftovers at Their Most Luscious
As a kid I always got very excited when I saw my mom making a baked ham. Whether it was around the holidays, or in the middle of summer, my mouth would be
Instead of One New Year's Resolution You Won't Keep, How About Five You Will?
How many New Year's resolutions have you ever kept? You're not alone. The problem is we make them too unrealistic…workout five days a week, no eating after 9PM,
Finding a Delicious Solution for Lost Bread - It's the New Orleans-Style French Toast "Pain Perdu"
Pain Perdu means lost bread in French. The French immigrants that settled in New Orleans spent a lot of time and effort making their famous loaves of bread,
A Simply Delicious Mac and Cottage Cheese Casserole
I recently tried a new mac and cheese recipe that caught my eye because it called for cottage cheese, which sounded delicious, and potentially lower in fat.
That's the Way the Cornbread Crumbles
This may be somewhat un-American, but I don't like crumbly cornbread. There, I said it. Most traditional American cornbread recipes tend to be dense, dry, and
What Are Mashed Potatoes Without Butter? …Delicious!
I always reach for the butter when making mashed potatoes. After cooking for this many years it's more of a muscle reflex, than a conscious act. They just
Chili Weather
Some of life's great culinary experiences start well before food gets anywhere near your mouth. Imagine walking into the house after a winter's walk and being
Why You Should Be Eating More Buffalo… and I'm Not Talking About Wings!
Over the last couple years I've seen ground buffalo meat appearing in the supermarket meat cases. Sometimes it's packaged as bison, and is usually sold in
Welcome to About’s Super Bowl Appetizer Exchange!
It's time to plan your Super Bowl party, and we've got plenty of easy to make appetizers from around the world. Every day, right up to the Super Bowl, we'll
Today's Super Bowl Appetizer Links
It's time to plan your Super Bowl party, and we've got plenty of easy to make appetizers from around the world. Every day, right up to the Super Bowl, we'll
Don't Wing It This Year - Make a Big Batch of "Real" Buffalo Chicken Wings for Your Super Bowl Party!
Well, today's my turn in About’s Super Bowl appetizer exchange, and the decision on which recipe to share was a no-brainer. It had to be the famous Buffalo
Today's Super Bowl Appetizer Links
Every day, right up to the Super Bowl, we'll be featuring recipes from different About guides. Hopefully you'll be able to use some of these recipes to impress
Low-Fat Southern Fried Chicken??
Yes! Sort of. When I describe this recipe as low-fat Southern fried chicken, I mean in relation to other, more traditional, fried chicken recipes. First of
Buffaloaf! The Great Bison Meatloaf Experiment!
I did a buffalo chili post recently, and described the health advantages of eating bison verses beef. I've always made this delicious, and lower-fat,
Is Fast Food Becoming Fast Superfood?
I recently did an article entitled Five Native American Super Foods for Better Health and Delicious Dining. In it I introduced five native ingredients found
Today's Super Bowl Links
Right up to the Super Bowl, we'll be featuring recipes from different About guides. Hopefully you'll be able to use some of these recipes to impress the guests
Yosemite’s Chefs' Holidays: A Forest of Foodies
I will be away for a few days attending the 24th Annual Chefs' Holidays at The Ahwahnee Hotel, in beautiful Yosemite National Park. Every year some of the
Yo! Homemade Philly Cheesesteaks!
Well, I'm still on holiday in Yosemite, but a new video recipe I did recently on the Philly cheesesteak just went live, and since the Super Bowl is right around
Listening to Your Food
I just got back from the amazing Ahwahnee Hotel (see post below), and the Annual Chefs' Holiday. I saw and tasted some wonderful food, and listened to an array
Modern California Fish Cookery in a Bowl
Whenever people ask me to describe California cuisine, the same thing happens. I usually stop halfway through my stammering attempt at a concise definition
America's First Pancakes
You've been transported back to colonial America. You've been up since dawn, doing colonial stuff, and you're hungry for breakfast. You open the cupboard to
World's Easiest Chili Verde - Laziness Rewarded
It was one of those Saturday afternoons where my culinary ambitions far exceeded the amount of available time and energy. I was craving chili verde, pork stewed
Chocolate Lava Cake – The World’s Most Delicious Mistake?
Legend has it that the chocolate lava cake was the result of a major catering disaster. The dessert for this particular event was to be individual chocolate
Seared American Foie Gras - Phat with an "F"
The highlight of my Valentines dinner menu was this seared Sonoma foie gras with fig and balsamic reduction. American foie gras has really come a long way, and
Tuna Noodle Casserole - Hello Old Friend!
As I sat eating my newly made tuna noodle casserole, I wondered, how many other people made this for dinner tonight in San Francisco? The blessings of life in
My New Favorite Recipe - "No Fry," Lower-Cal, Chicken Parmesan Bake
I've been looking at lots of casserole recipes lately for my recently launched Great American Casseroles category. One of the fun things about casserole
Triple Chocolate Cake - Thinking Inside the Box
I just posted a triple chocolate cake recipe, which got me thinking about how much cooks and chefs hate to measure things. It goes against our use the force
Almost Fat-Free Spicy Chicken Lettuce Cups
One of my favorite appetizers in Asian restaurants is spicy lettuce cups. They're typically sections of iceberg lettuce served along side a bowl of highly
Mmmm…Lactobacillus Sanfranciscensis!
I've just created an authentic San Francisco sourdough starter with the anticipation of fragrant loaves of bread to follow. I will post the recipe and procedure
Orange Cornmeal Cake - A Slice of Old Fashion American Cooking …I Think
I love to play amateur recipe anthropologist. It's fun looking at a recipe's list of ingredients and trying to imagine how it evolved, and where it came from. I
"Breakfast Pizza" and "Pizza for Breakfast" Are Not Necessarily the Same Thing
Every pizza lover knows you always order more pizza than you need so there'll be leftovers the next morning. Cold pizza is the ultimate that was a hell of a
Beefy Corkscrew Casserole - This One's for You, Chef Boyardee
While most Americans my age will name Julia Child as the first celebrity chef to enter their vocabulary, I think they are overlooking an even earlier culinary
Fat-Free Black Currant Balsamic Reduction - It Only Tastes Hard to Make
I just posted a recipe for a black currant balsamic reduction that's my go to sauce recipe when I'm short on time. The procedure is ridiculously simple, yet
Is Corned Beef and Cabbage Really Irish? Not so much.
America's first St. Patrick's Day celebration was held in Boston, on March 17th, 1737. A parade, first organized by the Irish Society of Boston, has been held
10-Minute Shrimp and Bean Stew - Very Fast Food
I was in an experimental mood a few days ago, and my culinary creativity was rewarded with a very fast and delicious shrimp and bean stew. I was craving an
Traditional Soda Bread - So Irish and So Easy
When most people think about making bread, they think about lots of kneading, and then the long wait while the bread rises. Fortunately, there are many great
Where's Waldorf?
It's hard to say why some of the great American recipes fall out of fashion, getting lost in waves of newer, more cutting edge fare. The ingeniously delicious
It's Time to Give Homemade Vegetable Soups a Whirl
There are certain pieces of kitchen equipment that will fundamentally change the way you cook and eat. A stick-style hand blender is a perfect example. I just
The Chicken Chimichanga – This is One Delicious "Thing-a-ma-jig"
I just did a video recipe on putting together the simple, and delicious, chimichanga. A chimichanga is basically a deep-fried burrito, but this home version
My Cheating Heart - Easy Cheesy Salsa Meatloaf
There's nothing wrong with shortcuts in the kitchen, as this salsa meatloaf proves. As long as the final product is just as good, or better, than the normal
Seared Scallops with Fava Beans, Bacon and Mint - Proving that "Light and Hearty" is Possible
This new seared scallop recipe is one of those rare dishes that's light, and hearty, at the same time. The smoky bacon and fava beans make this very satisfying;
A Sausage Meatloaf Recipe George Costanza Would Have Loved
There's an old Seinfeld episode in which George decides to act the opposite of how he normally acts. All of a sudden he's experiencing unprecedented success and
Grandparents and Dry Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin has to be one of the most user-friendly cuts of meat there is. I just posted a delicious black pepper-crusted pork tenderloin with black
The Hangtown Fry - A Gold Rush Classic and Great Last Meal
During the gold rush, Placerville, California was known as Hangtown, for obvious reasons. As legend has it, a miner who had just struck it rich, walked into
Have a Spring Fling with Fresh Asparagus
Spring has sprung, and it's time to move from slow-cooked root vegetables to quick, and colorful spring offerings. Like many American cooks, my favorite spring
Surprised and Encouraged by Chipotle Gravy
I was recently invited to try a new Boston Market regional American offering, Chipotle meatloaf. I found the meatloaf to be moist and tasty, but what I was
Mashed Potatoes Make Me Happy
Whenever chefs are interviewed, they are invariably asked what their last meal would be. I've always wondered what my answer to this question would be (in the
Is Fake Crab Real Food?
Debate over the culinary merits of imitation crab has raged since it appeared in grocery stores decades ago. This pureed, processed, and pressed Alaskan pollock
No-Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Fudge Cookies - Why Wait for Summer?
It's a classic summertime dilemma; you want cookies, but it's just too hot to turn on the oven. What do you do? Make a batch of no-bake oatmeal chocolate fudge
Seared Scallops with Asparagus - Eating in a World Without Borders
I just posted a delicious seared scallops with asparagus recipe, which got me thinking about how we usually pair these two ingredients. The typical American
Asparagus and Chicken Noodle Casserole - That's Right…More Asparagus!
You may have noticed a certain spike in asparagus recipes lately. Well, what can I say? It's spring, and the asparagus around here has been looking too lovely
An Easy Mother's Day Brunch Menu for the Culinarily Challenged
I know it's still weeks away, but before you make reservations at an over-priced, mediocre brunch restaurant, check out this easy, colorful and tasty Mother's
Wild Boar Speared at California Wine Tasting!
Of course I'm speaking of a delicious wild boar sausage speared on a bamboo skewer along with a Syrah-poached black mission fig. I just returned to San
Are Your Chicken Breasts Suffering from "Repetitious Side-Dish Syndrome?"
Are you running out of things to serve chicken breast on, or next to? This is a very common problem that we chefs call, repetitious side-dish syndrome. If you
Roasted Beets, Arugula and Goat Cheese Shine in this Scrumptious Spring Salad
No, of course I don't love beets! Who does? Okay, I know some of you do, and would eat them no matter how they are prepared. But, for most of us, hearing the
New Mashed Potato Makeovers - Sacrilege or Sacrilicious?
I recently published a list called 5 New Mashed Potato Recipes to Match with Your Favorite Meals. The usual role of the humble mashed potato is that of a
My Mother's Day Mint Jelly Memories
A very happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there! I hope all those it's the thought that counts breakfasts in bed are free of any major incidents. Sure,
Cornish Game Hens So Good You'll Feel Like Doing the Chicken Dance!
Okay, so that may be a bit of a stretch, but these grilled orange rosemary Cornish game hens, while small in stature, have big flavor. I think that one reason
The Sexy and Mysterious Red Velvet Cupcake
This beautiful and delicious cupcake recipe comes from Joy the Baker, and features red velvet cake, a traditional southern favorite. There are many stories
What's Do Old Chefs and Chicken Wings Have in Common?
They both have good amounts of fat and connective tissue. Okay, I won't quit my day job, but it is true. While maybe not so good for the chefs, the fat and
Andouille Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya - My Favorite "Surf and Turf!"
Back when I was sautéing my way through culinary school, every white tablecloth restaurant had a Surf and Turf special. It was some type of steak, usually
Fresh Spring Strawberries with Yogurt and Honey
I just posted a recipe for fresh strawberries with yogurt and honey. It actually feels wrong to call it a recipe since it only has three ingredients, and
Potato Pesto Pizza - Hot Starch-on-Starch Action!
This delicious potato pesto pizza recipe is somewhat of a culinary oddity, since putting two starches together on a plate is usually frowned upon. There are a
Is Your Memorial Day Grilled Chicken Usually Not Memorable?
If so, then try this easy, southwest-inspired grilled chili chicken recipe with spring onions. It looks great, it's easy to prep, and goes perfectly with the
Is Gourmet Mac and Cheese an Oxymoron?
I just posted a recipe from the Artisan Cheese Center, for a truffle macaroni and cheese. Part of me is always a bit resistant to the idea of these gourmet
June's the Time to Swoon Over Fresh, Dark, and Handsome Cherry Pie
June is considered peak cherry season, and what better way to enjoy nature's most passionate fruit, than in a fresh cherry pie recipe. While apple pie and a
Spicy Shrimp Etouffee - Easy Creole for Real!
I've been on a Cajun and Creole cooking kick lately, and just finished a video recipe for a shrimp etouffee. Etouffee is one of New Orleans' most famous dishes.
Sausage and Chicken Gumbo - Now 100% Gumbo-Free!
My Cajun/Creole cooking kick continues with a delicious sausage and chicken gumbo recipe. Before going on, I must admit to a serious okra aversion. I don’t like
Longer Days and Lighter Lamb
As the days get longer, my dinners get lighter. The grilled lamb loin recipe, with a spicy, yogurt mint sauce, pictured here, is a great example. In the middle
Making Your Own Fresh Farmer's Cheese
All across America, wherever you find dairy farmers, you'll find people making farmer's cheese. I just posted an easy recipe for how to make your own farmer's
Cooking Fresh Raspberries - Delicious Sauce or Crime Against Nature?
I love fresh berries, and have no problem downing a nice handful when able. The raspberries at the market have been looking particularly sexy this week, and the
Grilled Flank Steak - A Delicious and Low-Maintenance Meat
You have to love flank steak - easy to cook, almost no trimming, relatively lean, and delicious. And, with backyard cooking season in full swing, it's perfect
How Can These 10 Barbecue Sauce Recipes All Be the "Best?"
I just posted a list of 10 terrific American barbecue sauce recipes, representing my takes on all the classic regional variations. What I find so fascinating
Extreme TV Dinner Makeover: Park Avenue Edition
The Loews Regency Hotel on Park Avenue in New York City is bringing back the iconic TV dinners of the 1950s - although served in the traditional sectioned
Lazy Man's Barbecued Beef Brisket - Bless Your Cheating Heart
There are no shortcuts to a beautifully barbecued beef brisket. It takes many hours of slow cooking, near, but not over, a smoky charcoal fire, that's kept at
Philadelphia-Style Ice Cream - Let Freedom (from egg custards) Ring!
The modern ice cream we enjoy today is quite different from America's original iced cream. Today, if you go out for a scoop of vanilla ice cream you are
Atlantic City, New Jersey, Home of the…Philadelphia Cheesesteak?
I'm in Atlantic City for the annual Toast To The Coast event, and am looking forward to see and tasting lots of great food and wine. In addition to the area's
Celebrity Chefs Rock Atlantic City's "Toast to the Coast"
One day soon, screaming fans will mob a celebrity in a hotel lobby, and someone will be heard to say, Gee, you'd think they were some kind of TV chef or
Happy National Ice Cream Month!
That's right, thanks to President Ronald Reagan, July was officially made national ice cream month in 1984. If you didn’t know that, don’t feel bad, I didn’t
The Pursuit of Happiness
Thomas Jefferson, who composed the timeless, transcendent text below, was not only a brilliant political philosopher, but also an accomplished farmer, and the
A Peach by Any Other Name, is Still Delicious
Did you know that the peach is a member of the rose family? I wonder if that has anything to do with its heavenly scent? Regardless, this furry, fragrant fruit
Fight Global Warming by Eating Tastier American Food!
Now, that's what you call a win-win. I just published an American seasonal produce buying guide, provided by my friends at the Cool Foods Campaign. Their
Have a Little Shrimp with Your Garlic
I just posted a recipe for garlic shrimp, which is served in various forms, at the famous Gilroy Garlic Festival, in Gilroy, California. This is the world's
Eating Tomato
I'm working on a list of the top 10 ways to enjoy fresh, ripe summer tomatoes. It's not quite finished yet, but it's close, and you'll soon see it featured on
Butter-Roasted Cauliflower - You May Never Boil Again
The last time you had cauliflower it was probably boiled, and maybe topped with some butter and salt. Yawn. Or, maybe it was raw on a salad bar. Yawn. Sure it's
Every Wonder What a $50,000 Burger Tastes Like?
Your wait is over. I've just posted the winning recipes from the 2007 Sutter Home Build a Better Burger Contest and Cook-Off, held in California's Napa Valley,
Five-Minute Cherry Cabernet Sauce - No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service
The sauces of summer tend to be enjoyed in various states of undress. Brick-red barbecue sauce enjoyed in matching bikini. Sweet, sticky, honey-mustard glazed
A Good Scallop is Like a Good Martini…
It should be very dry! Sorry, I just watched a James Bond film. The point is if you are buying fresh sea scallops from the grocery store, they were likely
Heading to the Gilroy Garlic Festival!
I'm heading down to Gilroy, California, this weekend, for the world-famous Gilroy Garlic Festival. The festival is celebrating 30 years of garlic-centric food,
New Study Says Marinate Meats for Safer (and Tastier) Grilling
If you're concerned about the potential health dangers of char-grilled meats, I've got some great news. A recent study has show that marinating meats before
The Open-Face Steak Sandwich Debate - Which is Better, the Steak, or the Toast that Soaks Up All the Juices?
Growing up, the open-faced NY steak sandwich was probably my favorite restaurant lunch item. I used to tag along with my father out on the golf course, and
Can You Have Your Tomato and Drink It Too?
As the American food guide, I'm always on the lookout for new and/or unique products that use indigenous ingredients. So, I was intrigued when I recently tasted
Grilled Lemon and Yogurt Marinated Chicken - Delicious for Over 4,000 Years
Yogurt has been used as a marinade since it was first invented, over 4,000 years ago. Any cooking technique that survives that long has to be very good, and
Fried Green Tomatoes - Better Than the Movie, and the Book!
This recipe for the southern classic, fried green tomatoes, was inspired by a couple giant green tomatoes picked during the Wild Boar Farms tasting I mentioned
Pan-Grilled Barbecue Shrimp - A Delicious Way to Enjoy a Rainy Day
We've all been there - the shrimp are thawed, the potato salad is made, and it's raining so hard the neighborhood pets are starting to pair up. Now what do you
What is Your Favorite Steak?
The buttery tenderloin? The juicy flank steak? Maybe, it's the dense and flavorful New York strip? I just posted a list of America's most popular steaks, and
Victory Gardens - Then and Now
During both World Wars, Americans were asked to do their part by growing a victory garden. All over the country, backyards were converted into fruit, herb,
The Great Summer Squash Cover-Up
I just posted a recipe for goat cheese stuffed summer squash, and it got me thinking about the culinary conventional wisdom that says not to overpower the
Not Local, But Luscious Lamb Chops
I'm a big proponent of cooking fresh, local food whenever possible. But, there are times when I have to make exceptions, and loin lamb chops are a great
Should NYC Be Called the "Big Pickle" Instead?
As you well know, September 14th is the 8th Annual NYC International Pickle Day, and I'm sure you've already made plans to celebrate this great American food
Stewed Chicken with Tomatillos - It's Easy Being Green
I just published a delicious recipe for a chicken chili verde, which is simply a green chicken stew. The star of this stew, and what helps give it its color,
Old Cabbage Rolls, New Cabbage Rolls
In neighborhoods all over America, when families from different ethnicities come together to share food, something wonderful happens. They steal each others
Will Delicious Rabbit Ever be the Other, Other White Meat?
I'm not sure if chicken or turkey breast was the original white meat, although I'm pretty sure it wasn't veal. Then, the pork industry, realizing that Americans
May I Suggest Pie for Dinner?
There are many reasons to give this cheesy zucchini pie recipe a try. You may want an easy dish to pair with a salad for dinner. You may have been looking for
Nice Legs! Exotic Baked Pomegranate Chicken
Pomegranate juice makes an excellent marinade for chicken. I just posted a baked pomegranate chicken recipe that features this sweet, tart juice, and Middle
The Rueben Sandwich Reinvented As Delicious Dip
So, you're having the gang over for the game, and you want to do something different. You think how great it would be to make some hot sandwiches instead of the
This Grilled Skirt Steak is Always in Fashion
This is one of those recipes where I'm not sure whether the sauce is an excuse to make the skirt steak, or the juicy skirt steak is a reason to make the sauce.
Mac and Cheese to Comfort a Nation
Chefs throw around the term comfort food to describe all kinds of old fashion recipes on their menus. For a while, the very definition of new American
Garlic and Red Pepper Infused Oil - Three Ingredients with Three Hundred Uses
There's nothing that makes a plate look like something you see in one of those fancy foodie magazines, than a drizzle of a colorful infused oil. This has been a
Spicy Seared Salmon that's Cool as a Cucumber
In my never-ending quest to find new and delicious ways to prepare salmon, I give you my latest discovery. This spicy seared salmon recipe, served over a cold,
Steak House Memories and a Green Bean Casserole
A long time ago, in a steak house far, far away, I had a green bean casserole that came as a side dish to a beautifully grilled ribeye steak. It was fresh green
The Great Presidential Burger Debate - Vive la Difference!
We've all heard what a historic election this is, and how the whole world is watching, but I had no idea the interest was so intense that French chefs would
Ranch Steak Bruschetta Salad - If Less is More, Then How Do You Explain This?
I just posted a delicious-sounding ranch steak bruschetta salad recipe submitted by Devon Delaney, of Princeton, NJ, which won the $20,000 Grand Prize in the
Southwestern-Style Pepper and Chicken Stew - Now 100% Technique-Free!
I just posted the recipe for a delicious southwestern-style pepper and chicken stew. As you'll see from the extremely brief procedure, there is not much more to
Caramel Apple Pie - The Choice is "Clear"
I just posted a caramel apple pie step-by-step recipe that is somewhat unusual in its construction. First, it contains no flour or other starch in the filling
Garlic Ginger Salmon - Very Delicious and Pretty Ugly
This very delicious garlic ginger salmon recipe features a classic flavor profile from Southeast Asia - garlic, ginger, and basil - in a slightly sweet and
The Best Meatloaf Recipe I've Ever Tasted
I'm easily impressed, especially when it comes to new meatloaf recipes. Whenever I try a new recipe, I swear it's the best one I've ever tasted…until the next
Yam-flavored Yams
It's time to start testing those super-easy holiday side dish recipes. This low-fat, highly nutritious buttermilk mashed yams recipe is not only simple to make,
Cornmeal Pancakes - Everything Old is New Again
Way back, in the earliest days of American cuisine, cornmeal was the dominant ground grain. Flour was rare, and it wasn't until many years later that wheat
A Grain of Rice, a Lentil, and a Pumpkin Seed Walk into a Bar…
Actually, it was a mixing bowl, and they didn't walk, I tossed them in. This lentil, rice and pumpkin seed salad started out as an attempt to use up some
Easy Tamale Pie - The Sacred Tamale in Casserole Form
Ask someone from the American Southwest about homemade tamales, and you will see love in his or her eyes. Real tamales take hours of careful preparation, using
Are You Guilty of Cocktail Sauce Malpractice?
People love to doctor things up. They'll buy a bottle of cocktail sauce, and to make it better they will add an extra dash of horseradish, a little of this,
A Halloween Graveyard Cake that's Scary Good!
This creative Halloween pumpkin spice graveyard cake recipe comes to us from Julie at Peanut Butter and Julie, and features a delicious pumpkin cake topped with
So, How Do You Like Them Apples?
I just posted a how to make caramel apples recipe, which isn’t so much a recipe, as it is a reminder that this is the traditional time of year to impale the
Jalapeno Poppers - Now Available in Convenient Dip Form!
Friend of the site, Robin Sue at Big Red Kitchen, submitted this great jalapeno popper dip recipe. It has all the delicious, spicy flavor of real jalapeno
A Meaty Mushroom Veggie Burger Breakthrough
I just posted a terrific mushroom veggie burger recipe, and to call it a veggie burger doesn't do it justice. Veggie burgers are usually dismally dry,
Giving Thanks for Pumpkin Pecan Pie
I just published a pumpkin pecan pie recipe that promises to speed up the line at your holiday dessert table. This great recipe, from Kim Carlson of Culinate,
I'm Buzzing Over Bumblebee Soup!
No actual bees were harmed in the making of this delicious soup. Whenever I do a recipe that is going to have a long name, like Bacon, Black Bean and Corn
Mmm, Mmm, Good Idea!
We have just launched an exciting new Meal Planner feature, an interactive calendar tool that makes meal planning easy. The tool allows you save recipes and
Welcome to the About.com Virtual Cookie Exchange!
The best thing about a virtual cookie exchange is no one has to worry about keeping track of their Tupperware. From now, until the end of the holidays, we
Thanksgiving Dinner Cooking Equipment Checklist
Jessica Harlan, About's Guide to Cooking Equipment, has just posted a great list of cooking equipment for your Thanksgiving feast. Do you have everything you
Crusty Pumpkin Yeast Bread - You Want It, but You Don't Knead It
I may never knead bread again, ever. I'd heard about this mythical no-knead bread method for years, but never got around to trying it. I'm so glad I finally
No-Knead Dinner Rolls Successfully Tested on Relatives
I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving dinner as much as I did, and one item that I particularly enjoyed were the dinner rolls I tested on my unsuspecting
With a Name Like Scrapple, it's Got to be Good!
I'm sure you've heard it many times, back then they used every inch of the animal. Well, this video recipe for scrapple is a testament to those days. This
Shepherd's Pie - the Opposite of Baker's Lamb Chop
I've never been a shepherd, although I have done a fair amount of mentoring. As hungry as that made me, I can only imagine the appetite a shepherd must build
What's Another Name for Slow-Roasted, Diced Vegetable Sauce?
I just posted a recipe for beef chuck pot roast, and I had a heck of a time trying to think of a full name for it. The beef is cooked the same as a
Hot Fudge Makes for a Cool Gift
I just published a great hot fudge sauce recipe courtesy of Kelly Carámbula's blog, Eat Make Read. Her mom says it's originally from the Old Occidental Hotel
The "Art" of Veggie Awareness
Celebrity chef Art Smith (he worked with Oprah, enough said) wants to teach kids and their communities to love their veggies, and he's not above bribing
A Walnut Pie that Won't Drive You Nuts
We all have those go-to recipes in our repertoire that we fall back on when circumstances require reliable results. They are the recipes that never fail,
Chicken Catchatory
A student once handed me a menu featuring a dish called Chicken Catchatory. As soon as I read it I knew he meant chicken cacciatore, which is Italian for
Mmmm…Sloppy Giuseppe's
I was craving that retro classic, a Sloppy Joe the other day, but had a boneless pork shoulder in the fridge that needed attention. I decided to try an
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Prime Rib!
I just posted the photo step-by-step for How to Get Perfect Medium-Rare Prime Rib of Beef using Method X that I mentioned in the previous blog entry. If you
Homemade Butternut Squash Dumplings using the Best Thing Since Sliced Bread
If I suggested you make homemade butternut squash dumplings (AKA ravioli), what would you say? You'd say no. That's because you would envision some long
Taking a Break with Soy and Ginger Glazed Salmon
As we navigate our way through the holiday season it's important to take a break from those long, complicated recipes and make something simple. I just posted
Almost Effortless No-Knead Pizza Dough
My deep love for the no-knead bread method has now been extended to pizza dough. I usually adhere to the if it's not broken, don't fix it rule. Well, when it
In a Moment of Madness a Butter-Free Bearnaise is Born
I had some leftover prime rib sizzling on the grill, and was trying to think of what to serve with it. The au jus was long gone, and none of the obvious
Crisp Winter Coleslaw for Creative Contrast
Cabbage is a common ingredient on winter produce lists, but it's usually considered to be a cooked vegetable during the cold months. I just posted a winter
Mary Had a Little Lamb Slider, Its Bun was White as Snow
We Americans are often criticized, deservedly so, for our too large portions and tendency to super-size things. To help counter this trend I suggest you try
As Super Bowl Nears, Thoughts Turn to Wings and Beers
The playoffs are almost over, and soon you will be planning that Super Bowl bash. The cornerstone to any legitimate football buffet is a big platter of chicken
100% Guaranteed-to-Be-Delicious Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
There are certain soups that can't help being delicious. I just posted a great example of this with an apple and roasted butternut squash soup. If you like
Friday's National Pie Day - So Why Am I So Sad?
Friday is National Pie Day and I've been invited to cover Tasty Lacy's Pie Party at the Greenwich Village Bistro. I get lots of invites to cover various
About's Food and Drink Guides Team-Up for Super Bowl Recipe Exchange
With just a few weeks until Super Bowl Sunday it's time to finalize your game day buffet! Like the teams completing, the keys are a carefully thought-out game
Shot with the Cheese Cupid's Arrow and Loving It
My wife Michele worked in retail cheese sales for many years, and her favorite part of the job was helping customers choose the perfect cheese for the
Today's Super Bowl Recipe Exchange
My official offerings for this Super Bowl recipe exchange are three delicious dips sure to impress your guests. Here's a classic Hot Spinach and Artichoke
"White" Chili Perfect Cure for those Winter Blues
I realize I'm not breaking any news here by suggesting that a big bowl of hot chili makes for a great winter meal. But, I am suggesting that a change-of-pace
Name This Recipe! Working Title: Memphis Meat Muffins
Recently, I did a video demo for YouTube where I used a muffin tin to press and shape some beef sliders. One of the comments said, When I saw you put the
Is the "Great Chicken Wing Shortage of 2009" a Hoax?
Some of you may have heard a story circulating recently about a severe, and possibly catastrophic shortage of chicken wings. I think I speak for most Americans
Don't Judge a Cake By its Un-Frosted Cover
At first glance, the cake in this photo may have you asking, Why would they cut into that cake before it was done? There is something about an un-frosted cake
Happy Homemade Soup Day?
February 4th is National Homemade Soup Day. Why February 4th? No one knows. Where did this day originate? No one knows. When was it first celebrated? No one
Spicy Tomato Rice and Side Dish Stagnation
Believe it or not, chefs have a tougher time coming up with interesting starchy side dishes on menus, than they do with the main items. Is this a challenge for
In Search of the Perfect Macaroni and Cheese Crust
I'm finally done. After decades of trying every combination of crumb, thickness, and temperature, I've concluded my research into the perfect topping for a dish
Roast Salmon on Potato Leek Chowder, the "Fancy" Valentine's Version
I just posted a recipe for roast salmon over potato and leek chowder, and it got me thinking about contrived presentations. Usually tying up a piece of salmon
A Creamy Cauliflower Pasta Even Alfredo's Wife Would Have Loved
I just posted the recipe for a creamy cauliflower spaghetti Alfredo, inspired by the famous fettuccine recipe created by chef Alfredo di Lelio, who claimed he
Is Corned Beef Hash America's Greatest Leftover Recipe?
There are certain foods that have you daydreaming about the leftovers before the original dish is even cooked. This happens to me when I cook corned beef. As it
Fresh Flour Tortillas in No Time Flat
America wouldn't be the first country most people would think of when talking about flatbreads. One thinks of Middle Eastern, North African, or Central and
Retro Classic Leads to a Sustainable Snack
There are certain kitschy, retro party classics that will always have a warm place in my heart - cheese fondue, deviled eggs, cocktail franks, etc. They're as
There's Something About Leeks
There's something special about leeks. I can’t really put my finger on it, but whenever I cook with, or serve leeks, they make me feel good. To help spread this
Zucchini - Unremarkable, but Well-Behaved
Zucchini is an afterthought for most cooks. When we do add it to our shopping carts, it sits sadly in the fridge for a week before it's finally tossed
The Potato Brings Irish Cooking to America
It's a fascinating and ironic thing to consider - how the potato, indigenous to the Americas, was responsible for bringing the Irish to our shores. It's hard to
On a Chicken Pot Pie High
Chicken pot pie is one of those classic American comfort foods that when set down in the middle of the table, makes everything seem right with the world. Your
When it Comes to Caramelized Lemon Chicken, Burnt is Beautiful
I just posted a new roast chicken recipe that features a dark, rich, intensely flavored lemon pan sauce. What makes this such an interesting recipe is how the
Two-Season Sausage Recipe Does Double Duty
I just posted a sausage with cider-braised sauerkraut recipe that fits into a very small group of recipes that are equally delicious whether served in the dead
Happy St. Larry's Day?
We all know about the sandwich and the hash, but how many times have you looked down at a plate of leftover corned beef and said, let's make quiche! Well,
CSI: Toll House Inn
It's common knowledge that a Mrs. Ruth Wakefield, who owned the Toll House Inn, in Whitman, Massachusetts, invented the chocolate chip cookie. But, the legend
Chef Tony Gives Worst Advice in the History of Cooking
Boy, that Chef Tony really likes his Samurai peeler. According to America's popular infomercial chef, it's the best thing since, well, probably whatever the
How to Make Money with Chocolate: Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Coins!
Whenever I'm in a store, and I see those little net bags of chocolate coins, I immediately turn into a 5-year-old. Those foil wrapped chocolates were, for
Oven-Fried Onion Rings and Our Economic Recovery
There are many theories about what signs will indicate a turn-around in our economy; things like new housing contracts, interest rates, and commodity futures.
A Simple Trick for a Super Side Dish
Sometimes I like to use a flavor that would normally be used as a garnish or a sauce for my main course, and instead use it with the side dish. I just posted a
The "Don't Tell Them it's Turkey" Bolognese Sauce
I recently made a rigatoni with turkey Bolognese recipe that was so delicious I debated whether I would even tell my guests it wasn't made with beef. Part of me
Strawberry Cupcakes - Looks, Smells, and Tastes Like Spring
Spring's always a feast for the senses, and this vanilla cupcake with strawberry frosting is no exception. The white cupcake, with its pink frosting and
"Fridge Door" Chicken - Cooking with Condiments
Attention food snobs: you may want to stop reading right here. I just posted an easy and delicious Asian chicken thighs recipe made almost entirely from
A Proper Pasta Primavera
I just posted a beautifully green pasta primavera recipe, and it reminded me of one of my big culinary pet peeves - chefs calling any pasta with vegetables
Glazed Apple Oatmeal Muffins Found Guilty of First Degree Deliciousness
As I travel the foodie blogosphere, I'm always on the lookout for recipes to share with you here. The latest example of this is a lovely recipe for glazed apple
155 Degrees to Marvelously Moist Meatloaf
I've always pleaded with people to cook their meatloaf to an internal temp of 155 degrees F. I've begged them to get a quality meat thermometer and use it
Are You Game for Some Lamb Meatballs?
I was doing some research recently and was surprised to read that the average American only eats about one pound of lamb per year. I knew lamb is eaten much
Soaring into the Side Dish Stratosphere with Rocket Beans
Arugula has gone from a rare and exotic farmer's market find, to a common, mainstream ingredient. Bags of baby arugula line almost every lettuce case in the
Creamy Peanut Butter Cookies Prepared for Human Consumption
I just posted a creamy peanut butter cookie recipe I found on the blog, Lovin' from the Oven, written by Kim Nguyen. The author happily shared this recipe,
The Best of Pebble Beach Food and Wine 2009
I just got back from Pebble Beach where I attended the 2nd Annual Pebble Beach Food and Wine event. It was American food nirvana, with hundreds of the country's
Celebrate Earth Day with a Creamy Mushroom Soup
I just posted a great cream of mushroom soup recipe to celebrate Earth Day 2009. You always hear oysters described as tasting like the ocean. When I think of
Cioppino - The Real San Francisco Treat
I'm in Sonoma, California doing a wine and food pairing, and some friends and I were talking about our favorite recipes that use wine. Since I live in San
Famous French Dessert Inspires Awesome New Asparagus Recipe
I just posted a newly developed recipe called asparagus pie, and believe it or not, the recipe is a savory version of a famous French dessert, cherry clafouti,
Doing the Math with Tarragon Walnut Brown Butter Sauce
There are people that will go through their entire lives never having experienced the exquisite pleasure of fresh fish topped with a perfectly made brown butter
Try Tri-Tip for a Great Beef Barbecue
When you think of America's great barbecue towns, certain names always come to mind - Memphis, St. Louis, and Kansas City for example, but what about Santa
Our Most American Muffin
As far as ingredients go, you can't get any more American than cornmeal and blueberries. Both are indigenous to America, and have long, delicious legacies in
Have a Little Chicken with Your Garlic
I just posted a delicious recipe for garlic chicken, but I'm starting to wonder if it should actually be called chicken garlic. The recipe calls for a
Ham as Delicious Salt Substitute
I was enjoying a lovely plate of fresh asparagus with ham, garlic and lemon recently when I realize I hadn't even reached for the salt while making it. The
Is Eggplant the ShamWow of the Vegetable Kingdom?
I usually don't think about fat content while I'm eating. I find it distracts me from fully savoring the food. I'll consider it when choosing a recipe, or while
Stuffed Peppers - A Delicious Reason to Make Too Much Rice
Summer's quickly approaching and soon the markets will be piled high with colorful bell peppers. There are countless ways to enjoy these sweet and nutritious
Eating with My Eyes - Ellie’s Georgia Shrimp and Grits
Some food photos you see on the Internet look so delicious, it seems as though you can literally taste the recipe just by staring at it. When I saw this shot of
Your Dinner and a Movie
I recently attended an advanced press screening for the film, Food, Inc., which brings to life the works of writers and food activists, Michael Pollan (The
Pink and Beans
Santa Maria, California is famous for its barbecued beef tri tip, but for locals the beans are just as important. Santa Maria style beans are usually made with
Giving in to a Baked Cherry Custard Craving
I recently blogged about a savory asparagus pie just added to the American Food recipe index. I mentioned that a famous French dessert, the cherry clafouti, had
The Confusing and Delicious London Broil
The London broil has to be one of the most confounding American recipes ever. Despite the name, it's not a dish that originated in London. It first appeared in
Sheep are to Shepherds as Cows are to… Cottages?
I totally understand how a casserole of ground lamb topped with a mashed potato crust would be called a shepherd's pie. It's made with the meat of the animal
Penne with American Vodka Sauce – Stirred Not Shaken
As long as there are ice and vodka, people will argue about the merits of a shaken vs. stirred Martini (although it is hard to go against Bond, James Bond).
A Simple Trick for a Stellar Lamb Steak
One of my favorite culinary cheats of all time is using vinaigrette as a sauce for grilled meats. They take only moments to whisk together, there are no
Silk Purse?? I'd Rather Have a Sow's Ear!
Even though it's still days away, I'm salivating at the prospects of attending Cochon555, a very unique culinary competition featuring a group of top San
Rhubarb Crisp – A Dessert Worth Fighting For!
While slicing some beautifully speckled crimson stalks for my rhubarb crisp, I found myself wondering why, in old-school baseball lexicon, a fight between the
Oh, Fudge
According to food holiday websites everywhere, this Tuesday, June 16, is National Fudge Day. To commemorate I've just posted a super-easy chocolate fudge recipe
Reporting Live from the 2009 Aspen Food & Wine Classic!
I'm extremely happy to announce that I'm headed to Colorado to cover the 27th Annual Aspen Food & Wine Classic for About.com. For a few days each June, the Food
Aspen Food & Wine Update
Just a quick note to say I’ve been enjoying some amazing food and wine so far, and the weekend hasn’t even really started yet! Last night was the Welcome
Top Chef Champions Kick Off Food & Wine Classic in Style
Last night was the Welcome Reception for the 2009 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, featuring food prepared by four previous winners from Bravo's wildly popular
Chef Tim Love Gets Well-Oiled at the Food & Wine Classic
Tim Love, the celebrated cowboy chef at Lonesome Dove in Fort Worth Texas, was pulling an all-nighter. In addition to slowly smoking whole goat, lamb, and
Ming Tsai and Jacque Pepin Trade Jabs at Jose Andres' Spanish Barbecue
One of the great things about the Food & Wine Classic is getting to watch the star chefs interact with each other in such casual settings. No matter which demo,
Meatballs Roll the Competition at the Food & Wine Classic's Best New Chefs Dinner
One of the most anticipated events at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen is the Best New Chefs Dinner, where ten of the country's brightest young culinary stars
Chef Richard Blais Cooks Outside the Box (Way Outside)
One of the most interesting demos I attended at the recent Food & Wine Classic is Aspen, was given by Top Chef contestant Richard Blais as part of McCormick's
Mission Impossible: Choosing My Top Ten Highlights from the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
It really was a challenge, but I've just posted a top ten list for my favorite Food & Wine Classic experiences. The four days were a blur of amazing food,
Summertime and the Living's Easy (but what about dessert?)
I just did a quick list of summer sweets and dessert recipes perfect for those long days better spent outdoors, rather than in a hot kitchen. These recipes
Creamy Corn Custard – This is Probably How They Serve Corn in Heaven
If you checked out my top ten list of Aspen Food & Wine highlights, you read about Christopher Kostow's impressive roasted corn custard with truffles and
Heaven and Hell: Spicy Deviled Shrimp and Sweet Creamy Corn Custard
In my last blog, I sang the praises of a heavenly corn custard recipe I had just posted. Luckily I had a few ramekins leftover and decided to do a slightly more
Down on the Ground? Try a Braised Beef Meat Sauce Instead
Most meat sauce recipes for pasta call for ground beef. There's nothing horribly wrong with this, but most butchers will tell you (off the record) that it isn't
Beautiful Garlic Bread Without Butter
I just posted a recipe for what I'm calling aioli garlic bread. As many of you may know, an aioli is a garlic mayonnaise used as a spread or dipping sauce for
Maple Walnut Vinaigrette – An All-American Dressing
Okay, so I guess the word, vinaigrette isn't the most American of terms, but despite conforming to current culinary nomenclature, this is a true American
My Interview with Wolfgang Puck
I'm proud and excited to announce I just published an exclusive interview with renowned chef and trend-setting restaurateur Wolfgang Puck. Wolfgang Puck was a
Salad for Dinner? That's So Hollywood
This chino chopped vegetable salad recipe comes from celebrity guest author, Wolfgang Puck. Wolfgang Puck was one of the first chefs to offer large, creatively
Balsamic Summer Peach Salad - A Bitter Sweet Symphony
Yes, today's blog title was inspired by the English alternative rock band, The Verve. I just posted a recipe for a peach and bitter greens salad that knocked my
Wolfgang's Hearty Beef Bolognese Sauce
There are certain things that every chef, no matter which cuisine they primarily identify with, have in their recipe repertoire. One example would be a great
Testing Wolfgang's Pizza Dough: I Ate My Homework
Oh, the sacrifices I make for this job. Since I just posted Wolfgang Puck's famous California pizza dough recipe, I figured I better give it a test run and see
A Chicken for Julia
The upcoming release of the movie Julie & Julia (with Meryl Streep as Julia Child), has the cooking of America's first real celebrity chef back in vogue. I
Happy National Cheesecake Day!
I'm sure you've seen the headlines splashed across the local newspapers this morning, but in case you missed it, today is National Cheesecake Day! That's
Will Inaugural "SF Chefs. Food. Wine." Taste as Good as it Looks?
I hope so, because it sure looks tasty! As a longtime resident, I've always thought that for a city with such an incredibly rich culinary tradition, and an
New Barbecued Chicken Recipe, Now with 90% Less Burnt Skin!
It's the classic barbecued chicken dilemma. You want to keep brushing on that sweet, tangy barbecue sauce, but the more you do, the blacker and blacker things
An Amazing (and Affordable!) Truffle Scalloped Potatoes
If you’ve been looking for a reason to visit your nearest cheese shop, this amazing truffled potato gratin recipe is a great one. While you may not find
You Can’t Judge an Heirloom Tomato by its Cover
This summer you'll see many grocery stores selling heirloom tomatoes - which would be a great thing, if those tomatoes were actually vine-ripened and good
"Season-it-Yourself" Southwest Seared Tuna is Deliciously Interactive
I just posted a fun and creative seared tuna recipe adapted from one I saw served by Chef Rahm Fama from the Lodge at Vail, Colorado. It features a rare,
Juicy Grilled Skirt Steak is Always in Fashion
If skirt steak isn't part of your current grilled meat rotation, it should be. It's affordable, flavorful, and because it's so thin, super easy to cook. I just
Top Ten Tastes from SF Chefs. Food. Wine. 2009
I just published a photo gallery of my top ten bites from the recently concluded SF Chefs. Food. Wine. event in San Francisco. By all accounts, this inaugural
The Curious Tale of Jimmy McCurry's Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a cold green sauce that's gaining in popularity across the American restaurant landscape. This garlic and parsley based pesto-like condiment is
It's Not a Pizza; it's a Vegetable Delivery System!
As Homer Simpson would say, Ah, pizza - is there anything it can't do? When you are faced with a kitchen full of summer veggies, but simply can't eat another
Shrimp and Vegetable Couscous – Ancient and Easy!
What was once an exotic, hard-to-find item, couscous is now a staple in American grocery stores, and can be seen right next to the rice and pasta in the dry
Simple Roasted Artichokes… If You Can't Stand the Heat, Don't
Conventional cooking wisdom says that during the hot summer months, avoid using the oven. Seems to makes sense -- I mean, who wants to sit in a hot kitchen,
Off on a Barbecue Safari to Santa Maria
I'm driving down to Santa Maria, California today for a two-day expedition to research and report on this area's famous barbecued tri tip. Sunset Magazine has
Back from the Land of Red Oak and Strawberries
I just returned from a wonderful culinary field trip to California's beautiful Santa Maria Valley. I was on a mission to learn the real story behind this area's
When My Eyes (and Ears) are Bigger than My Stomach
When it comes to fresh sweet corn, my eyes are always bigger than my stomach. After buying, boiling, and buttering, at the end of the day I always seem to have
Wanted: Easy Breakfast Ideas!
I love breakfast recipes! Whether it's a crusty corned beef hash, a fresh vegetable frittata, or a decadent French toast, these are among my favorite meals. The
Susie Q’s Santa Maria-Style Salsa
I collected a bunch of great recipes from my recent trip down to California's Santa Maria Valley, but my favorite may be the Santa Maria-style salsa recipe I
5 Easy One Pot Meals
These classic comfort food dishes are great any time of year, but their warm heartiness make these stews and casseroles for colder months.
Individual Raspberry Tarts Recipe - How to Make Individual Raspberry Tarts
These individual buttery tart shells are filled with a red raspberry puree and topped with fresh berries. Find more great-tasting dessert recipes here.
Boston Baked Beans - How to Make Baked Beans
Slowly cooked and flavorful, these Boston Baked Beans will not disappoint. Find more great bean recipes here.
Tuna Stuffed Shells Recipe - Tuna Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe - Tuna Casserole
This delicious tuna stuffed shells recipe is inspired by the American classic, tuna noodle casserole. This delicious tuna stuffed shells casserole recipe is perfect for a larger groups since it can be made ahead, and stays hot a long time at the table.
Sweet Potato Steak Fries Recipe - Sweet Potato Fries - How to Make Sweet Potato Steak Fries
So simple and delicious, these sweet potato fries are a great way to enjoy one of nature's most nutritious foods. Since these are done in a hot oven, they don't need lots of oil to
Asparagus and Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe - How to Make Asparagus and Chicken Noodle Casserole - Casserole Recipes
This asparagus and chicken noodle casserole is a very comforting and flavorful dish. If you're looking for a change from that regular tuna casserole, give this easy asparagus and chicken combo a try.
Classic Tuna Casserole Recipe - How to Make Tuna Casserole - Casserole Recipes
The quintessential American casserole recipe. Once the brunt of jokes by food snobs, this tuna casserole recipe, if properly made, is a very delicious and satisfying, one-dish meal. Tuna noodle casserole deserves its rightful place on the list of classic American recipes.
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe - How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole - Casserole Recipes
This casserole recipe is an American icon. Tuna noodle casserole is a comfort-food classic that is very simple to make, and a very frugal to serve. The crisp breadcrumb crust atop the creamy egg noodles is a combo that is hard to beat!
Turkey Noodle Casserole Recipe - How to Make Turkey Noodle Casserole - Casserole Recipes
Turkey noodle casserole is simple to make, and is a great way to use up leftover turkey.
Lamb Sliders Recipe - Lamb Sliders with Yogurt Sauce - Sliders
This little lamb sliders recipe is adapted from the Sunday Night Football Cookbook, and would be a great snack for your next pigskin party. Sliders, which are nothing more than mini burgers, are a very popular item right now, and lamb sliders with a bright, creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce takes the idea to a new level of deliciousness.
Italian Pork Sloppy Joe Sandwich Recipe - Italian Sloppy Joe Sandwich Recipe
This Italian braised pork sandwich recipe is a take-off on the American classic - Sloppy Joes. The pork is cooked for a long time in the delicious sauce, and served on a roll. This is a great hot sandwich, and the braised pork mixture can be made days ahead of time.
Potato, Bacon, and Egg Salad Recipe - Potato, Bacon, and Egg Salad
A beautifully simple potato salad, arranged with sliced vegetables, eggs, and radishes. A simple sherry dressing brings this fresh and easy salad recipe together. Serve as a light lunch or side dish with a main course.
Sweet Potato Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing - Sweet Potato Salad
This healthy sweet potato salad features a low-fat honey mustard dressing, and would make a great change of pace from more traditional potato salads. This recipe was adapted from one posted by Andrea Bell on the blog, Cooking Books.
Mustard Glazed Potatoes Recipe - Mustard Glazed Potatoes
Wake up those boring old spuds with this mustard glazed potato recipe. This easy potato side dish recipe has lots of room for personalizing to you own taste by using different types of mustards and herbs. This recipe will work with any variety of new potato such as red, white, or even fingerling.
Grilled Pizza with Sausage and Broccoli Raab recipe
This grilled pizza recipe topped with sausage and broccoli raab will quickly become one of your favorites. Find more great grilled pizza recipes here.
Portuguese Potato and Kale Soup Recipe
Packed with nutrition, this Potato and Kale Soup is a delicious Portuguese-American classic.
Roasted Garlic Recipe - Oven Roasted Garlic Recipe
Roasting whole garlic bulbs is an easy and delicious method, and the sweet, soft cloves can be used in countless ways. Roasted garlic cloves are a great garnish for a main course, like roasted chicken, and can also be mashed up and added to dressings and sauces.
Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe - Braised Lamb Shanks
This slow-braised lamb shanks recipe produces incredibly flavorful, succulent, fork-tender meat. Lamb shanks make a great hearty dinner, and reheat beautifully.
Steak with Gorgonzola Sauce Recipe
Boneless strip steaks topped with Gorgonzola Sauce make a quick, easy and delicious dinner for family or guests. You can even make the sauce ahead.
Halibut Recipe with Spinach Warm Bacon Dressing - Halibut Recipe with Bacon Dressing
A warm spinach salad with the traditional sweet and sour bacon dressing is always a special treat, but it also makes a great bed for pan-grilled halibut. This halibut recipe is also great with salmon.
Maine Lobster Rolls - How to Make Maine Lobster Rolls
This is certainly the most
Sweet Tea - Recipe for Sweet Tea
Sweet tea is the favorite beverage of the South. This sweet tea recipe is perfect for a hot summer day.
Curried Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
This Curried Butternut Squash Soup recipe is rich and fragrant and nicely complemented by slices of crusty peasant bread.
Cinnamon Pancakes with Spiced Maple Cream Recipe
A versatile cinnamon pancake recipe that lends itself to many variations including adding berries or other chopped fruits, chocolate chips. The addition of buttermilk adds a slightly tangy flavor and an extra-tender texture.
Beefy Corkscrew Casserole Recipe - How to Make Beefy Corkscrew Casserole - Casserole Recipes
Don't let the
Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - How to Make a Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe
This cornbread recipe is more on the moist and tender side than the dry and crumbly texture that many traditional recipes feature. This is a very easy to make cornbread recipe that always gets rave reviews.
Comfort Food Recipes - American Comfort Food Recipes
Many of America's favorite recipes can be described as
Apple Pie Recipe - Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
This apple pie recipe is super easy, but is unusual in it's construction. It contains no flour or other starch in the filling to bind it together. The filling is basically caramelized apples, glued together with the natural pectin from the apple skins, and a glossy, clear, just thick enough, apple syrup.
Apple Pie Recipe - Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
This apple pie recipe is super easy, but is unusual in it's construction. It contains no flour or other starch in the filling to bind it together. The filling is basically caramelized apples, glued together with the natural pectin from the apple skins, and a glossy, clear, just thick enough, apple syrup.