Farmers in the ancient Franco-German region of Alsace had a unique way of testing the temperature of their wood burning ovens. Before they consigned their bread to the embers, they would first bake a Flammekeuche. If that was done to their liking, they could then trust the oven to bake the loaves that would feed […]
The bleak days of winter call for warm and comforting dishes. After the festive feasting, let’s take a leaf from our forebears’ book and embrace nourishing staples that store well over the winter and can be turned into inexpensive and filling meals. The Italians gave us polenta, yellow flint corn that is coarsely ground and […]
Perfect for early fall, this Mediterranean-style fish stew is a combination of some of my favorite flavors and is perfect for a celebratory meal with friends or family. Succulent local squid, clams and monkfish, paired with shrimp and mussels, are simmered in a rich garlicky sauce of late-season tomatoes. The scarcity of this wonderful dish […]
There’s nothing more satisfying in late August and early September than a warm picnic that can be brought with you on excursions with friends to our myriad local beaches, parks and hiking trails, or simply to a cosy backyard where social distancing is still a comforting option. Savory tarts are a great base for experimenting […]
If you grow zucchini, you know that they produce the most beautiful orange blossoms. What you may not know is that they are a wonderful delicacy. You can fry or bake them with a variety of delicious stuffing, from cheese to meat. Fried is best, and I will stand over a pan of hot oil […]
When socializing in restaurants and homes was curtailed last March, I soon realized that I would be mostly dining at home and would need to keep a supply of staples on hand for weeks of meals. To cut down on trips to the supermarket, I ordered ingredients online and stocked up on as much quality […]
If you are the owner of a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, you have the most important tool to make your own gourmet pizza in minutes with minimum fuss. Who does not love the delicious, slightly blackened crusts produced by a wood burning oven and dream of creating them at home? Most domestic ovens are not […]
In October and November, my porch steps do double duty as an outdoor larder. Pots of hardy mums and late blooming geraniums form the backdrop for an array of pumpkins of all shapes and hues. I might add a gaudy Jack O’ Lantern or two for color, but the prime real estate is reserved for […]
