Monthly Archives: June 2012

Quinoa with Golden Beets, Cucumber and Dill

This is the perfect summer dish–a cross between a grain and a salad.   In the summer,  I’m always looking for dishes that can be served at room temperature.  My summer meals are often a combination of room-temperature salads with … Continue reading

Posted in Vegetables | 1 Comment

Pasta with Fava Beans and Speck

This past weekend, I had my 90 year-old neighbor Beppi and his family over for dinner.  Cooking for Beppi is always a challenge, since he was the owner of the former San Marco Restaurant, one of New York City’s only … Continue reading

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Mom’s Squash Flower Fritters

Squash flowers are a fleeting delicacy that emerge with the new summer crops of all the winter squash (acorn, butternut, etc.).  They must be picked and cooked on the same day, or at most, the next day–they wither and die … Continue reading

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Beppi’s Luganiga Sausage with Mushrooms and Polenta

This dish came by way of my 90 year-old neighbor, Beppi.  In the Veneto, Beppi’s region of Italy, polenta is eaten quite often, if not daily. When Beppi makes polenta, I’m usually the recipient of a nice portion of it. … Continue reading

Posted in Meat, Sauces, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Caramelized Celery Root with Kale and Cranberry Beans

This is a great, nutritious combination that goes well with simple grilled meats or fish.  Celery root is available year round and, like most root vegetables, despite its dirty, craggy exterior, what’s inside is sweet and complex. The dish begins … Continue reading

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Orrechiette with Chorizo, Kale and Cranberry Beans

The combination of smoked sausage, beans and greens is one that I never tire of.  Chorizo is a particular favorite of mine, with its extra-smokey bite of Spanish paprika that turns everything it touches a deep scarlet color. Generally I … Continue reading

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Dry-Brined Roast Chicken with Crispy Potatoes

This is a very similar technique to my butterflied roast chicken, with one key difference.  Here, I’ve used a dry-brine, as opposed to the wet brine in the prior recipe.  They are both wonderful methods of cooking a chicken.  This … Continue reading

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