Archive for the 'Recipes' Category



Lemon Garganelli

Published on 2008-05-06

A mixed bag of plain and spinach garganelli from Emilia-Romagna had been patiently waiting in my cupboard for the perfect application. Nothing rich and saucy came along, so instead, I decided to try it with this basic lemon and oil preparation.
Garganelli (which, not very appetizingly, translates to “small esophagus”) is thin, rolled tube pasta, ridged […]


Bibb Lettuce and Citrus Salad

Published on 2008-04-23

The redundancy of “simple green salad” seems to be unavoidable, but as the seasons change, there is an endless possibility of salads that can manage to be interesting and still very simple. This is a good example; Bibb lettuce dressed with supremed Ruby Red grapefruit, blood orange, shaved jicama, and tart citrus vinaigrette.
Choose healthy looking, […]


Farfalle with Almond Pesto, Zucchini, and Fennel

Published on 2008-02-03

Did you know the name Farfalle (that most of us know as bow-tie pasta) comes from the Italian word farfalla, for butterfly?
The addition of fennel, which relaxes into a mellow, sweet flavor when cooked, really makes this dish (delicious hot or chilled) unique. The almond pesto adds textural interest as well as a smooth […]


Puréed Broccoli Soup

Published on 2008-01-24

It’s been unusually cold and rainy in Southern California lately and this pureed soup is really comforting, even more so when you know that every ingredient is good for you. I’m always impressed with chowdery soups that manage to not contain any cream (Le Pain Quotidien is an expert). This recipe is simple, but it […]


Blood Orange Yogurt Sorbet

Published on 2008-01-11

It may seem odd to have an icy dessert posted in January, but it can be surprisingly refreshing after a rich meal. Also, for many parts of the country, it seems that no one told the weather it was winter. Since they are in season, I thought blood orange would be a nice hint of […]


Tortino di Zucca - Squash, Corn, and Parmesan Pudding

Published on 2007-11-15

It has to be fall, two butternut squash posts in a row!
I had seen the original version of this recipe (by Marcella Hazan) before, and then recently saw it posted on another food blog. I was really interested in what the consistency would be like and could not wait to try it. First, I made […]


Quinoa Pie with Butternut Squash

Published on 2007-11-07

 
This is one of those recipes that resides in the back of your head under contemplation for a while. It holds up very well as a hearty dish with a really interesting and nice consistency that isn’t at all gummy. It is fulfilling as a main dish with a simple salad, or as a consideration for […]


Post-Summer Udon

Published on 2007-10-02

 
Before all signs of summer weather are gone (which I can’t say is so much the case here in Southern California), this is a last chance at a light, chilled dish that is very simply prepared. You may be used to seeing udon (a thick, wheat based Japanese noodle) served in hot soup, but it […]


Individual German Apple Pancakes

Published on 2007-08-09

 
This miniature version of German Apple Pancakes, made individually in a muffin tin, is easier to serve, and bakes well to a crispy edge and custardy interior. Using this same recipe, and with a little more time in the oven, you could also bake one large pancake in a 10” skillet. I have seen recipes […]


Vegetable Pie

Published on 2007-08-08

 
This variation of traditional Shepherd’s Pie is less heavy, but just as comforting as the cold night staple I was craving on a warm night. And with the availability of fresh produce from the farmers’ market, you don’t have to rely on frozen vegetables. This dish does not include meat, and I find it is […]




.ALMOST A CHEF.