Monthly Archives: May 2016

Carottes Râpées – A French Carrot Salad, Two Ways

One of my favorite, sadly no longer around, French restaurants in Chicago used to greet diners with, of course, some fantastic bread and incredible butter and… this carrot thing. Turns out, it is a classic French salad and is considered … Continue reading

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Parfait! Another Soda (Dr. Pepper!) Cake

It’s the official beginning of the summer season around about these parts, so break out those white shoes and belts and stuff secure in the knowledge that even Serial Mom will leave you be. Well, until just after Labor Day. … Continue reading

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Maple Marinated Ribs

Rich came across an interesting looking recipe for maple marinated chicken and ribs. It was posted by Nigella Lawson, one of our very favorite food persons, so I thought it’s be a great and good deal to serve for friends, … Continue reading

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Let’s Make (Another) Pizza Sauce!

I have several posts offering rather good (if I do say so myself) recipes for za! dough, here, and then there’s this one, which uses beer in place of yeast, but I really haven’t ever done much about the sauce … Continue reading

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Tortellini Salad

The summer salad season is starting, so I figure this is the perfect time to feature a pasta salad. But not just any pasta salad; this one starts with cooked cheese filled dried tortellini, then marinates them overnight in Italian … Continue reading

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My Take on Benedictine

May was just starting, and all the recipes started showing up in my email telling me exactly WHAT I needed to have on hand for Derby Day. Well, I wasn’t really in the mood for Mint Juleps (and I do … Continue reading

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Parfait! The Best! Chocolate Cake

Around about these parts, there’s a chain called Portillo’s, which is known for their Italian beef and Chicago-style hot dogs and… their chocolate cake. Seriously. Somewhere along the way, someone who knew someone’s sister-in-law’s second cousin who knew a guy … Continue reading

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Brie & Garlic ‘Shrooms

Looking for a way to get more out of your fungus? Well, we have you covered! A nice pan of these fine ‘shrooms, sautéed with prosciutto and garlic, then finished with melted Brie will, of course, top off a steak … Continue reading

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Country Captain Chicken

So… I gave in. Long ago, I posted about Chicken in the Style of the Country Captain, a recipe I have been making since the 70’s. My version, from a newspaper food section, eschewed raisins and curry and almonds and … Continue reading

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Best! Wicked Great Clam Dip

Clam Dip! It’s not just a euphemism for saying a bad word or two anymore; it is actually a pretty darned tasty way to add flavor and interest to your munchies menu. I have a pretty nice (wicked good, actually) … Continue reading

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