I had some bananas that were ripening faster than I expected, so I decided to bake some banana bread. Did you know that banana bread was invented during the Great Depression in the 1930s when frugal homemakers needed to find uses for overly ripe or even rotting bananas? Plus, baking soda and baking powder were … Continue reading Banana Bread
Recipes
Hamburger Barbecue
Growing up, we always called it hamburger barbecue, never sloppy joes, and that’s how I still think of it. And I don’t think I’ve ever made it the same way twice. Ground beef, onion, ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper, those seem to be the defining ingredients. I looked up a bunch of recipes yesterday and … Continue reading Hamburger Barbecue
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe
A recent episode of America’s Test Kitchen offered two pasta recipes. The first one, Pasta with Cheese and Eggs sounded easy and delicious, but it turned out to be disappointing. First, I opted for olive oil rather than than their recommended lard, so I guess that cut down on the flavor a bit. Plus, I … Continue reading Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe
Exploding Eggs
I’ve become somewhat obsessed with making poached eggs in the microwave ever since Graham Norton mentioned doing it on his radio show/podcast a few weeks ago. According the Graham, just break an egg into a ramekin that has a small bit of room temperature water in it, then throw it into the microwave for between … Continue reading Exploding Eggs
Banana Daiquiri
When we had those extremely cold days near zero degrees F. a few weeks ago, I got to thinking about warmer climes. But I dislike hot whether as much as I do cold, to say nothing about my aversion to travel. So the next best thing is a tropical style drink. So I looked up … Continue reading Banana Daiquiri
There Is No Recipe
When I was searching for a different bourbon drink to substitute for a Manhattan due to a temporary drought on vermouth, I decided to try an Old Fashioned, and I made an interesting discovery. Despite its name, which implies it has been around for quite some time, there is no universally agreed upon recipe—nowhere near. … Continue reading There Is No Recipe
Shrimp Jambalaya
I made shrimp jambalaya for lunch today for the first time. I was surprised by two things. How easy it was to make and how delicious it turned out. Will definitely make it again. Probably try some variations.
The John Siracusa Salad
Today I made a salad with a pear, walnuts, and a lemon pepper vinaigrette. The other ingredients were just what I had on hand. A Vidalia onion, cucumber, mixed greens, and radishes. The vinaigrette was easy to make. A half cup of olive oil, a quarter cup of fresh lemon juice, a tablespoon of water, … Continue reading The John Siracusa Salad
Oven Fries
I love French fries. But they aren’t the most healthful of foods. And they aren’t very convenient to make at home. So I was delighted to come across this recipe from America’s Test Kitchen for Thick-Cut Oven Fries. I don’t know if they’re more healthful than French fries, but they’re certainly easier to make in … Continue reading Oven Fries
Immersed
One of the most useful items in my kitchen is the Cuisinart Immersion Blender. I use it daily to make protein shakes and frequently to make vinaigrettes, pestos, and various other delicious treats. So if something should happen to it, were I to be immersionless for even a day, it would be a major problem. … Continue reading Immersed