As far as we know, Election Day fried chicken is not a tradition, though maybe it should be? If, like the rest of the country, your nerves are a little shot after this election cycle (give it a rest, 2020!), Election Day Buttermilk Fried Chicken might be the thing for […]
Garlic Cheese Grits
Makes 8 servings These grits get a great garlic flavor from just a little bit of garlic and they are jam-packed with cheese and butter, just the way they should be. The Tabasco and the cayenne give them a little kick. You may opt to leave out the eggs and […]
Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Makes 5 servings These are your basic grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, but as far as we’re concerned, they’re just a starting point for your foodie-creativity. Though, yes, these are perfect as is, especially beside some Cream of Tomato Soup, experiment with different breads, cheeses, meats, and even toppings. […]
Home School: Deep-Frying
Frying is not something most of us do often. Spoiler alert: t’s not the healthiest method of cooking, but also, it’s a little messy, it makes our houses smell like a fast food restaurant, and for some people, it can seem scary! But deep frying does have its place in […]
How to Make a Basic Braise—Just in Time for Autumn
Braising, barbecuing, and slow-roasting are all long, low cooking methods that utilize less tender, fattier cuts of meats with a lot of connective tissue. But braising stands apart in that it includes liquid in the cooking process. It is also a combination cooking method—one that uses both dry and moist […]
In Defense of Spam
Early in the semester, CIA students in my Food Writing course read “On Chicken Tenders,” by Helen Rosner, published in 2015 in Guernica. In this amusing but sincere defense of a derided, children’s menu staple, Rosner effectively argues against those who look down on ordering, eating, and celebrating the “perfect” […]
Irish-style Lamb Stew
Makes 10 servings Ingredients 4 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into spoon-size pieces 1 tablespoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock 1 bay leaf 1 sprig fresh thyme 3 fresh parsley stems 4 cups (two 10-ounce bags) pearl onions, blanched and peeled (or frozen) […]
Jelly Donuts (Sufganiyot)
Makes 10 donuts Whether you save them as a special Hanukkah treat or enjoy them year round, there is no wrong reason to eat a jelly donut. Use any jelly or jam that you like best, or fill the donuts with dulce de leche, vanilla cream, or chocolate-hazelnut spread. Ingredients […]
Making a Stew Without a Recipe
At it’s very most basic, a stew is bite-sized pieces of food cooked in a liquid, generally over low heat for an extended period. You can stew meat, poultry, fish, beans, vegetables, fruit—virtually anything—in broth, wine, beer, vinegar. Again, virtually anything. Stews are kitchen workhorses. You can make big batches […]
Matzo Ball Soup
Matzo Ball Soup for Passover
Matzo Ball Soup is as personal as your favorite old pajamas, and no pair will ever be as good as yours. Just like any traditional comfort food, there are endless variations and personalization, and while we have one we go-to, we’ve truthfully never met a matzo ball we didn’t love. […]
Matzo Brei
Makes 4 servings Matzo brei is a simple Jewish comfort food that’s popular at Passover, or really any time of year! Every family makes this dish a little bit differently, and while we like to fry the matzo until it is crisp and toasty, you may prefer to leave it […]