Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Chorizo-Stuffed Mushrooms

Makes 8 servings To make a savory filling for stuffed mushrooms, sausage and ham are added to the chopped stems, along with onions and garlic. The mushrooms are then topped with breadcrumbs or a combination of grated cheese and crumbs. For even cooking, quickly sauté the mushroom caps in olive […]

Free Recipes, Side Dishes

Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Green Chiles

Cornbread dressing (or stuffing, if that’s your style!) is a southern specialty that we love beside a tangy cranberry sauce and turkey, whether it’s roasted, fried, or grilled. We put poblanos and jalapeños in ours, but other green chiles, like serranos or hatch, will work great, too! Check out this […]

Breakfast and Brunch

Double Cheese Breakfast Burritos

Makes 6 servings Breakfast burritos are a great make-ahead breakfast that can be frozen and reheated whenever you need a quick grab-and-go meal. These are a bit decadent, but you can simplify (and health-ify) with turkey bacon, mashed avocado, black beans, or even just leftover grilled or roasted veggies. Ingredients […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Grill Anything (Yes, Even Pasta!)

By the end of this summer, I will be able to write a book on how to cook exclusively outside. As I’ve mentioned, probably too often, I live in Texas, where it is currently HOT. My house is small, but tragically under-cooled in the summer, so when I turn on […]

Allergen Friendly, Grilling, Main Dishes

Grilled Kielbasa with Corn-Cabbage Slaw

Makes 4 servings Kielbasa is the perfect last-minute or large-crowd grilling ingredient. It comes pre-cooked, so all you have to do is heat it through, it’s good alone or on a sandwich, and it’s a universal crowd-pleaser. Ingredients Kernels from 2 ears of corn 6 radishes, chopped 1 jalapeño, minced […]

Soups and Stews

Minestra Maritata

Makes 4 to 6 servings This is a typical dish of the Campania region in which the meat “marries” with the vegetables. The broth can be prepared a few days before the rest of the soup, making it a quick and easy spring time supper. Ingredients 8 oz pork ribs […]

Main Dishes

Polenta with Sausage Sauce

Serves 4 Dried mushrooms are great for adding richness and savoriness, but they can be a little pricey. As an alternative, look for bulk mushroom powder (you’ll just need a pinch) or you can omit them altogether. For a dairy-free version of the polenta, use olive oil instead of butter […]

Main Dishes

Porchetta

Makes 6 to 8 servings Traditional porchetta can be made several different ways. This simplified preparation calls for a boneless pork loin cut into quarters, surrounded by Italian sausage with sautéed onions and fennel added, and wrapped in a butterflied pork belly. The whole thing is then tied and slowly […]

Main Dishes

Risotto with Winter Squash and Sweet Sausage

Makes 4 to 6 servings Ingredients 1 small winter squash, such as acorn or butternut 1/2 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed Kosher salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons chopped marjoram 5 cups Chicken Broth 1 lb 8 oz sweet […]

Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

Rutabaga Stew

Makes 8 servings This dish is a good representative of the one-pot dishes in German cuisine. Hearty and easy to prepare with simple means, these types of stews provide a substantial meal, especially during cold winter seasons. Ingredients One 1-lb smoked ham hock 3 quarts chicken stock 1 lb onions, […]