Celery stalks, with the help of a chef’s knife, transform into a celebration of vegetables and crunchy cashews accented with a light sesame dressing. Though I don’t come from a tradition that celebrates Fat Tuesday, I thought it would be educational to try some sweet pàczki for dessert on Tuesday night. I picked up a box of six pàczki at the local supermarket, and the sheer size of each … Continue reading Cashew Celery Salad
Fend off mid-winter’s chill with a steaming bowl of Sesame Ginger Black Bean Soup. Ginger adds flare, while sesame oil brings a distinctive layer of richness that blends everything together harmoniously. After tasting your first spoonful, you will need to rethink your concept of black bean soup. Because it is out with the cumin, and in with the ginger this time. I happen to like black bean … Continue reading Sesame Ginger Black Bean Soup
Cubes of butternut squash braised in apple cider and one simple spice make a very fine side dish. It’s an easy enough side to accompany roast chicken on a weeknight or weekend. And with so much flavor and minmal oven time, this variation of squash can easily earn a place on your holiday table as well. Instead of potatoes or rice, why not try butternut squash as a … Continue reading Butternut Squash with Spiced Cider: A Side Dish for All Seasons
The fresh vegetables of summer mingle marvelously in this simple meatless supper or side dish. While one vegetable cooks, I can chop the next one, saving time and fuss. I tend to avoid turning on my oven whenever possible in the summer. Ratatouille is a delicious way to taste the fresh flavors of summer and keep the kitchen cooler. Eggplant is a traditional component, but … Continue reading One-Pot Ratatouille with Summer Squash and Okra
My college housemates will remember this tart. It graced the cover of our exclusive cookbook; in the overhead shot you could see multiple hands and forks ready to dive in to the sweet fruity goodness. Two decades later this strawberry tart is still going strong. The version you see here has some frozen rhubarb added for good measure. I can hardly wait for my fresh rhubarb to grow … Continue reading Strawberry Rhubarb Tart
Shallot-infused olive oil and Middle Eastern spices impart sophistication to this savory salad. The ingredients come together in under ten minutes for a healthy side dish or portable lunch entrée.One evening I discovered too late that we were out of lemons. But I was still set on having chickpea salad with supper. Enter za’atar, distinctive because of the lemony herb sumac, plus a tangy plum tomato. The result was a harmonious medley of taste … Continue reading 7-Minute Chickpea Salad with Shallots & Za’atar
Swirls and Spice 