J – A sweet fruit salad can be so boring. Of course, not from a can. A fresh fruit salad can, after a few bites, take on an ordinary sameness. Sweet, fruity and, well, boring. But, not this baby! This salad marries a delicious, not-too-sweet fruitiness with savory feta, onion … Continue reading
Redux and Update: C – It’s been awhile since we’ve made this recipe, but I still remember the day when we made it. I still remember the smell, taste and texture. It’s perfect for a summer bistro menu. If I saw this on a restaurant menu, I would order it … Continue reading
C – Caesar salad throw-down! (In your best WWF announcer voice). Who will win? Luke versus Jim. Just kidding. I always like to see how different people make things. Jim’s been perfecting his Caesar salad recipe for years. Luke has been making Caesar salads for years as a chef in … Continue reading
J – This great American burger starts with roaming buffalo. How many food cultures can I get into the ultimate 4th of July tradition … and, still have it be over-the-top tasty? Native American, Cajun, mid-Western, Asian, Left-coast, Mountain. That might be enough. Let’s see what happens. My other challenge … Continue reading
C – I hate shopping for hamburger buns. I can never seem to find ones that satisfy my needs. Some are too big. Others are too small. Many can’t hold a juicy burger patty to the very end. Of course, my biggest pet peeve is not finding a good bun … Continue reading
C – Is it really a salad when you have just lettuce and ranch on a plate? For some restaurants and some people it is. I couldn’t believe it when I saw this on a menu. It seemed like a waste of $4.00. It was. Was this the only salad … Continue reading
C – I think I’ve had my fair share of strawberries this year. I am not complaining. It is my favorite fruit. I have been spoiled going to the Farmer’s Markets and getting a full flat of strawberries every week. Of course, I don’t eat them all by myself. I … Continue reading
J – Don’t let these ingredients fool you into a veggie slumber … just because it’s Farmer’s Market Week. This is a full-on, kick-butt, rich and delicious risotto. A little goes a long way … and you will want more. Of course, we must thank Rick Mahan for the original … Continue reading
C – Even a Grill Master like Jim makes mistakes. Over thinking? Maybe, not thinking enough? Under heating? Or, just being too stingy with the coals? Maybe … all of the above. The basic problem was not enough heat on the grill. We had to leave the ahi on the … Continue reading
J – This dish had a really nice surprise ending. It was an evolution from the beginning. I saw a great photo of a chicken paillard dish by Eric Ripert. I like a lot of his ideas … except this one. In this one, I only liked the ingredients. He … Continue reading