C – Is that how you make ragu?! I was quite a bit surprised at how a ragu sauce is made. It’s a lot simpler than I thought it was going to be. I always thought ragu was a tomato sauce with lots of meat, that you simmered for hours. … Continue reading
C – Experiments are good things. If you fear making mistakes, you will never get anywhere. Even if it ends up being a disaster, you will learn from it. So, this year let’s mess up our holiday Christmas dinner. Just kidding. It’s didn’t start that way. Luke had this idea … Continue reading
Update and Redux: C – We couldn’t do a holiday fowl week without doing something with duck. Our new friend, Grimaud Farms has great ducks. We just had to take culinary advantage. Roast a duck for the holidays and make some spicy pear chutney. It’s unique and delicious. It’s perfect … Continue reading
J – This is my ultimate, decadent, Winter-celebration dinner. Rich. Romantic. Complex. Un peu sauvage [a little wild]. Worth every bite. I absolutely love this dish … and it has been a long time in coming. Actually, it’s not a difficult dish at all. You just have to know how … Continue reading
J – It’s time to pay the piper … for a very wonderful gift. I am the year-round beneficiary of baked banana + whatever muffins and mini loaves. Raspberries and walnuts or blackberries or apples. Whatever is available and fresh. I never have to think about what to eat for … Continue reading
C – This year my husband and I aren’t going to see his family in Tennessee for the holidays. We are definitely going to miss a lot of things. Seeing our niece and nephew. Every year they seem to be whole new people. Seeing my father-in-law’s new toys and adventures. … Continue reading
Update and Redux: C – Got a cereal lover on your gift list for the holidays? Make some awesome homemade granola. It’s the best thing you can give them. This granola is not too sweet, either. Place it into small one-cup mason jars and put a ribbon on top. It’s … Continue reading
Update and Redux: C – Jerky for a holiday gift idea? Yup! These are way better than dried sausages or salami. Unless they are homemade … but, that’s a different conversation. With homemade jerky you can add your own flare. I love the making lots of these jars to give … Continue reading
Update and Redux: C – Sweet and a little spicy nuts. You can also just add your own seasonings to the mix. It’s a great personalized gift for someone who loves to snack and isn’t allergic to nuts. Make it fancy with expensive nuts you can find for an affordable … Continue reading
C – Jim likes most things French. With his birthday upon us, again, I needed to keep the cheesecake tradition going. Sadly, I was a bit stuck. My friend, The Internet, didn’t give me any good advice this time. Not many good suggestions. So, I turned to my trusty old … Continue reading