Chicken Stock
I find that chicken stock is by far the most used in our household of the different stocks that we make, or keep on hand. It is a simple and wonderful way to add depth and flavor to so many dishes. When the stock is …Keep on Reading…
Author: Michael F Steen
Beef Stock
A good beef stock is an essential “pantry” item that everyone should have on hand. A homemade beef stock is even better. It freezes well, and the flavors that will be brought to your dishes… well, if you make it once, you’ll find that you …Keep on Reading…
Tomato & Cucumber Salsa
A fresh salsa that you can serve up with any meat, poultry or seafood. It’s also fantastic on a tortilla chip!
Fish Stock
Stocks and broths are essential basics that everyone should have on hand. While most grocers have a variety of stocks for purchase, I find that you simply can’t match a homemade stock. Don’t get me wrong, I purchase stocks too. But a good homemade stock …Keep on Reading…
Warm Potato Salad
Warm potato salad is a great side that works year round. At home we grill throughout the year, and this makes for a wonderful side to just about any meat. Whether it’s hot dogs, brisket, or game. This potato salad wins over all.
Basil Crêpes
The basil crêpe. A delicious snack, or breakfast accoutrement, these are even used in other recipes that we prepare. It is a on the more savory side, and is served well with a ratatouille, a dollop ricotta cheese and touch of balsamic vinegar, as I …Keep on Reading…
Warm Lemon Sauce
A delicious sauce that we use with several recipes. It’s rich, succulent, and great with a variety of dishes. It goes great with grilled or roasted meats and poultry, and goes with just about any vegetable.
Warm Garlic Dipping Sauce
A warm dipping sauce that is fantastic with vegetable crudites, or a warm crusty loaf of Italian bread.
Two-Cheese Potato and Cauliflower Soup
This is a quick and simple soup that is hearty and wonderful on a fall or winter evening.
Bacon & Oyster Surprise
A simple appetizer for anyone that loves oysters. And even if you don’t — bacon!
Pork and Cabbage Soup
As a big fan of both soups and the WIDE swath of foods of the many heritages of my family (I’m a mutt, it’s true), I find myself making a lot of soups in the winter. Here’s another simple favorite.
Irish Oxtail Soup
This is truly an Irish classic. Yes, I know. Oxtail soup has varieties the world over from Thailand to the United States to Argentina to Pakistan. Over time, there will be other varieties that I may put up, but this is my favorite, and like …Keep on Reading…
Baked Olives
This baked olive dish is a traditional Italian appetizer that’s great to have around just to snack on, and makes a great garnish for a martini. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for several weeks. Baking the olives helps subdue the brininess, creating a tasty appetizer. …Keep on Reading…
Rosemary Parmesan Polenta Cakes
I find that these delicious little polenta cakes make for a great side to just about any roasted or grilled meat. My favorite is with a grilled leg of lamb. I also like to make this a day ahead of time, letting the polenta refrigerate …Keep on Reading…
Stuffed Pears with Crème Anglaise
These stuffed pears use another of our recipes. Make sure that you check out the recipe for the Crème Anglaise. Preparing that is literally step one of this tasty treat.
Crème Anglaise
Crème anglaise is a light pouring custard used as a dessert sauce. The name derives from the prevalance of sweet custards found in English desserts.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Marinated in Mostarda di Frutta
Mostarda di Frutta is an old timey Italian mixture of joy. It can be used as a marinade or a sauce on just about any meat.
Simple Syrup
Everyone should definitely know how to make simple syrup. It’s a common ingredient in many-a-recipe, and is useful in making drinks for everything from a Mint Julep to the best damn Kool-Aid you ever had.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
There is nothing better than a good cookie. They fill the whole house with wonderful smells of childhood. Biting into the still-warm deliciousness of a homemade cookie, in my personal opinion, is second to none. This recipe is one my favorites. Classic. Scrumptious. And feel …Keep on Reading…
Wherever I Lay My Pot
I’ve been thinking more and more in recent times that maybe I should have a change in my life. I’ve been working in the same profession for over half of my life, and while I love the work, I’m feeling strangely dissatisfied with myself of …Keep on Reading…