Braising is a magical technique that will turn a tough cut of meat into a mouth-watering, fork-tender taste treat. Just as importantly, it’s simple and not at all time sensitive. Read more…

Categories: beef, braising, entrée, technique
Tagged: beef, braising, entrée, technique

As Spring arrives, our bodies begin to crave more fresh fruits and vegetables. Here is a simple salad that addresses those cravings. Read more…

Categories: fruit, salad, vinaigrette
Tagged: fruit, salad, vinaigrette

Here’s a simple skillet supper that can be made vegan by leaving out the sausage and cheese. Read more…

Categories: gluten-free, pantry, skillet, soffritto, supper, vegan
Tagged: gluten-free, pantry, skillet, soffritto, supper

Spring has been early in Western North Carolina and summer approaches. Time to start thinking of whole-meal salads that do not require cooking. Read more…

Categories: mother recipe, salad

Tom Ka Gai is the classic Thai Chicken Coconut soup. It’s both quick and easy to make. Read more…

Categories: dairy-free, gluten-free, soup, Thai
Tagged: dairy-free, gluten-free, soup, Thai

Quiche is a wonderful thing: it’s easy to make with ingredients at hand and it can be served at room temperature. It’s an ideal dish for a brunch when company is coming, except for one little problem: one of your guests has a gluten allergy. Here’s a simple solution so tasty that I may never make savory dough for quiche again. Read more…

Categories: baking, dairy-free, eggs, gluten-free, lunch, mother recipe
Tagged: baking, dairy-free, eggs, gluten-free, lunch, mother recipe

Whatever the season, there’s always a good reason to make a spicy soup, and this Spicy Black Bean Soup finished with rum is an excellent choice. Read more…

Categories: soup

Recently I bought some ginger ale so that whiskey and soda could be consumed. But I mistakenly bought some good stuff, Red Rock Golden Ginger Ale, and while it’s delightfully gingery with a strong peppery finish, it really wouldn’t go well with Jameson’s. The bottle sat in the refrigerator, unloved, until I wanted something to garnish a nice pork tenderloin, and I realized that spicy ginger ale would make an absolutely wonderful base for a quick apple chutney. Read more…

Categories: condiments
Tagged: condiments

For me, there is no better quick salad than one of baby spinach, sliced almonds, and orange segments. I prefer to use Clementines or blood oranges when they’re in season. Read more…

Categories: fruit, salad, vinaigrette
Tagged: fruit, salad, vinaigrette

No matter what anyone says, don’t let them berate you for not making a “traditional” Italian Wedding Soup, because there is no tradition, it really isn’t Italian, and it has nothing to do with weddings. It is, however, a deliciously quick soup. Read more…

Categories: dairy-free, gluten-free, lunch, soup
Tagged: dairy-free, gluten-free, lunch, soup