The English have a way with meat pies (no Sweeney Todd jokes, please) and lovely shops and street vendors sell an astounding variety, from chicken with tarragon to beef and kidney with stout, even some amazing vegetarian options. One of these popular meat pie purveyors is a regular stop for me in London and I always have a tough choice choosing which variety I want. Flaky, rich … [Read more...] about Ham and Parsley Pie
Asparagus with Creamy Brie Dressing
Fresh spring asparagus I such a lovely thing to serve at an Easter brunch, or any spring occasion really. It can easily be made ahead, it’s hugely adaptable, plus, it always looks so pretty on the table. I have several lovely oblong dishes that seem made for asparagus, and I love asparagus serving tongs. So I am always looking for a pretty and unique way to serve a pile of … [Read more...] about Asparagus with Creamy Brie Dressing
Red Onion, Blue Cheese and Walnut Tart
I love a savory tart. I just find them so versatile. They make a perfect lunch with a salad, or a homey dinner with a bowl of soup, or an elegant starter at a dinner party. They are a great thing to take to someone who needs a meal and are great eaten warm out of the oven or at room temperature, so leftovers are useful as well. Of course, the French-style Quiche Lorraine is the … [Read more...] about Red Onion, Blue Cheese and Walnut Tart
Rhubarb-e-Cue Sauce
I have this obsession with rhubarb. I think because it is not something I grew up with and it seems so exotic. It’s one of the many foodstuffs I was first introduced to while living in England, and there is always this mystique around those decidedly British things to me. Plus, the red stalks are so pretty and cheerful when they start to signal that spring is coming in the … [Read more...] about Rhubarb-e-Cue Sauce
Guinness Sausage Coddle
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, I always turn to hearty meat and potato dishes with a nice Irish flair, and this classic with a twist makes a perfect family meal. The origin of the name “coddle” is rather cloudy, but apparently it was a favorite of authors from Jonathan Swift to James Joyce. Loaded with smoky bacon, meaty sausages, rich potatoes and sweet carrots and little … [Read more...] about Guinness Sausage Coddle
