There was a pub I frequented when I was a graduate student in England. I will admit I didn’t eat there as much as my friends and I took a study break for last call at the bar. But they did serve food. It wasn’t gourmet, it wasn’t even all that great, but they did have these potato cakes that I was very fond of. They were cheap and filling, which are two of the top criteria … [Read more...] about Boxty (Irish Potato Cakes)
Vegetables
Bourbon and Cane Syrup Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots are a classic French preparation. But I don't always think about that. Not that it’s difficult, but frankly, I tend to use carrots as an afterthought, raw as a snack, chopped with celery and onions, or simply roasted. But rarely as a stand-alone star. Which is a shame, because beautiful, richly colored carrots are a taste treat. Add a bourbon spiked, cane … [Read more...] about Bourbon and Cane Syrup Glazed Carrots
Hachis Parmentier (French Cottage Pie)
My introduction to this French country dish was, oddly, in London. And the first time I had it, I had never heard of it. Since my graduate school days, I have made an annual pilgrimage to London, extending the trip each year, to spend enough time to settle in and not feel rushed or overwhelmed. Sure, I go to museums and historical sights and see friends, but my main focus, … [Read more...] about Hachis Parmentier (French Cottage Pie)
Snow White Soup (Parsnip, Fennel and Leek Soup)
It has already snowed here in Memphis twice this year, but too early and too inconvenient. I am hoping for a few more snow days, when I have no need to leave the house and am prepared with a good book, with enough warning for a trip to the grocery. It doesn’t get cold enough, often enough here to invest in big, heavy wool turtleneck sweaters and thick mittens, but I like to … [Read more...] about Snow White Soup (Parsnip, Fennel and Leek Soup)
Omelets in the Bag
Bag omelets, as we call them, are a favorite project for my family. The family legend behind this is that my Dad was watching some sort of hunting and fishing outdoor program on a Sunday afternoon and they demonstrated these as a campfire cooking idea. Dad called my Mom into watch, and they were so intrigued, they made them that night. Well, they couldn’t stop talking about … [Read more...] about Omelets in the Bag
