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)
Sides
Walnut, Goat Cheese and Herb Muffins
Muffins are the easiest bread to whip up. No yeast, not kneading, no rising. I love sweet muffins for breakfast or an afternoon snack, and I have certainly had muffins that are less sweet and more savory, but I really wanted to develop something straight up savory. I have many recipes for sweet muffins that use applesauce or fruit purée to make them moist, and it occurred … [Read more...] about Walnut, Goat Cheese and Herb Muffins
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
Roasted Butternut and Chestnut Purée
I love autumn. I love wearing sweaters, snuggling under a blanket, comforting, slow-cooked stews, steaming bowls of soup. And my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, which of course leads to a wonderful Christmas season. But I will admit, that when fall comes on in earnest, and I see the end of tomatoes at the farmer’s market, my herb garden fades and I am not quite ready to … [Read more...] about Roasted Butternut and Chestnut Purée
Sweet Potato Mustard, Bacon Mayonnaise and Cranberry Ketchup
When I claimed thanksgiving for my own, I wanted to create a tradition for this new configuration of family, one for grown-ups and kids alike. So I came up with the Thankful Tree. My mom drew a big tree, complete with falling leaves and acorns and a bunny rabbit at the base, on a piece of poster board. Every year, my nieces and nephew come over before Thanksgiving, when … [Read more...] about Sweet Potato Mustard, Bacon Mayonnaise and Cranberry Ketchup
