At this time of year, pumpkin everything is everywhere. It’s a little overdone in my opinion. When it comes to food, so much falls into the pumpkin spice category, which really isn’t about pumpkin at all – just those spices we associate with pumpkin pie. But pumpkin is actually a lovely thing to cook with and I really love it in savory applications, which I think get lost in … [Read more...] about Pumpkin Polenta with Italian Sausage and Pumpkin Ragu
fennel
Shrimp, Orzo and Feta Salad
I love a hearty cold pasta salad in the summer. This version is inspired by the classic Greek flavors of shrimp, feta and tomatoes, which is a favorite combination for me. The fresh tomato vinaigrette and pops of salty feta marry with Greek-inspired herbs, with a little fennel for crunch and bite. Hearty enough to serve on its own, but you could also scoop into lettuce leaves … [Read more...] about Shrimp, Orzo and Feta Salad
Green Spring Vegetable Soup
Spring is busting out all over, and so too are the first hints at the green vegetables of the season – asparagus and green peas, balanced with leeks and fennel and fresh herbs. This delicious soup makes the most of all the lovely shades of green that are so evocative of spring, and best of all wastes nothing. It’s perfect for the early days of the farmers market or a spring CSA … [Read more...] about Green Spring Vegetable Soup
Vegetable Marinara – A Very Useful Healthy Sauce
I cook. A lot. You know that. But I am not always motivated to prepare myself an elaborate meal every day of the week. And I certainly have days when I have been rushing around or testing recipes that do not a meal make (yes, I have had hours in the kitchen producing only brownies and cake, or several different kinds of bread). But I try my best to make my regular, at home … [Read more...] about Vegetable Marinara – A Very Useful Healthy Sauce
Fennel Vichyssoise
Throughout these strange months of limited activity, I, like many people, have turned to the kitchen for comfort and distraction. I haven’t been cooking quite as much as I thought I would, and its been a bit of a rollercoaster of success and failure. For myself, I’ve made hamburgers, hot dogs and rich pastas, I’ve been known to have chips and dip for dinner, I’ve made … [Read more...] about Fennel Vichyssoise