Every summer, I wait until the green beans at the farmers market look really plump and delicious, then I buy a big batch to take home, blanch and freeze. These are my Thanksgiving beans, for a traditional casserole or a simple steamed platter. I impress myself with my forward thinking ways. But sometimes I go overboard at the farmers market when everything is so fresh and ripe, … [Read more...] about Roasted Green Beans and Peppers with Garlic
garlic
Blistered Tomato Sauce
Quick, simple and delicious. What more could you want in a summer meal? The trick here is that blistering the tomatoes gives them a rich, almost slow-roasted taste. I love this with the Italianate taste of oregano, but basil or thyme work wonderfully well too. I generally serve this over pasta, but it makes a great topping for bruschetta or a pizza. Blistered Tomato … [Read more...] about Blistered Tomato Sauce
Roasted Garlic Soup
Winter is all about soup. I could eat a nice, steaming bowl of warming soup every day in the chilly months. A cup of summer tomato soup from the freezer for lunch with a simple sandwich, a hearty bowl with chunky bread and a good salad for dinner, even a little mug of leftover as an afternoon snack. And this roasted garlic version is particularly comforting. It’s the … [Read more...] about Roasted Garlic Soup
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
Pumpkin Cornbread
I love cooking with pumpkin, so Halloween and the dawn of autumn present all sorts of opportunities in the kitchen. I have always been obsessed with sweet pumpkin dishes, but I have been expanding my repertoire to savory ideas as well. Working with fresh pumpkin is not difficult, you just need to be careful and use a good, sturdy knife. The texture of freshly grated … [Read more...] about Pumpkin Cornbread
