SEAFOOD PAELLA

Paella with clams, shrimp, and sausage cooked in a large pan on a grill.

Everyone needs a great party dish and one of my favorites is seafood paella. One bite transports me to the Spanish seaside town of Torremolinos where I not only had my first taste of paella, but also one magical evening on the back of a motorcycle with a guy named Enrico. But that’s another…

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NO-KNEAD CHEESE BREAD

A freshly baked loaf of bread with a crusty top, sprinkled with seeds, resting on a metal cooling rack.

Whenever we go to visit my in-laws just north of Chicago, we always make a trip to Kenosha, Wisconsin, just to go to the Mars Cheese Castle. It’s this wonderfully tacky, fake castle just off the highway that sells everything from cheese curds to authentic Danish Kringles. My husband is addicted to their cheddar…

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SALMON ROULADE

A plate of salmon and cream cheese appetizers topped with caviar and herbs, served on slices of cucumber.

My husband and I practically live at the sushi bar across the street. We’ve spent countless hours watching Osamu, the owner and chef, prepare hundreds of pieces of sushi and rolls. Although I’m reluctant to make raw fish rolls on my own, knowing full well they’ll never be as good as Osamu’s, watching him…

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BURRATA IN THE GARDEN

Caprese salad with balsamic reduction on a white plate, featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil.

Every summer we plant an urban vegetable garden on our roof deck. Depending upon the year, we’ve had some success, particularly if we beat the squirrels to our harvest. But by far, the most consistent and tastiest crops are our cherry tomatoes. We plant all different kinds and sizes. I like using small, sweet…

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TWO INGREDIENT MARINADE

Packaged black and orange snack bars arranged on a wooden surface.

Admit it—you ordered Chinese food at least once a week during Covid lockdown. Okay, maybe you didn’t, but I did. My local take-out place always throws in soy sauce and duck sauce packets by the handful. Being someone who hates to waste, I put them to good use for this very simple marinade. Sometimes…

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KK’s EXOTIC SPICE BLEND

The Katz Tales Basic KKS Magic Spices

Whenever I travel, I’m a sucker for those pre-packed spice blends used in the local cuisine. I’ve got Voodoo Spice from the Caribbean, Creole seasoning from New Orleans, Pacific Cioppino Spice blend from San Francisco, and Shichimi Tagarashi from Tokyo. They’re all taking up space in my pantry, having been forgotten about as soon…

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