MARINATED BLACK COD WITH BABY BOK CHOY

Grilled fish with bok choy and crispy onions.

I love black cod. It’s a very rich, buttery flavored fish that can really stand up to a good marinade. It’s got a bit of a fatty texture and doesn’t taste too “fishy,” so even those that might not love seafood might be persuaded to give it a try. And with this miso based marinade…

Read More

GRILLED GREEN BEANS WITH WHIPPED RICOTTA

Grilled green beans with a balsamic vinaigrette dip.

I love grilling summer vegetables, but I’m always looking for a way to dress them up. This simple whipped ricotta dish takes advantage of my garden herbs and is great as a topping to grilled green beans. But, make more ricotta than you need, because it’s great on grilled bread or as a dip. FOR…

Read More

JULY 4th LEFTOVER FRANKS & BEANS

Baked beans with sausage in a bowl.

Once your big 4th of July party is over, you might need a few ideas for how to use all of those leftovers. Here’s an idea for franks and beans — a dish my dad loved. You could also add some hamburger too, just chop it up. INGREDIENTS 2 teaspoons butter ½ onion, chopped 1…

Read More

Karenalaya

Chicken and rice dish with parsley and garlic.

Classic Jambalaya is a delicious staple of New Orleans cuisine. But like so many dishes I love, there’s often a tad too much fat added. Here’s my paired down version that won’t have your scale saying “One at a time please.” It’s a great one-pot dish that can be made in advance and feed the…

Read More

Feeling Sorry for Myself Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled cheese sandwich with caramelized onions.

When life starts to go to the dark side, I can always cheer myself up with a good old-fashioned grilled cheese sandwich served with a side of potato chips. I’m sure, given enough cheese, it will cheer you up too. (This recipe appears in my new book, “GETTING SAUCED – How I Learned Everything I…

Read More

Linguine Con Broccoli Aglio E Olio

Pasta with spinach, ricotta, and pine nuts.

Sometimes the simplest dishes can be the most satisfying. This is one of my go-to dishes when I need to get something on the table quickly. The aroma of the garlic always brings me right back to a wonderful lunch I once had in Venice. (This recipe appears in my new book, “GETTING SAUCED –…

Read More

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna noodle casserole with peas and biscuits.

No one really wants to admit that some of those 1970s semi-homemade dishes our busy moms fed us were actually tasty on occasion. In truth, there is some comfort to them, if you can just get past the guilt of opening cans, dumping the contents, and then heating. I have trouble with that, but in…

Read More

Spatchcock Chicken

Roasted chicken with vegetables in a bowl.

If you’re like me, whenever I roast a whole chicken, either the white meat is overdone or the dark meat is underdone. It’s difficult to get it all right at the same time. That is, unless you spatchcock your bird. Spatchcocking gives you a fighting chance because you’re literally flattening your bird allowing all of…

Read More

ALEX’S MAC & CHEESE

Macaroni and cheese with chives in a bowl.

In previous blog posts, I’ve mentioned how delighted I am that the next generation in our family is getting comfortable behind the stove. My young cousin Alex is a man of particular tastes, but when he finds something he loves, he likes to master it. He’s always been a big fan of pasta and cheese…

Read More