Posts by The Katz Tales
TRUFFLE PASTA
Whenever I’m in midtown Manhattan, I always love to walk downtown a bit before heading into the subway on my way home. Naturally, I can’t help myself, so I stop into all the different gourmet shops and markets along the way. One of my favorites is Eataly, and I love walking through their pasta section…
Read MorePORT TONIC
As sad as I am to say goodbye to summer, it seems only right to send it off with a refreshing cocktail. I started drinking these while visiting Portugal. It’s a lovely apértif to enjoy while deciding whether to order the bacalhau or the grilled sardines. It is a takeoff on a gin and tonic…
Read MoreGRILLED BROCCOLINI
I’m not a huge fan of broccoli, but somehow, these baby broccolis taste different to me—particularly when I grill them. This is a simple side dish that can be served as is, or with your favorite dip or salad dressing. Tzatziki or a red pepper puree would work great. INGREDIENTS (serves 3-4) ¼ cup sliced…
Read MoreTURKEY BURGER WITH CHEESE ON A PORTOBELLO BUN
If you’re looking for ways to lighten your meals without giving up on some of your favorite summer dishes, try this turkey burger. Turkey meat is a lower fat and cholesterol option than beef and with the right ingredients mixed in, you might not even notice that much of a difference. And rather than a…
Read MoreNO MAYO COLESLAW
Every year we have a big block party and I always like to bring something that goes with hotdogs and hamburgers. Because everything sits out for hours, I can’t make my usual coleslaw because it has mayo. Here’s a vinegar-based recipe with a tangy dressing. It’s best to bring a bowl of ice to place…
Read MoreGRILLED STEELHEAD TROUT
As a nice alternative to salmon, try steelhead trout. The fillets are usually thinner than most salmon fillets, so I find they cook more evenly on the grill. Here’s a simple recipe that comes together in no time. It’s a great last-minute dish for those lazy summer days. INGREDIENTS (serves 2) 1 lb steelhead fish,…
Read MoreROASTED TOMATO SOUP
It’s harvest time, so that means the neighbors have way too many tomatoes to know what to do with them. So, being the lucky recipient of their abundance, I’m putting this year’s bounty to good use with this creamy roasted tomato soup. There’s nothing better than making tomato soup from fresh garden ingredients. Wait, oh…
Read MoreGRILLED CHICKEN THIGHS
Now that it’s grill season, it’s time to spice things up a bit. Here’s a simple marinade for grilled chicken thighs. I like to use bone-in pieces because it takes longer to cook and allows the chicken to absorb more of the smokey flavor. INGREDIENTS MARINADE 1/2 cup orange juice 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon…
Read MoreBACKYARD PASTA SALAD
So you’ve been invited to your neighbor’s house for a backyard barbecue and they’ve asked you to bring a side. You’re tired of making salads that no one eats, and want something that won’t spoil quickly in the heat. Ah ha! How about a pasta salad? You’ve got tons of tomatoes and cucumbers in your…
Read MoreSAUTEED CHINESE GREENS
I’ve become obsessed with Chinese greens. I often find myself wandering around the produce section in Asian markets or Chinatowns trying to figure out what to do with all the glorious exotic vegetables. My particular favorites are the choy family; choy sum, gai choy, bok choy, yu choy and ong choy—all variations on greens, some…
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