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For the love of tacos

Wednesday, at 1:34 by

In today’s Seasonal Pantry, I sing the praises–and not for the first time–of traditional tacos. You can read that column, which includes recipes for Tacos al Carbon (meat) and Tacos Hongos (mushrooms), here. In the column, I promise to post links to other recipes for tacos and that call for tortillas from the Seasonal Pantry archives, so here they are. Do you make tacos at home? What is your favorite method and favorite filling? Please share in the comment section below. Snapper… Read More »

What to do with quail eggs?

Thursday, at 11:41 by

A few nights ago, there was a knock at my door fairly late in the evening, close to 10 p.m. Although it is always startling when someone shows up that late, I knew it had to be my neighbor, out walking her pup before bed. Sometimes they stop by to say hi and sometimes to bestow a basket of eggs upon me. They have about 10 hens, whom I feed when they go out of town. I opened the door… Read More »

More Mediterranean: North Africa & the Middle East

Wednesday, at 10:20 by

In today’s Seasonal Pantry, I explore the Mediterranean diet, which is enjoying a resurgence of popularity. You can read that article here. As promised in that column, here are links to some Mediterranean-inspired recipes from the Pantry’s archives. This post focuses on flavors of North Africa and the Middle East and is the second of several posts. There will be more soon. Chickpeas with Toasted Bread & Yogurt Harissa Homemade Hummus bi Tahini Chickpeas with Cilantro & Mint Making and… Read More »

More Mediterranean: Sicily

Wednesday, at 9:05 by

In today’s Seasonal Pantry, which you can read here, I discuss the resurgence in popularity of the Mediterranean diet and its special relevance to California. I also promise to post links to Mediterranean dishes from the Seasonal Pantry archives.  This is the first of a series of posts, each one focusing on a specific region. I’m starting with Sicily. Formaggio All’Argentiera Silversmith’s Cheese Citrus Salad Bulghur Wheat Salad with Parsley & Lemon Sicilian Frittata Pasta with Ricotta, Lemon Zest and… Read More »

More Superbowl Foods, Part 2: Chef Michael Mina’s Cioppino

Wednesday, at 11:24 by

San Francisco Chef Michael Mina is one of our culinary titans, with 17 restaurants in 8 states. (For details, visit his web site here.)  He’s also a big 49ers fan and is currently in New Orleans for the game. Also, as many top chefs do, Mina uses ingredients that are not in season right now, specifically, basil stems and red and yellow bell peppers. I’ll leave it up to you to decide to use these ingredients or not. As you… Read More »

Sustaining Ourselves During Flu Season

Wednesday, at 7:32 by

In today’s Seasonal Pantry, which you can read here, I talk about some of the foods that are getting me through this winter’s wicked virus. If you have special soups, juices or other dishes that get you through, take a minute to share them in the comments section below. Later today, I’ll add the promised recipes for jook and my so-called magic chicken soup.

Update: How was your heritage breed turkey?

Friday, at 6:00 by

As promised below, here’s how I prepared a 17 1/2 pound Narrangansett turkey. First, I seasoned it inside with kosher salt and let it come to room temperature for about 2 hours. I made a dressing of Costeaux sourdough, torn into bite-sized pieces, and 2 diced yellow onions and one head of celery, trimmed and diced, sauteed in 2 sticks of butter until very soft. I added half a bunch of Italian parsley, minced, and about 2 tablespoons of freshly… Read More »

Last-Minute Thanksgiving Inspiration, with Recipes from the Seasonal Pantry Archives

Wednesday, at 10:24 by

I confess that I am not particularly attached to the traditional Thanksgiving meal, though I do appreciate–and often honor–what my friend James has to say on the subject. “It doesn’t matter how good the food is,” he says, “it’s the ritual, it’s that we are all eating the same thing.” This, I totally get it. Even so, I don’t mind ignoring the ritual now and then. Plus, there are ways to honor it without adhering too strictly to family recipes. I’m… Read More »

Cooking with Wine: Some Favorite Recipes

Wednesday, at 11:25 by

As I promised in today’s Seasonal Pantry, which you can read here, I’m posting links to some of my favorite recipes that call for wine. Because I use it so frequently, it is impossible to include all the recipes here. I’ve chosen those most suited to fall and winter and have also selected examples that defy the common wisdom of white wine with fish, chicken and vegetables and red wine with red meats. Cooking with White Wine: Firehouse Clams and… Read More »