We followed this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017492-muhammara-red-pepper-and-walnut-spread To roast the red pepper, we followed these tips instead of the ones in the NYT: https://www.daringgourmet.com/how-to-roast-red-peppers/ (Apr. 2018)
How to boil frozen pierogies
This is not a recipe, but a method we learned from the owner of the Polish Market in Vienna, VA: bring a large pot of water to boil. Place the frozen pierogies gently into the pot, one at a time, making sure the water continues to boil vigorously. (Avoid adding so many pierogies that the… Continue reading How to boil frozen pierogies
Keema puffs (curried minced turkey and peas in puff pastry)
For the filling: First, using a large wok, heat 2-3 Tbsp neutral vegetable oil on medium heat. Add 1 1/3 lb minced turkey, increase heat to medium-high, and brown the meat. In the meantime, mince 1 large (or 2 medium) onion, 3 large cloves garlic, and 1 inch peeled ginger; I did this using a… Continue reading Keema puffs (curried minced turkey and peas in puff pastry)
Apple, leek, and gruyere frittata
This was a lighter version, using 4 egg whites and 4 whole eggs. We generally followed this recipe but made ingredient and method modifications: http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/apple-and-leek-frittata-114432 First, we preheated the oven to 425. Second, we used a large (9-10”) cast iron pan. Third, we added ¾ cup shredded gruyere cheese at two steps: (1) we sprinkled… Continue reading Apple, leek, and gruyere frittata
Quick spaghetti bolognese
We tried this recipe: https://www.recipetineats.com/spaghetti-bolognese/ We used 1 lb minced bison instead of minced beef. To reduce sodium, we omitted the beef bouillon cubes. At the end of seasoning, we added a splash each of fruit-flavored white balsamic and traditional balsamic vinegar; we also added a dash of crushed red pepper. We recommend increasing the… Continue reading Quick spaghetti bolognese
Classic tapioca pudding
We tried this recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/106859/classic-tapioca-pudding/ (beware of pop-up ads). Here is a summary: First, combine 3 cups milk, ½ cup white sugar (we used vanilla-infused), ½ cup minute tapioca, and ¼ tsp salt in a medium sized thick-walled pot. Cook on medium heat, whisking constantly. When it comes to a boil, reduce heat to low… Continue reading Classic tapioca pudding
Picadillo (Cuban minced beef stew)
We tried this NYT recipe, and it was delicious: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016814-picadillo Our modifications: first, we used 1 lb minced bison instead of 1 ½ lb minced beef. Second, we used 1 oz Matador slim jim (halved vertically and then diced) instead of 2 oz chorizo. Third, to accommodate the reduced amount of protein, we reduced the… Continue reading Picadillo (Cuban minced beef stew)
Greek-style broccoli salad
Details here: https://cookieandkate.com/2015/greek-broccoli-salad-recipe/ Our modifications: first, we omitted kalamata olives and feta; we used 1 Tbsp capers (rinsed and drained). Second, we reduced the olive oil from ¼ cup (4 Tbsp) to 3 Tbsp. Finally, we used the juice of 1 lime before the 2 Tbsp lemon juice. (Mar. 2018)
Broccoli cheddar spinach frittata
Details here: https://cookieandkate.com/2017/broccoli-cheddar-spinach-frittata/ Our modifications: first, we used a shallot in lieu of a small onion, and we cut it into thin slices along the grain. Second, instead of steaming the broccoli in the cast iron pan, we microwave them in a covered glass casserole dish with ¼ cup (not ½ cup) water for about… Continue reading Broccoli cheddar spinach frittata
Oven-roasted breakfast potatoes
We followed this recipe: https://www.tasteslovely.com/perfect-roasted-potatoes/ We used three small-medium Idaho potatoes, and we scrubbed the skin. Our modification: we added a dash (about ½ tsp) each cumin powder and paprika to the cubed potatoes before roasting them. The tips on preheating the baking sheet and using parchment paper were key. (Mar. 2018)
Cooking Adventures 