Mexican pinto bean stew with fire-roasted tomatoes (frijoles charros)

We tried this recipe: https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2016/06/frijoles-charros-mexican-pinto-beans-bacon-recipe.html Our modifications: first, we made fire-roasted tomatoes following this recipe: http://piglettedc.tumblr.com/post/176167609311/fire-roasted-tomatoes-broiler-version-we-tried Second, we used about three ½ inch matchsticks (1 ½ inch width total) of 5 frozen bacon slabs. Finally, to reduce sodium overall, we used homemade fire-roasted tomatoes (instead of canned), no-salt chicken broth, and reduced or omitted most… Continue reading Mexican pinto bean stew with fire-roasted tomatoes (frijoles charros)

Mexican-style wild mushroom quesadillas

We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016137-wild-mushroom-quesadillas Our modifications: first, we used a mix of yellow oyster (8 oz) and cremini mushrooms (8 oz), which we finely chopped before sautéing (rather than mincing after cooking). Second, for the cheese, we used 6 oz each of freshly grated muenster and fresh mozzarella. Finally, we added a pinch (¼… Continue reading Mexican-style wild mushroom quesadillas

Bulgar and chickpea salad with oven-roasted trimmed artichokes

We tried this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016221-bulgur-and-chickpea-salad-with-roasted-artichokes First, for detailed instructions on trimming and roasting artichokes, see this method post: http://piglettedc.tumblr.com/post/175450614661/oven-roasted-trimmed-artichokes-we-trimmed-large Second, we modified this NYT recipe by reducing the amount of salt to barely ½ tsp total and using no-salt canned chick peas. We also used 1 Tbsp dried chives instead of 2 Tbsp fresh… Continue reading Bulgar and chickpea salad with oven-roasted trimmed artichokes

Korean chive pancake (buchujeon)

We tried this recipe: https://kimchimari.com/korean-chive-pancake-buchujeon-with-chive-flowers/ We found the batter a bit too viscous, so we added a little more (1 Tbsp) water until it was thin, like crepe batter. We also used frozen cut chives, which made the pancake wetter than it should have been. So I would recommend using fresh chives the next time.… Continue reading Korean chive pancake (buchujeon)

Simple au gratin potatoes

We tried this recipe, which calls for cheddar cheese: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/simple-au-gratin-potatoes Our modifications: first, we halved this recipe but found a 2-quart casserole dish to be the right size (a larger casserole dish may be needed for the full recipe). Second, we rubbed the inside of the casserole dish with a smashed garlic clove, then lightly… Continue reading Simple au gratin potatoes

Simple salad with fresh herbs

We loosely followed this recipe: https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-the-perfect-simple-salad-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-173111 For the salad, we used a handful of mixed baby greens, one shredded carrot, ½ bell pepper (sliced along the grain), and julienned fresh basil and fresh spearmint. For the dressing, we increased the honey to 2 tsp, the lemon juice to 1 full lemon, and kept the olive… Continue reading Simple salad with fresh herbs

Zucchini tian with curried bread crumbs

We tried this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1014910-zucchini-tian-with-curried-bread-crumbs Our modifications: first, we used plain bread crumbs instead of panko flakes. Second, we found that 2 large zucchini was more than enough for this recipe. Third, we used 3 medium vine-ripened tomatoes (rough cut) instead of 1 pint grape tomatoes. Finally, we used lemon zest instead of orange… Continue reading Zucchini tian with curried bread crumbs

Korean sweet and sour cucumber salad (oi muchim)

We tried this recipe from A Korean Mother’s Cooking Notes by Sun-young Chang. First, clean 3 Persian cucumbers by rubbing with slightly wet coarse salt, then rinse and dry. Trim off ends, then slice on a diagonal to 1/16” thick (we used a mandolin). Stir in 1 tsp salt, 1 Tbsp rice vinegar (we use… Continue reading Korean sweet and sour cucumber salad (oi muchim)