Lebanese bulgur pilaf with tomato and chick peas

We tried this recipe: https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/bulgur-pilaf/. We found the ratio of 3 cups broth to 1.5 cups bulgur too wet; the next time we may factor in the liquid emitted from the fresh tomato and 1/4 bell pepper. At the end of cooking, we squeezed juice from 1/3 of a lemon into the pilaf. We also…… Continue reading Lebanese bulgur pilaf with tomato and chick peas

Corn muffins by The Pioneer Woman

We were picking up takeout chili from a favorite cafe, and we decided to make scratch corn muffins. We tried this recipe: https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a60720312/corn-muffins-recipe/ The recipe calls for buttermilk, which we rarely have in stock. We created buttermilk using milk and white vinegar by following these tips: https://cookieandkate.com/buttermilk-recipe/ The muffins turned out well. On the top…… Continue reading Corn muffins by The Pioneer Woman

Korean panfried tuna and egg fritters (chamchi jeon)

We routinely have 5-oz cans of no-salt tuna in our pantry. We decided to try this recipe: https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/tuna-pancakes. First, for the onion, we used a small shallot. To ensure the onion/shallot and garlic were finely minced, we used our Braun handheld mixer. Second, it’s important to drain the tuna as thoroughly as possible (we save…… Continue reading Korean panfried tuna and egg fritters (chamchi jeon)

Pico de gallo

We made this recipe from Cookie and Kate: https://cookieandkate.com/classic-pico-de-gallo-recipe/ We prepared this condiment to season the bean filling for bean and cheese burritos: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022532-bean-and-cheese-burritos?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share. We used 3 vine-ripened tomatoes (seeds and liquid removed, then finely diced) plus about 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes from our garden (finely diced). We reduced the cilantro to 1 Tbsp. At… Continue reading Pico de gallo

Chinese smashed cucumber salad, version 2

We had Persian cucumbers and decided to try this recipe: https://thewoksoflife.com/smashed-asian-cucumber-salad/ Our modifications: first, we found 5 Persian cucumbers equivalent to the 2 standard cucumbers called for in the recipe. Second, for the chili oil, we used 1.5 tsp Sichuan chili sauce (laoganma). This was a refreshing and delicious side dish to gong bao chicken… Continue reading Chinese smashed cucumber salad, version 2

Katrina’s brown rice and sausage stuffing / dressing

This is a family recipe from my sister’s sister-in-law. We enjoyed it so much at Katrina’s Thanksgiving feasts in years past that she shared the recipe (which originated with her late uncle). Here’s the basic recipe, with some modifications from us: First, cook enough brown jasmine rice to yield 4.5 cups of cooked brown rice…… Continue reading Katrina’s brown rice and sausage stuffing / dressing

British cheese on toast

We wanted to find an easy open face sandwich to accompany our asparagus soup (https://piglettedc.wordpress.com/2015/06/13/asparagus-soup-this-soup-tastes-creamy-but-it/). We tried this recipe: https://www.thekitchn.com/cheese-on-toast-recipe-23309869. We used two slices of Mt. Athos bread, which we toasted. Then we moved the toasted slices to a foil-lined toaster oven tray and applied a light spread (1/4 tsp) of Marmite on top before…… Continue reading British cheese on toast

Pico de gallo

We had planned to make guacamole, but due to not-great avocados, we quickly had to switch gears. We don't have cilantro in our beach pantry, so we made this cilantro-free version that uses ground cumin instead: https://poshplate.us/salsa-no-cilantro/ Our modifications: first, we combined 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 finely minced small shallot, 1 finely minced jalapeño… Continue reading Pico de gallo