Cheddar cauliflower casserole

We tried this recipe: http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/cauliflower-casserole-with-cheddar Our modifications: first, instead of parboiling the cauliflower florets, we tossed them with a little olive oil and oven-roasted in a baking sheet at 400 for 30 mins (tossing midway). Second, for the sauce, we replaced half (4 oz = ½ dry cup) of sour cream with ½ dry cup… Continue reading Cheddar cauliflower casserole

Greek-style white bean and celery stew

We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1012634-white-beans-with-celery Our modifications: first, we used no-salt canned cannellini (4 x 13.4 oz quattro-carton), which we rinsed and drained in lieu of soaking and cooking dried white beans. For the bean draining liquid, we used a mix of water and some of the liquid captured while rinsing the beans; we did… Continue reading Greek-style white bean and celery stew

Celery-apple salad with lemon dressing

We tried this recipe: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/celery-apple-salad The recipe called for 2 cups each honey crisp apple and celery; we estimated this to be 1 large honey crisp apple (1/4” slices with skin on) and 4 stalks celery (cut in 1/2” diagonal slices). We increased the dressing to the juice of one lemon (not just 2 Tbsp)… Continue reading Celery-apple salad with lemon dressing

Grandma Gladys’s brownies

We recently made this treasured family recipe that was an important part of my husband’s childhood. First, preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9x12” baking dish, and set aside. Second, melt 11 Tbsp unsalted butter with 12 oz chocolate chips (we used Ghirardelli semi-sweet chips). You can do this either by using a double-boiler… Continue reading Grandma Gladys’s brownies

Lebanese chick pea stew

We tried this recipe: http://www.arabamerica.com/lebanese-chickpea-stew/ Our modifications: first, based on our pantry, we used a homemade roasted green bell pepper, following these instructions: https://www.daringgourmet.com/how-to-roast-red-peppers/ (see Note below). Second, we used 2 ½ tsp za’atar, 1 tsp crushed red pepper for red pepper flakes, and 1 Tbsp cumin powder (not cumin seeds). Third, we increased the… Continue reading Lebanese chick pea stew

Italian-style lemony pasta with chick peas

Details here: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018591-lemony-pasta-with-chickpeas-and-parsley First, we increased the chick peas from 2 cups to two cans (14.5 oz each) chick peas. We rinsed and drained the chick peas, then used 1.5 cups vegetable stock later in the recipe. Second, we used 1 large shallot instead of ½ onion. Third, we used the zest of a whole… Continue reading Italian-style lemony pasta with chick peas

Chickpea, cucumber, and carrot salad

I learned this recipe from my friend Abby many years ago in London. Over time, I determined that cutting the cucumber and carrot into ½ inch dice, mimicking the size of the chickpeas, works best for flavor. Drain three 14.5 oz canned chickpeas (for a total of 43.5 oz) and place in a large mixing… Continue reading Chickpea, cucumber, and carrot salad