We tried this recipe: https://frommybowl.com/crunchy-cucumber-dill-salad/ Our modifications: first, we used 3 Persian cucumbers, which we halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4″ slices on a diagonal. Second, for the red wine vinegar, whole grain mustard, and olive oil marinade, we added 1 tsp rice vinegar (Marukan green label) and 1/2 tsp sugar for brightness. (July 2024)
Tag: western
Small batch mixed berry and grape jam
We buy fresh fruit every week, mainly for breakfast and afternoon snacks. We ended up having 1 lb strawberries, 1/2 cup blueberries, and 1 cup black seedless grapes leftover, so we decided to try this recipe: https://kickassbaker.com/mixed-berry-jam/ Our modifications: first, we reduced sugar to 1/4 cup. Second, we found the jam was ready in about…… Continue reading Small batch mixed berry and grape jam
Ina Garten’s lentil soup
We craved homemade lentil soup, and I remembered Ina Garten's recipe from many years ago. Unlike in the past, I followed the recipe almost exactly: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lentil-vegetable-soup-recipe-1948822. We slightly reduced the salt to 2 tsp and used 1 3/4 Tbsp barrel-aged red wine vinegar. This is a delicious and comforting plant-forward soup. (Mar. 2024)
Split pea soup with smoked turkey (+ potato), version 2
Split pea soup always reminds me of my childhood, when one of my mom's good friends made the soup from scratch (and it took hours). We had a craving for an old fashioned split pea soup, but we were searching for one that didn't use ham or a ham bone. We tried this recipe, which… Continue reading Split pea soup with smoked turkey (+ potato), 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
Vegetable soup
This is a flexible soup recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024427-vegetable-soup?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share We used the vegetables we had on hand in the following order: first, onion, carrots, celery; second, russet potato; and finally, pipian squash (related to zucchini), fresh beans, sugar peas, and corn. We used unsalted chicken broth and added 2 Parmesan rinds for umami, so this was not…… Continue reading Vegetable soup
Blistered green beans
We are still at the beach with a limited pantry. We tried this simple recipe using 1/2 lb string beans, 1.5 Tbsp canola oil, 1/4 tsp kosher salt, and juice from 1/2 a lime. As the recipe notes, the key is maintaining medium-high heat and letting the string beans sit, untouched, for a few mins.… Continue reading Blistered green beans
Simple summer melon salad
We are still at the beach. A local olive oil merchant recommended this simple recipe: peel and cut cantaloupe and watermelon into bite-sized pieces, then drizzle with peach-infused white balsamic vinegar and basil-infused olive oil (in a 4:3 ratio). Lightly toss, then serve. This was refreshing and delicious. If we were home with our full… Continue reading Simple summer melon salad
Simple powdered sugar icing
We are at the beach, without access to our normal pantry or kitchen tools. We baked a boxed devil's food cake, but we didn't want to use prepared frosting. We tried this simple recipe for icing: https://www.culinaryhill.com/powdered-sugar-icing/ We used 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2.5 Tbsp half and half, and 1 Tbsp… Continue reading Simple powdered sugar icing
Cajun red beans and rice
We tried this Bon Appetit recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/red-beans-and-rice-recipe. Our chicken andouille sausage (a 6 oz link) was raw, so we sliced it and browned before adding to the stew. This yielded a well-seasoned stew, but the broth was too soupy. We added 1 1/4 cups frozen okra in an attempt to thicken it, and this helped… Continue reading Cajun red beans and rice
Cooking Adventures 