We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019924-pasta-alla-vodka?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share. Our modifications: first, we used rigatoni instead of penne and center-cut smoked bacon instead of pancetta. Second, in lieu of ¾ cup heavy cream, we used 1 Tbsp unsalted butter and almost ½ cup unsalted chicken broth. We also added frozen oregano leaves (about 1 Tbsp) to the sauce. Third,… Continue reading Penne alla vodka
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Spicy black bean nachos
We made this recipe: https://hispanickitchen.com/recipes/spicy-black-bean-nachos/ Our modifications: first, instead of ½ onion, we used a few small shallots. Second, in lieu of Monterey Jack cheese, we sprinkled about ¼ cup each thick shredded mozzarella and cheddar. Third, we made only one layer of nachos, and we served the remaining black bean puree on the side.… Continue reading Spicy black bean nachos
Kichidi (Indian savory rice and red lentil porridge)
We tried this Padma Lakshmi recipe: https://www.padmalakshmi.com/copy-of-keralan-crab-cakes Because we did not have sambhar curry powder or curry leaves, we followed the spice mixture (black mustard seeds, ground cumin, and dried hot chilis) adapted by the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/kitchari/17359/. Our modifications: first, along the lines of Padma’s original recipe, we sauteed the spice mixture until the… Continue reading Kichidi (Indian savory rice and red lentil porridge)
Swedish meatloaf with caramelized cabbage (kalpudding)
We tried this recipe: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/meatloaf-with-caramelized-cabbage-swedish-kalpudding-58bf7b741a0d174bc06f9fcd We baked this in a round, high-walled 2 quart glass baking dish. To avoid potentially undercooked onion, we sauteed the minced onion in oil spray before adding to the meatloaf mixture. We used 1 cup half and half in lieu of heavy cream; this may have resulted in more liquid… Continue reading Swedish meatloaf with caramelized cabbage (kalpudding)
Chicken Marbella
We tried this delicious, boozy recipe by Ottolenghi: https://www.thekitchn.com/ottolenghis-chicken-marbella-recipe-23123072 Our modifications: first, we used 3 drumsticks and 3 chicken thighs (instead of leaving them as quarters), and we used canola oil in lieu of olive (to mitigate setting off the smoke alarm). Second, we reduced the capers by half (to only 3 Tbsp plus some… Continue reading Chicken Marbella
Jamaican-style peas and rice with coconut milk
We tried this recipe: https://www.curiouscuisiniere.com/caribbean-red-beans-and-rice/ We used a straught and high-walled 10" All-Clad stainless steel saute pan. Our modifications to the recipe: first, we doubled the pigeon peas to 1 cup (from ½ cup); we used canned “dry pigeon peas” (which were fully cooked) that we rinsed and drained. Second, for the rice, we used… Continue reading Jamaican-style peas and rice with coconut milk
Orecchiette with spicy sausage, kale, and cannellini beans
We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020968-pasta-with-spicy-sausage-broccoli-rabe-and-chickpeas?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share We used kale and cannellini beans in lieu of broccoli rabe and chickpeas. We also used spicy chicken sausage. This was very tasty. (Mar. 2021)
Dry-charred skillet asparagus
Details here: https://www.seriouseats.com/2020/08/how-to-dry-char-asparagus.html (Mar. 2021)
Blistered string beans
We tossed this together as an alternative to oven-roasting, with a nod to the Chinese dry-frying technique. Heat a large nonstick pan (without any oil) on medium-high heat, then add a handful of trimmed string beans (they should be bone dry), laying in a single layer. Let sit for a few mins, until the bottom… Continue reading Blistered string beans
Pasta with simple tomato sauce and kale
We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12279-orecchiette-with-tomato-sauce-and-kale?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share This recipe called for orecchiette, but based on our pantry we used about 11 oz medium shells. We added 1 tsp anchovy paste (which we sauteed in the olive oil) for briny flavor, but this recipe is vegetarian without it. We cut the blanched kale into julienned ribbons. (Mar. 2021)
Cooking Adventures 