I’ve written many times about my years as a pastry chef, my first dip into the professional culinary world, and how those years molded the chef I am today. This was an incredibly formative time, provoking in me a profound love of food in general, and allowing me an ideal outlet to feed both my […]
Category Archives: What’s Cooking at SRP?
What’s Cooking at SRP?
Shredded Vegetable Fritters with Pecorino and Parmesan:
Quick, Crispy, and Garden-Fresh
15
May
May
I am crazy for vegetables. Seriously. I mean, I would never expect to subsist on them alone (and have literally no desire to), but I love all things vegetable so much that if you asked me for a last-meal request, it would likely be a well-designed salad. At home, on a day-to-day basis, I tend […]
08
May
May
A traditional French concoction of shredded meat, fat, spices, and herbs, rillettes are similar to pâté, but with a more rustic texture and appearance. If you are familiar, then you likely know your food; if not, prepare to be amazed at the beauty a simple preparation, of seemingly humble ingredients, can create. Traditionally made with […]
What’s Cooking at SRP?
Asparagus-Ricotta Flan with Pecan-Parmesan Crust:
Simplicity Meets Style in a Make-Ahead Mother’s Day Brunch
01
May
May
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and that means a time to demonstrate our appreciation for all the special mothers and mother surrogates in our lives. I’ll be frank; I have never much enjoyed huge displays of excess on Mother’s Day (or any holiday, for that matter), but it is nice to have a […]
24
Apr
Apr
I’ve been a condiment person as far back as I can remember. Unlike many youngsters, I never went through the “ketchup-on-everything” stage (a preference I am grateful my daughter inherited from me), but I always liked an array of choices with which to smear, dip, and drizzle. I almost think of condiments as an extension […]
What’s Cooking at SRP?
Creamy Ham and Cabbage Chowder:
Leftover Ham Makes a Quick, Comforting, Family-Friendly Meal
17
Apr
Apr
Like many families, mine often has surplus ham after our Easter celebrations. And every year, I’m on a mission to try to repurpose it in unusual ways, outside the standard “ham sandwiches.” I use the leftovers for all manner of things: omelets and frittatas, pasta, Chinese fried rice, and, of course, the classic split-pea-and-ham soup. […]
What’s Cooking at SRP?
Grain-Free Crepe Pinwheels with
Smoked Salmon and Herbed Cheese:
Brunch and Beyond
10
Apr
Apr
Wow, it’s hard to believe that we’ve passed yet another month; at long last, we are through the dregs of dwindling winter vibes, and all the bountiful colors, heavenly scents, and lovely animated sounds of spring are finally in full-swing! This season always calls for celebration and transformation at my house. Windows opened wide, closets […]
03
Apr
Apr
I am constantly on the lookout for exciting, innovative ways to broaden my palate and my culinary knowledge. Sure, I have my favorite fallback flavors, for which I will always hold a special fondness, but branching out of my comfort zone with unusual spices, meat cuts, and produce keeps things interesting, and more times than not, winds up creating new favorites. Such is the case with this Jamaican oxtail […]
27
Mar
Mar
The transition between winter and spring can often be a little challenging for the home cook. Market shelves are unpredictable, and the quality and taste of produce is heavily dependent on whether the season cooperates in prime growing areas. Not to mention, at this time of year, it can be hot and sunny one day, […]
What’s Cooking at SRP?
Lemon Egg Yolk Cake with Honey Cream Cheese Drizzle:
A Sweet Treat to Celebrate Spring
20
Mar
Mar
It’s my birthday today; and it’s a big one. Or at least that’s what everyone seems to be telling me…. Me? I’m kind of feeling somewhat neutral about it all. Not that I’m uninterested in celebrating the occasion, but I don’t really feel an urge to commemorate this one in any sort of over-the-top and […]
13
Mar
Mar
The road to more healthful eating can often feel daunting. Less-optimal temptations beckon us from every corner: refined and adulterated ingredients, toxic quantities of sugars, and questionable additives abound. And to top it all off, even when you think you might be making a healthy choice, much of the information out there is conflicting, misleading, […]
What’s Cooking at SRP?
Lebanese Spiced Lamb Shoulder Chops with Sumac-Onion Relish:
Fundamental Middle Eastern Flavors
06
Mar
Mar
I’ve been rather enamored with the bold, exotic flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean regions for quite some time. Growing up, I was fortunate to experience the influence of Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese cultures, though I barely ventured outside my comfort zone—pita, hummus, shawarma, and the like. As I’ve matured, I’ve discovered just how many other […]
27
Feb
Feb
Those who have been reading my blog for some time now, might know that one of my favorite things to do is revamp classic recipes, to make them more wholesome and fitness-forward, and to suit restrictive diets and alternative lifestyles. Those who are new to the site, welcome! I hope you find a wealth of […]
20
Feb
Feb
Fresh, Fast, and Family-Friendly I always start getting a hankering for spring towards the end of February. Funny, because we really haven’t had much of a winter this year (though there is presently snow on the ground…finally!). I think this is simply hardwired into my brain from growing up in the Pacific Northwest, where the […]
13
Feb
Feb
Save Time, Money, and Your Health with One-Pan Meals in Minutes One of the most common reasons people have trouble making home-cooked meals is the time it takes. I get it; after a long, hard day, sometimes the mere thought of cooking is more than I feel like taking on. The last thing people want […]
06
Feb
Feb
We’re well into the second month of 2019, a reasonable point to look back and assess any health goals we set for the year. It’s a great time to congratulate ourselves on our progress and hard work, and also to attend to any essential adjustments needed to assure we stay on track with mindful eating. […]
30
Jan
Jan
Even though I’ve never been a staunch Valentine’s Day enthusiast—believing instead in exhibiting my adoration for those I care for every day of the year—I have still always relished sharing the love with others by preparing the most heavenly little desserts for two, going all the way back to my days as a pastry chef. […]
23
Jan
Jan
Many moons ago, eight years to be exact, my entire life as I knew it changed. I remember it vividly—we were in the midst of a lovely snow storm; I had stayed up far too late reading Harry Potter and woke up mere hours later, realizing my daughter-to-be was ready to meet the world. And […]
What’s Cooking at SRP?
Lemon-Mascarpone Panna Cotta with Blackberry Coulis: A Tart and Sweet Sugar-free Treat
16
Jan
Jan
January is a great time for fresh starts and for making changes to improve our health and wellbeing. Well, really, I suppose any time is a great time to harness healthy habits, but the new year is certainly one of the most popular times. I’m guessing many of you readers have made some conscious efforts […]
09
Jan
Jan
I rely on eggs a lot for a quick and nutrient-dense protein source. They’re one of my all-time favorite foods: delicious, packed with tons of high-quality vitamins and fats, and limitless versatility. Plus, I can whisk up a couple eggs, pour them in a hot, buttered pan, and literally be sitting down to eat in […]