I love when people take certain foods so seriously that a dish rises above just a recipe and becomes a sacramental meal, a ceremonial preparation that needs to be blessed by congregants and celebrated in a particular way. Such is the case with paella. On a recent trip to Valencia, Spain, I had a chance…
A Mexican Party Dish for a Cold Winter’s Night
We have been experiencing frigid nights in Los Angeles, which is unusual weather for our mild climate. The other night, I pulled out some recipes from an old folder and found this time-tested staple from a time when our daughter was young. It had all the characteristics for casual cold-weather fare: creamy and comforting. And…
Brussels Sprouts Add Crisp Texture to Chicken Tacos
To add a variety of textures to these chicken tacos, poach the chicken to keep it super tender and moist while broiling the Brussels for a crisp mix-in. The creamy sauce rounds out the combo. Chicken Tacos With Brussels Sprouts Active Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Serves 4 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken…
Warm Up With Melty, Cheesy Stuffed Pasta
If food is a metaphor for a blanket, then cover up with this. Melty, cheesy stuffed pasta shells, smothered in a bright tomato sauce—and, of course, more cheese—are exactly what we need right now. This is a dish that will please everyone, no matter their age, and warm you up when the weather is miserable…
Growing Vegetables From Table Scraps
Science fair season is coming up. Many kids want to work with plants. One set of experiments that’s common is trying to grow seeds in a variety of media, such as water, milk, and cola. The seeds will sprout in all of those conditions, but they won’t grow well as a plant in all of…
How to Find a Good Red Blend Wine
One of the most popular categories of wines in the last two years is the nearly ubiquitous blended red wine, which is so popular that it has become synonymous with everyday drinking for millions of Americans. A couple of weeks ago, a stranger, hearing I was a wine writer, asked me what I thought of…
The Best Winter Produce to Eat Right Now
The weather outside might be freezing, but that doesn’t mean your fruit and vegetable options aren’t sizzling. If you take a closer look at the produce aisle right now, you’ll find some standout cold-loving options that will surely increase your appetite for winter and also the nutritional value of your diet. “When in season, fruits…
The Joys and Perils of Raising Chickens
I’ve raised a lot of chickens. Probably hundreds. For eggs, not meat. I give them the best lives I can, including a generous retirement plan when they reach a certain age, with free room and board, yet they rarely arrive at those emerald pastures. Precious few have lived long enough to die in their sleep….
At Sobre Masa, Housemade Tortillas Continue an 8,000-Year-Old Story
On a good day, the tiny tortilla factory that anchors Sobre Masa in Brooklyn churns out 5,000 tortillas, in shades of red, yellow, white, perhaps blue. The colors that day—and, in turn, the distinct flavors, aromas, and textures—depend on the availability of the heirloom corn they buy from small Mexican farms. “We’re fourth in line,…
This Is the Perfect Dish to Round Out Your Comfort Meal
These dreary months of cold, damp weather is reason enough to cook up something full of comfort and deep, rich flavors. That’s why I love this dish. It can be the sidekick to many main entrees. Recently, I roasted a goose and served this alongside to rave reviews. A savory and comforting winter dish, this…
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