The days are shorter and colder; winter is upon us, but we wanted one last summer-time meal before we officially kick off the holiday season. Also, I had this brand new, pre-seasoned Lodge grill just waiting for a workout. I had visions of homemade salmon burgers on homemade sesame buns, dripping with tartar sauce. So, …
Wait a Minute: What Did I Do Right?
I have a confession to make: I don't follow recipes. Oh, I read them thoroughly. I analyze them. And I usually think to myself: "That sounds delicious!" Then I more or less ignore the recipes and go about improvising. Maybe it's because I am so fond of jazz. Also, I'm not what you might call …
Foolproof crackers
ABOUT A YEAR ago, Sherry and I were in a small town in Minnesota staying at a Residence Inn. It was your typical chain hotel with nondescript rooms. But this place had quite the happy hour. It wasn't the friendly service or copious amounts of alcohol that impressed us the most, though. It was the …
Let the chips fall where they may
When you have lemons, the saying goes, you make lemonade. And when you have potatoes -- and lots of them due to a clerical error in ordering online (5 bags vs. 5 potatoes) -- you start to get creative. Potato chips -- or crisps if you are British -- had always been on my bucket …
In search of the perfect home-made chocolate
We are still on the quest to concoct the perfect dark chocolate. We're getting there, but have not quite perfected the technique. Our latest batch is pure organic fair-trade cocoa powder and pure chocolate nibs, maple syrup, coconut oil, coconut flakes and orange zest. It has the right texture and taste. But, the formula/process still …
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The perfect pizza crust
As a kid, pizza was a treat for dinner. Mom made them completely by hand, starting with the dough from scratch. She got pretty good at it. So good, in fact, that she could not only churn out enough to feed a family of 10, but would sell them to neighbors for the princely sum …
Christmas Horn Cookies
The recipe came from the “old country” and according to family legend, it was top secret and to be guarded. We knew them as Christmas Horns, a confection of almonds, flour, eggs, vanilla and sugar. Right after Thanksgiving, the kitchen would turn into a factory, as the kids helped Mom crank out the dough for …
Tortillas in no time, flat.
Here is a handy tip: If you are in the remote mountains of Sinaloa, Mexico, and you hear a pack of wild dogs, their barking increasing in volume, there is a very good chance they are not approaching to greet you in a friendly manner. It was many years ago when I found myself in …
A variation on French onion soup
French onion soup has its heritage in both countries and combines the best of both Italian and French cuisines.
Sherry & George 