To make the best meatballs keep two things in mind: (1) choose the best meat you can find—for example, prepare beef meatballs with grass-fed beef that is naturally lean and full and rich in flavor, and (2) use a light hand; shape meatballs that are light and airy not kneaded or compacted. To make 4 […] More
Tomato sauce—basic, herbed, or with vegetables added—is easily made from tomatoes fresh from the garden or tomatoes frozen last harvest. Use tomato sauce on pastas, pizzas, vegetables, or soups. The key to flavorful tomato sauce is ripe, juicy tomatoes—the fresher the tomatoes the more flavorful the sauce, but that’s not to say you can’t make […] More
Here is a recipe for fresh vegetable lasagna—for all seasons. I am going to give you—in one recipe—the options to make this hearty and tasty dish in cool weather—using butternut squash or kale or spinach or a combination of these—or in warm weather—using bell peppers or eggplant or Swiss chard. As well, you likely will […] More
Truly flavorful roast chicken is in the seasoning—seasoning that is allowed to infuse the meat for at least 3 and even better 8-, 24-, or 48- hours before cooking. Here, I give you several options for seasoning a chicken before roasting—that means you can come back to roast chicken over and over, changing up the […] More
Roasted garlic is mellow and warming. Its delicate undertones enhance the flavor of salads and meats. Here, I give you a recipe for pairing roasted garlic with olive oil to flavor your favorite toasted bread. Print Roasted Garlic on Toast Author Steve Albert Yield 15-20 slices of toast Choose good-size garlic bulbs with big cloves […] More
Cabbage colcannon is a traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes with milk, butter, and cooked finely chopped onions and cabbage. Easily you can substitute leeks for the onions and kale for the cabbage. Colcannon is a warming and hearty dish commonly served alongside corned beef, boiled pork, or bacon. The Irish often serve colcannon on […] More
Beef Stroganoff is not really a stew—though you may tend to think so if you’ve had it with this or that cut of beef and this or that vegetable served over egg noodles. True beef Stroganoff is simply beef sautéed with onions and mushrooms and sour cream. The best tasting beef stroganoff will be made […] More
Fried rice with ham and eggs is filling. Eat it for lunch or dinner or supper. There are many variations on fried rice—the length of the grains of rice and the vegetables or meat or seafood you add are starters. My recipe for fried rice isn’t fried but steamed. That is I steam the rice […] More
Here is a one-dish, slow cooker meal that you can get started on a chilly Saturday or Sunday morning to have on the table for supper. It’s a hearty, basic dish that will serve 6 and you will more than likely have beef leftover for cold corned beef sandwiches or corned beef hash tomorrow. Corned […] More
This all vegetable and black bean chili is warming and filling. I serve this chili over a hot baked (and buttered) potato. Chili and chunks of potato are perfect after a winter afternoon in the garden. This recipe calls on dried black beans—but you could also use pinto beans, navy beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans, […] More
Here is a hearty and tasty winter vegetable-loaded beef stew for the slow cooker. You can vary the root vegetables in this stew—choose from carrots, turnips, parsnips, new potatoes, onions, or leeks and add mushrooms or celery. The combinations are many. As well, you can vary the stock—use all beef stock, or chicken stock, or […] More
The ham and cheese and potato gratin is a flavorful and sustaining winter dish. I usually call on this recipe a day or two after a big baked ham dinner by simply reserving 1 or 2 pounds of ¼-inch ham slices. But you can pick up a 1 to 2 pound ham steak at the […] More
Stephen Albert