As I’ve stated in the past, much of what we cook at home is what I like to call “ad hoc” cooking; that is to say, I usually go the market and buy what looks fresh and is moderately priced. I, of course, have a standard list of items I purchase on a weekly basis but when it comes to […]

In our house, salads, of one sort of another, make an appearance 3-4 times per week.  We often consume peppery arugula with crispy fennel, romaine with feta, ripe tomatoes, and black olives, or Boston lettuce with red onion. The salads often follow a hearty bowl of soup made with farro, rice, or cut pasta and is served alongside fresh bread. […]

Family Style Eating: Hanger Steak Nicoise and Tomatoes and Mozzarella  I was giving some thought to formal dining at home the other day and specifically whether American families still sit down for formal, multi-course, meals?  During my childhood, our family often started  meals with a pasta or soup course followed by a family style meal including 3-4 dishes consisting of a […]

I’ve only recently realized the tremendous gratification in eating a well prepared salad for lunch (including a recent Wild Arugula, Chicken Breast, Red Onion, and Tomato salad).  Yes, I know the realization isn’t mind blowing but I’m upset at myself for not having more stand alone salads for lunch (hence the excitement and public declaration).  I’ve been missing out on […]

(photo: homemade pizza with arugula salad <including red onion>) Growing up in the suburbs just outside of New York City our neighborhood had its fair share of pizza joints, including Vincent’s Pizzeria, Sal’s Classic, First Pizza Pan, Godfather II Pizzeria, Euro’s Pizzeria, Villa Rosa Pizzeria, etc.  All of the pizzeria’s mentioned made pizza in the NY fashion, that is to […]

(photo: close up of our parsley, artichoke, sun dried tomato, and romaine lettuce salad) Next to incorporating the right leftovers into a great sandwich, putting together a “leftover salad” is one of my favorite food shortcuts; that is to say, having a great meal full of flavor without a big undertaking.  After all, what’s the point of cooking great food […]