Thanksgiving ’08: Cathy vs. Tradition
29 Nov 2008

Thanksgiving ’08: Cathy vs. Tradition

by | posted in: Ruminations | 28

Wednesday, November 26, 9:00 am: Cathy triple-bags a thirteen and a half pound free-range turkey pre-ordered from DiPaolo Farms via the Greenmarket and tucks it into a camper’s backpack. Heads off to the subway, gets off at Midtown. Explains something to startled co-worker as she takes turkey out of backpack, and stuffs it into office refrigerator. Tradition raises eyebrow. 3:15 pm: Cathy hoists turkey-stuffed backpack onto her back and trudges through the thickly crowded ten blocks to Penn Station, just … Read More

Oh! You Cheesy Things
26 Nov 2008

Oh! You Cheesy Things

by | posted in: Cook-Offs, Events, NYC Events, Recipes | 1

I think the makers of those aerosol cans of spray-cheese need to merge with Silly String. Then we’d have the perfect, edible orange goo to epitomize the celebration that was the second Fondue Takedown this past Sunday. And to clobber the winner with for a photo — “Say Cheese!” So maybe Sunday night’s winner was spared of the cheese sliming (she was wearing a handmade apron, though), but the back room of Union Pool, Brooklyn’s popular bar and now mecca … Read More

Not-So-Strange Birds Part I: Pan-Roasted Pheasant with Savory Vegetables
21 Nov 2008

Not-So-Strange Birds Part I: Pan-Roasted Pheasant with Savory Vegetables

by | posted in: Meat & Poultry, Recipes | 3

Now that everyone’s hopefully got their turkey situation squared away, and are just about fed up with the annual Thanksgiving-food buzz (to brine or not to brine? Best seasonal stuffings?), I thought I’d take a moment to highlight a few overlooked birds of the feather. First up: pheasant! Isn’t that a lovely word? The live bird, too, is known for its exceptional beauty. And friends, fowl-lovers, foodies or not: the meat of the pheasant is equally astounding. Especially when it’s … Read More

Table Talk
20 Nov 2008

Table Talk

by | posted in: Ruminations | 9

Since I’m a little behind on my recipe-writing and photo uploading for this week’s eaten-in pleasures, I thought I’d direct you to something I did manage to accomplish: this Brooklyn Based piece on where to find the most clever, crafty, kitschy and most importantly, NOT disposable dinnerware that you can be proud to serve with at your next party.

Write the 27th Reason for Not Eating Out
18 Nov 2008

Write the 27th Reason for Not Eating Out

by | posted in: Ruminations | 10

Next month, I will be both turning 27 and posting the 27th Reason of the Month for not eating out. (Pretty neat collision of life and blog, isn’t it?) Yes, if you can believe it, you’ve suffered for twenty-six rants from the often irrational, at times delirious, and petty tirade-prone mind of this blogger. I thank you humbly. This time, I thought I’d try something new. I’d like to invite anyone to submit their own “Reason For Not Eating Out” … Read More

Reason For Not Eating Out #26: Watching the Pot Boil
16 Nov 2008

Reason For Not Eating Out #26: Watching the Pot Boil

by | posted in: Reason of the Month | 4

Whoever said, “a watched pot never boils” clearly does not know the joys of cooking. He or she does not understand the tiny miracles of science stirring in every pot, even before it boils. Never saw the blip of creation right as the first bubble formed against its side. It is like not having watched the sun set.

The King of Cauliflower Casserole
14 Nov 2008

The King of Cauliflower Casserole

by | posted in: Cook-Offs, NYC Events, Recipes | 19

You know what? After all the lovely compliments you’ve given me on my Orecchiette and Arugula casserole, I’m not sure how it would have fared, head-to-head, with the winner of the fourth annual Casserole Party. Nor the rest of the amazing twenty-eight casseroles that were brought to the cook-off this past Monday. Emily Farris, author of Casserole Crazy, has clearly inspired casserole craziness in Brooklyn since she created the cook-off four years ago. Of the very best kind.

Who’s the Top Ramen?
12 Nov 2008

Who’s the Top Ramen?

by | posted in: Cook-Offs, NYC Events, Recipes | 10

Last year it was the Bodega Challenge, this year it was the instant Ramen-Off, I swear, Harry and Taylor of The Brooklyn Kitchen have a thing for bringing out the best in the worst of foods. Perhaps terrified that I would endanger this reputation by bringing in something awful (i.e. my bodega-inspired Potato Chips au Gratin), they named me judge for this year’s Ramen-Off, held in celebration of the two-year anniversary of the independent kitchen store. Mission accomplished, if so.

Completely Elitist Orecchiette & Arugula Casserole
10 Nov 2008

Completely Elitist Orecchiette & Arugula Casserole

by | posted in: Pasta & Noodles, Recipes, vegetarian | 23

This isn’t really a political blog, but in light of recent circumstances (ahem — GObama! — ahem), I thought I’d make a little exception. Because if there’s one thing I learned from the long road to the Presidential election, it’s that food is political. Period. You cannot like arugula, for instance (which ironically was only a peasant food in Italian cuisine until recent waves of popularity), without being “elite” (and possibly, a terrorist). Let’s look beyond that. This casserole combines … Read More

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