Americans think of braised dishes – those delectable concoctions of long-simmered ingredients surrounded by, but not submerged in, liquids – as quintessentially American or (primarily Western) European. True, there are many such, from American Southern smothered roasts and chicken fricassees to Irish stews and boeuf bourguignon. But braising techniques are used in recipes worldwide. There […]
Julianne Glatz
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Surprise!
We Glatzs have a long history of throwing surprise parties, largely due to my husband, Peter. For my first birthday after our wedding, for days ahead he’d get up after I’d fallen asleep, roll a towel against our bedroom door to keep any smells out, and begin cooking through the night, storing his efforts in […]
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Motown’s green makeover
There have been thousands and thousands of words written and spoken about Detroit’s auto bailout. On Jan. 15, the fifth annual Slow Food Springfield Film Festival will feature Urban Roots a documentary about a different kind of bailout Detroit has been undergoing for the past few years – a green bailout. Detroit’s green makeover is […]
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Deborah Madison’s recipe for what’s hot in vegetables
It’s a sure bet that every year around this time, I’ll be pulling Deborah Madison’s Vegetable Soups from my cookbook shelves. There’s just something so right about vegetable-based soups – even substantial concoctions – after the surfeit of the holidays. Madison’s treatments of vegetables are masterful, whether she’s showcasing a single ingredient or combining contrasting […]
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2012 was the best and worst of years
2012: It’s been the best of years; it’s been the worst of years. At my life’s end, I doubt I’ll be able to look at another year that contained so many highs and lows. There was the accident in central rural Pennsylvania on Memorial Day, which I’ve written about before. All accidents are awful, but […]
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Most detested holiday tradition made delectable
Does anyone like fruitcake? You know, that stuff with the candied fruits: green and red glacéed cherries and candied citron peel with a half-life equal to that of uranium. For me, the citron is the deal-breaker. I’m not alone. Citron, a type of citrus fruit, has been around a long time; the ancient “foodie” Theophrastus […]
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Spicy holiday gifts
I’ve said it before: I like giving holiday food gifts that aren’t sweet. Not because I don’t like sweets – or getting them, for that matter. But it’s nice to give something that stands out among the tidal wave of cookies and candies. Giving spice mixtures along with ideas and recipes of how to use […]
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German Christmas traditions: Fröhliche Weihnachten!
Deutschland may not be “über alles,” but German Christmas traditions are deeply ingrained in American yuletide celebrations. Many are centuries old, such as festooning the house with evergreen boughs, a practice dating back to the Middle Ages (perhaps even longer, to pre-Christian times) and which eventually led to decorated Christmas trees. Until the advent of […]
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Frozen treats for holiday eats
Scenario No. 1: It’s 4 p.m. on Saturday. You’re standing in an incredibly long checkout line with your Secret Santa gift for the exchange at tonight’s Christmas party, and you’ve just remembered you’re supposed to bring an appetizer, too. You’re already running behind: You still have to battle the holiday traffic to get home, change […]
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Thanksgivings past spur thoughts on race, present and future
“Mrs. Obama … do you realize that when your husband becomes the next president of the United States, it will be historical?” “Why yes, I understand that. What does that mean to you?”“It means I can imagine anything for myself.” An exchange between Michelle Obama and a 10-year-old Ohio girl during the 2008 presidential campaign, […]
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Local big cheese on variety and expertise
Her voice halted me in my tracks. Right in front of the Montvale Schnucks’ newly renovated and expanded specialty cheese display, I quit pushing my cart. Shamelessly eavesdropping, I cast periodic surreptitious glances toward the speaker behind the counter. “This is Raclette. It’s from Switzerland and ….” A young Schnucks staffer was showing a piece […]
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As easy as pie
Even folks who don’t normally bake pies do so for Thanksgiving. Many are intimidated by the prospect; some are even too scared to try. That’s a shame, because it’s not that difficult once you understand a few basic rules. And making a totally made-from-scratch pie is deeply satisfying for both experts and novices. I’m not […]
