Barbeque experts and aficionados agree: It’s all about the meat. Drenching barbequed meats in sauce either keeps you from appreciating the exquisite artistry and scientific knowledge that went into its preparation – or masks an inferior product. In fact, some eschew sauce altogether. That said, good barbeque sauces used judiciously can enhance without overwhelming. Here’s […]
Food & Drink
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Cornell chicken
I first encountered Cornell Chicken in Steven Raichlen’s BBQ America cookbook. Intrigued with the recipe and its history, I made it. But my family’s consensus was that while it was good, it certainly wasn’t anything special. Recently, however, after watching an episode about Cornell Chicken on PBS’s “Cook’s Country,” I gave it another try. This […]
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The most famous State Fair food you’ve probably never heard of
Certain foods have become intrinsically linked with state fairs throughout most of the nation. Salt water taffy. Snow cones. Cotton candy. Lemonade shakeups. Recently there’s been an influx of increasingly bizarre items that are deep-fried or on a stick – or both. Many are outrageously over-the-top, the heights of their caloric content only equaled by […]
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Clay’s Popeye’s Barbeque turns 50
Barack Obama isn’t the only one who’s been celebrating a half-century birthday recently. Clay’s Popeye Barbeque’s 50th anniversary is this year. That’s a long time for any business to be in business, and especially noteworthy for a restaurant. Most have a much shorter lifespan. But Popeye’s has stood the test of time. Popeye’s Barbeque, which […]
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Ashley’s amazing biscuits
These biscuits are amazing because they’re so delicious and so incredibly easy. They’ve become known as Ashley’s biscuits in our house, but not because she devised the recipe. It comes from the cookbook Fanny at Chez Panisse, a Child’s Restaurant Adventures with 46 Recipes, written by the legendary Alice Waters. The recipes are simple yet […]
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Fresh peach cobbler
Peach cobbler is one of Mary Clay’s signature desserts. This is my version of that summertime classic. 2/3 – 1 c. sugar 1 T. cornstarch 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, optional 1 c. water Ashley’s amazing biscuit dough, using 2 T. sugar 3 heaping cups ripe peaches, peeled or not, cut into bite-sized pieces, including any juice […]
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The pleasures of paella
I’ve had Spain on my brain lately. Not because I’m planning a trip, although it’s high on my travel wish list. It’s because on Aug. 14 my husband, Peter, and I will host a house concert by a world-famous flamenco guitarist. We’d decided not to have any more house concerts until fall. But when the […]
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Paella
I’ve never actually made paella, although I’ve helped with prep. That’s because it’s Peter’s specialty, something he’s made for years for our family, for dinner parties, and when camping. He’s acquired several paella pans of various sizes. The latest measures 26 inches across, purchased specially for the upcoming concert. This recipe is adapted from one […]
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Sushi rice salad
It’s fun to roll your own. Sushi, that is. But it takes a bit of practice. I make sushi rolls, called makizushi, occasionally, and it always takes a couple to get the hang of it again. More often, I make this rice salad. It has the flavors and textures that make sushi so popular, and […]
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Steak and potato salad
Here’s a salad for meat and potatoes folks. While it’s certainly possible to grill steak and cook potatoes just for this dish, I almost always prepare extra when making a steak dinner to have for this salad a few days later. This recipe is loosely based on a steak salad I ordered at Chicago’s venerable […]
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Succulent salads for dog days
“If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” –Harry Truman Or at least minimize the heat. Kitchens today are far cooler than in Truman’s time, not least because of air conditioning. And it’s hard to imagine the inferno that earlier kitchens would have been. The heat generated by cast iron stoves or […]
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For edible Americana, look for Roadfood
By the time you read this, I’ll be back in Brooklyn. I just can’t stay away from my new grandson! As is often the case, I’m driving. Occasionally I fly, but more often than not, I take the car. Sometimes it’s because I’m taking stuff out to my son in Boston or daughter in New […]
