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Hazelnut romesco sauce

Romesco sauce is a Spanish classic, used as a dip for raw or grilled vegetables, shrimp or as a condiment for roasted meats. The traditional version calls for dried chiles and almonds and requires more laborious preparation. This different version is lighter, easier to prepare and equally delicious. 1/3 c. roasted hazelnuts, skinned 2 large […]

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Homemade cocktail sauce

Sure, you can buy cocktail sauce. You can even make it by combining catsup and horseradish. But this homemade version transforms cocktail sauce from a tired old standby into something terrific.  1 tsp. whole cloves 1 tsp. celery seed 1 quart peeled, chopped and drained tomatoes, fresh or canned 2 c. diced red bell peppers […]

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Cajeta

Mexican cajeta is, hands down, the most delectable caramel sauce I’ve ever had. Jarred cajeta can be found in the ethnic sections of groceries, but it’s nowhere near as wonderful as this homemade one. I don’t know why the goat milk makes such a difference – perhaps a subtle tanginess – but the sauce doesn’t […]

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Mushroom-farro tart

This tart is sophisticated and gorgeous – a perfect substitute for vegetarians at Thanksgiving tables who’ll eschew dressings made with sausage, oysters, etc.; and/or stuffed inside the turkey. And it’s so delicious it’ll seduce the most outspoken non-vegetarians. Farro and spelt are ancient grains related to wheat. Spelt is available at Food Fantasies and in […]

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Pumpkin mac and cheese

Originally from the famed Nashville, Tenn., Loveless Café, this decadent mac and cheese recipe has evolved through several adaptations. The pumpkin doesn’t overwhelm the cheeses; rather it adds a slightly sweet mellowness that may have you wondering if you’ll ever be satisfied with regular mac and cheese again. Though I generally eschew processed cheese products […]

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Bananas Foster

This luscious flamed dessert from New Orleans is about as far from down-home Cajun as you can get and still be in Louisiana. In fact, it’s become such a staple in restaurants that offer tableside preparation that its connection to the Crescent City is often forgotten. But it was invented more than 60 years ago […]

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Caramelized-onion marmalade

Nothing is more dramatically transformed by browning than onions. Sharply pungent raw onions become richly mellow, savory and sweet. This caramelized-onion marmalade has many uses: as a sandwich spread, or on a grilled cheese sandwich. I often use it as a base for salad dressing (mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil with every quarter-cup of […]

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