Cooking Articles

A History of Slow Cookin'

“The crockpot! Yes, my wife discovered that’s the trick to fast, easy home cooked meals and it’s been wonderful …”, he said. “Now she just tosses the goods in and we come home to a hot dinner!” I...

My Birthday Wish: Cinnamon Rolls

Today is my birthday, which unfortunately doesn’t really mean anything since I still have to go to work and school. I love having a birthday in December; however, since I’ve been in college, my birthday...

Grandmas Still Know Best

It took me a week to polish off the last crumbs of Thanksgiving’s apple pie. I had been slowly savoring it as each bite for me was a journey, with juicy apple redolent of fall spices, crunch of brown...

Shopping at Home for a Holiday Party

Thanksgiving is over and the holiday season is in full swing. When I have people over this time of year, it is often done spontaneously. That means you can’t spend days preparing; what you serve needs...

Vegan Protein Options

If you have vegan friends or family, you may find yourself wondering how to create a protein-rich meal that will satisfy them while still respecting their dietary plan. It certainly can be challenging...

Battling the Bachelor Blues During the Holidays

If you follow this column regularly, you know that I was to have Thanksgiving with the owners of this website. Owing to forces beyond our control, our annual little (Franken-)turkey party didn’t happen....

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

One of the holiday traditions I always shared with my mom and sister was an evening viewing of the Sound of Music. And one of my favorite scenes in this endearing holiday classic (which isn’t really...

Visions of Sugar Plums Dance in the East

‘Twas the night before your dinner party, and in front of your stove, you brainstormed a menu, but nothing arose. You had duck and potatoes, peas and some plums, yet you needed an idea to make this...

Kids' Night to Cook, Part I

Just when I was wondering how I was going to get everything done—the idea struck: Kids’ Night to Cook. Would there be a way that I could give the kids first-hand experience in the kitchen and give...

An Orange by Any Other Name Is a Grapefruit

Probably like most Americans, my husband and I usually have very little time to grocery shop and to cook. When we do get a chance to make our weekly pilgrimage to Super Wal-Mart, we utilize the swoop-and-attack...

Tonight's Dinner, Tomorrow's Appetizer

A few weeks ago I had some friends over for dinner, a sort of girls' night in while my boyfriend was out of town. In fact, I had taken the opportunity of his long work trip to have as many of these nights...

A Gingerbread World

Gingerbread baking is as seasonal as wrapping gifts and singing carols. Gum drop bedecked houses and candy-eyed men are among the classic incarnations of this sweet, yet sometimes savory, dough. Each...

Holiday Gifts From Your (CD)Kitchen

A friend of mine says that the best holiday gifts she receives are those that can be worn or eaten. And preferably the latter. At 84, she claims she has enough knickknacks to dust; but she and her husband...

Gingerbread Making: Catch Me If You Can

Having kids in the house means that we break out the Christmas decorations and music the moment the Thanksgiving dishes are washed and put away. And once the holiday season is fully underway, we are all...

Good Stuff on Stuffing

Who doesn't just love stuffing? Bread, soaked in savory juices, baked crispy on top, soft and moist on the bottom. It is my favorite part of any holiday meal, partly because I'm a vegetarian and partly...

Rooted in a Hungarian Feast

Few things are more satisfying than a nice meal and time spent around the table with a group of friends. Recently I had the good fortune to be invited to a dinner that was planned and cooked by a Hungarian...