Cooking Articles

A Hearty Breakfast to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

St Paddy's Day is almost here and we know it’s all about the unhealthy indulgences ñ plenty of beer, corned beef, and maybe a green milkshake or other sweet treat. Since the holiday also happens...

Taking Stock of Your Kitchen Inventory

One of the most important things you can do to be a more competent cook is to know your inventory.  Not only do you need to be aware of the fresh foods and dry goods you have in stock (see New Years Resolutions...

For the Love of Clay

I’ve fallen in love with kitchen equipment in the past but never as quickly as this last time. This was love at first sight. This love is a clay pot. Clay pots have been on my radar for some time...

A Toast to St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner and I thought I might try to inspire your creativity by brainstorming with you on different fun foodie things you can make to celebrate the holiday. Now,...

An "Irish" Tradition

There is an annual St. Patrick’s Day tradition of making corned beef and cabbage and washing it down with a pint of green beer. But did you ever wonder, where did these traditions come from? Well,...

As Easy As St. Paddy's Day Pie

Everyone knows that St Patrick’s Day falls in mid March. It’s a great day to shake off the winter blahs by wearing some green and eating plenty of Irish goodies. But there is also another holiday...

Fast, Fine, and Comfortable at Home

You’re out of work, sales are slow, or maybe the economy has just got you down. You know what you need to cheer you up? A nice juicy Whopper. It may sound a bit strange, but that is apparently what...

St. Paddy's Day With The Kids

Another fun holiday is almost upon us; it’s time to break out a bit o’ the green for St Patrick’s Day. One of the many things I love about being a parent is that I get an excuse to go all out for...

The Egg May Be Hard, But The Meal Is Not

Like Thanksgiving and turkey, Easter would simply not be Easter without the Egg. First there is the Easter bunny, who stealthily hops around your house while you sleep, depositing plastic versions of...

A Little on the Irish . . .

Corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, potato pancakes or soda bread. Our family is not Irish, but we enjoy a li’l touch o’ the green festivities at this time of the year. And although we’ve been...

More On Crockpot Cheesecake

After experiencing my first success with creating a cheesecake in the slow cooker (did you try last week’s Chocolate Cheescake?), I’ve been off-and-running like a thoroughbred at the Kentucky Derby....

Kid-Friendly Egg Fun

Does your family join in traditional egg decorating with the spring festivities? If so, you’re actually participating in a custom that dates back to many an ancient springtime festival. Customarily...

Cookies From Bachelors Young and Old

Last week I visited with my graduate school mentors in Minneapolis. On my birthday (all hail to the July of my Years! 36!) I dined with my advisor--whom I call "Doc" but who insists on my calling him...

A Bundle of Mussel Joy

So here I am, carrying one 5 lb., 3 oz bundle of pure heaven all wrapped up tight and ready to take home. Inside the bundle it glistens, all black and shiny… with a beard. No, this bundle of joy is...

If Nothing Else, Don't Be Late For Easter Brunch

Daylight savings time is a great idea. It saves electricity by extending the possible daylight hours. Great idea. Except when the spring daylight savings time falls on Easter. That is not such a great...

An Ode to the Onion

When it comes to slow cooking, one of the most frequently used ingredients is the humble onion. The crockpot really mellows the sometimes pungent flavor, and as the sharp flavor fades to the background...