Cooking Articles

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...

A Homemade Gift Is Always In Style

The art of the homemade Christmas gifts was not lost on me even as a young child thanks to the craftiness of my mother. Growing up I watched my mom, an excellent baker, spend an entire week preparing...

A Warming Holiday Tradition

This year I’ve vowed to take the holidays a bit easier, really enjoying the season and making lasting memories with friends and family. Rather than last year’s rush, rush, rush, right up until the...

Tidings of Macaroni Comfort and Cheesy Joy

This season is full of good tidings of comfort and joy, and bellies full of comfort food. Putting together a menu for the holidays is akin to drawing up a “Best Of” list for all of our soul soothing...

Less Sweet Holiday Treats

It seems like this time of year, it’s hard to keep kids away from all the sweet goodies. From candy canes to sugar cookies and chocolate galore, it’s a never-ending parade of sugar for both adults...

Cookie Press Success

Do you love homemade shortbread cookies but don’t love to bake ‘em? And by chance do you have one or even two kids who tend to like interesting gadgets? If so, you may have the makings of cookie press...

2 In 1: Balsamic Braised Tofu AND Chicken!

Balsamic vinegar is one of the best flavors on the planet. Combine it with tomatoes in a long, slow simmer and it’s especially magical. Now that’s a combo I haven’t had in the slow cooker before—just...

Christmas Comes More Than Once This Year

How many Christmases are you having this year? Or will it be one Christmas, one Hanukkah, and perhaps a Kwanza dinner? After years of singular Christmas simplicity, this year it looks like my family...