Menu Planning - Meals for Weeknights, Weekends and Special Occasions
Menu planning is one of the most enjoyable parts of cooking, but sometimes you're tired, braindead, in a hurry, or looking for a surprise combination. There menus are the place to come when cooking for two and you want something new.
Thanks for the Two of You
My 2008 Thanksgiving Menu for Two was a fairly traditional turkey dinner for two. Here's a much more interesting - and fun - menu that ackowledges the spirit if not the letter of Thanksgiving meals.
My 2008 Thanksgiving Menu for Two was a fairly traditional turkey dinner for two. Here's a much more interesting - and fun - menu that ackowledges the spirit if not the letter of Thanksgiving meals.
Make it Mexican
I'm not sure why I seldom fix Mexican/Southwestern food because I'm fond of it, but I don't. Nevertheless I've been making an effort to cook more of it - primarily to provide you folks with some recipes for two.
I'm not sure why I seldom fix Mexican/Southwestern food because I'm fond of it, but I don't. Nevertheless I've been making an effort to cook more of it - primarily to provide you folks with some recipes for two.
Making the Most of Roast Chicken
Roast chicken is mighty good, but what about the leftovers? Here's a menu that uses those leftovers up.
Roast chicken is mighty good, but what about the leftovers? Here's a menu that uses those leftovers up.
Apple Recipes
One of the first things that pops into my mind when I think of fall foods are apples. In the fall the apples are (or should be) always crisp, never mealy, and packed with sugar and acid in varying degrees. And instead of being limited to the supermarket suspects - Red and Golden Delicious, MacIntosh, Granny Smith - I can find heirloom apples at the farmers' markets with names like: Spitzenburg, A…
One of the first things that pops into my mind when I think of fall foods are apples. In the fall the apples are (or should be) always crisp, never mealy, and packed with sugar and acid in varying degrees. And instead of being limited to the supermarket suspects - Red and Golden Delicious, MacIntosh, Granny Smith - I can find heirloom apples at the farmers' markets with names like: Spitzenburg, A…
Thanksgiving for Two
Sure, you can go out to dinner on T'day and avoid the trouble of making your own feast. Or you could just make it a private celebration and be thankful for each other.
Sure, you can go out to dinner on T'day and avoid the trouble of making your own feast. Or you could just make it a private celebration and be thankful for each other.
Fall Vegetables
Even the zucchini eventually gives out and summer comes to an end, at which time we turn to the hard winter squashes like butternut, acorn, kimbawe and pumpkin as well as other cold weather vegetables.
Even the zucchini eventually gives out and summer comes to an end, at which time we turn to the hard winter squashes like butternut, acorn, kimbawe and pumpkin as well as other cold weather vegetables.
On the Lamb
Although those of us who pay attention to food heritage have been conditioned to think of lamb as a spring-time treat, it's not really any more. Lambs are certainly born in the spring and in those areas where sheep (as opposed to cattle, pigs, or goat) are the standard animal devoted to animal husbandry one or two are often eaten as part of a celebration of spring's arrival. These are tiny, delic…
Although those of us who pay attention to food heritage have been conditioned to think of lamb as a spring-time treat, it's not really any more. Lambs are certainly born in the spring and in those areas where sheep (as opposed to cattle, pigs, or goat) are the standard animal devoted to animal husbandry one or two are often eaten as part of a celebration of spring's arrival. These are tiny, delic…
On the Lamb
Although those of us who pay attention to food heritage have been conditioned to think of lamb as a spring-time treat, it's not really any more. Lambs are certainly born in the spring and in those areas where sheep (as opposed to cattle, pigs, or goat) are the standard animal devoted to animal husbandry one or two are often eaten as part of a celebration of spring's arrival. These are tiny, delic…
Although those of us who pay attention to food heritage have been conditioned to think of lamb as a spring-time treat, it's not really any more. Lambs are certainly born in the spring and in those areas where sheep (as opposed to cattle, pigs, or goat) are the standard animal devoted to animal husbandry one or two are often eaten as part of a celebration of spring's arrival. These are tiny, delic…
Favorite Breakfasts
We're told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day - which makes sense. After all by the time I get up in the morning I probably haven't had a meal in more than 12 hours.
We're told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day - which makes sense. After all by the time I get up in the morning I probably haven't had a meal in more than 12 hours.
Breakfast Recipes
We're told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day - which makes sense. After all by the time I get up in the morning I probably haven't had a meal in more than 12 hours.
We're told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day - which makes sense. After all by the time I get up in the morning I probably haven't had a meal in more than 12 hours.
Making the Most of Pork
This is the first in a series of articles/recipes that demonstrate a featured recipe and then offers a schedule and additional recipes to use the leftovers. The featured recipe does require some time and, sometimes, effort but the leftover recipes are all quick and easy enough for a weeknight meal. This week we'll make the most of a pork loin roast.
Labor Day Menu
Summer doesn't officially end until September 22, but for most of us Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. We gather round for a last holiday (it's about three months until the next one, Thanksgiving), put something on the grill and say good bye to the dog days of August. Here in the South that mean's we still face the dog days of September, but it's the thought that counts. Here's a grea…
Summer doesn't officially end until September 22, but for most of us Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. We gather round for a last holiday (it's about three months until the next one, Thanksgiving), put something on the grill and say good bye to the dog days of August. Here in the South that mean's we still face the dog days of September, but it's the thought that counts. Here's a grea…
Spanish Nights
I've been fortunate enough to visit (and eat in) France, Greece, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Egypt, England, Holland, Belgium, and Spain and my favorite cuisine was in Spain. It was defined by the flavors of olive oil, garlic and lemon (the Spanish like garlic and olive oil even more than the Italians), highlighted with Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary, and lent …
I've been fortunate enough to visit (and eat in) France, Greece, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Egypt, England, Holland, Belgium, and Spain and my favorite cuisine was in Spain. It was defined by the flavors of olive oil, garlic and lemon (the Spanish like garlic and olive oil even more than the Italians), highlighted with Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary, and lent …
An Italian Summer Evening
I have a deep and abiding fondness for food from the Mediterranean, whether the origin is southern France, Spain, Greece, Morocco, or Italy. These meals tend to be light and are perfect for al fresco dining on the patio.
I have a deep and abiding fondness for food from the Mediterranean, whether the origin is southern France, Spain, Greece, Morocco, or Italy. These meals tend to be light and are perfect for al fresco dining on the patio.
Grilled Seafood Menu
Seafood cooks so quickly it almost seems like too much trouble to grill it. Because it's so quick there's time to cook other things - even over a tiny Weber Smoky Joe. Serves 2.
Seafood cooks so quickly it almost seems like too much trouble to grill it. Because it's so quick there's time to cook other things - even over a tiny Weber Smoky Joe. Serves 2.
Tailgate for Two
Tailgate picnics were a common feature of my childhood. Whenever we took a road trip, whether it lasted a day or, in one case, three weeks, at lunch we'd stop pull down the tailgate on the stations wagon, and my mother would unpack sandwich fixings, paper plates and napkins, and whatever else my parents had purchased for our tailgate party.
Tailgate picnics were a common feature of my childhood. Whenever we took a road trip, whether it lasted a day or, in one case, three weeks, at lunch we'd stop pull down the tailgate on the stations wagon, and my mother would unpack sandwich fixings, paper plates and napkins, and whatever else my parents had purchased for our tailgate party.
Grilling for Two
Let me confess up front that when it comes to grilling meat - or anything else - I'm a arch-conservative. You should only grill over natural charcoal. You should never touch lighter fluid (a chimney works perfectly). I won't o near a gas grill and the only time I use briquettes is when I'm smoking meat - barbequing - (because natural charcoal burns too hot) and then I only use natural bri…
Let me confess up front that when it comes to grilling meat - or anything else - I'm a arch-conservative. You should only grill over natural charcoal. You should never touch lighter fluid (a chimney works perfectly). I won't o near a gas grill and the only time I use briquettes is when I'm smoking meat - barbequing - (because natural charcoal burns too hot) and then I only use natural bri…
Spanish Nights: A Spanish Menu
My favorite cuisine is Spanish. It's defined by the flavors of olive oil, garlic, and lemon (the Spanish like garlic and olive oil even more than the Italians), highlighted with Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary, and lent an exotic flair with the inclusion of Moorish spices.
My favorite cuisine is Spanish. It's defined by the flavors of olive oil, garlic, and lemon (the Spanish like garlic and olive oil even more than the Italians), highlighted with Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary, and lent an exotic flair with the inclusion of Moorish spices.
Dinner on a Budget
Eating on a budget doesn't mean eating poorly. Some of the finest dishes ever created were develop by people trying to economize. They did so primarily by using less meat and poorer cuts of meat and by using whatever was readily available. Beans, rice, and pasta all stretch a meal for not much money, slow-cooking tenderizes tough meat and deepens flavors. This collection of recipes are all fairly…
Eating on a budget doesn't mean eating poorly. Some of the finest dishes ever created were develop by people trying to economize. They did so primarily by using less meat and poorer cuts of meat and by using whatever was readily available. Beans, rice, and pasta all stretch a meal for not much money, slow-cooking tenderizes tough meat and deepens flavors. This collection of recipes are all fairly…
Italian Easter Feast
This Italian Easter Feast was developed for a cooking class I taught and was a huge hit with the students. It's not completely traditional nor completely Italian, but it is mostly both of those. <i>Serves 2.</i>
This Italian Easter Feast was developed for a cooking class I taught and was a huge hit with the students. It's not completely traditional nor completely Italian, but it is mostly both of those. <i>Serves 2.</i>
Easter Ham Dinner
My personal preference for Easter dinner is lamb. Somehow it just seems to be the perfect main course for celebrating spring. But here in the South where I live the most popular dish is a glazed ham. Serves 2.
My personal preference for Easter dinner is lamb. Somehow it just seems to be the perfect main course for celebrating spring. But here in the South where I live the most popular dish is a glazed ham. Serves 2.
Be My Sweetheart
This menu offers foods of love, some are actual reputed aphrodisiacs while others are simply licentious by nature. Most of these can be prepared in advance, giving you plenty of time for a little pre-dinner flirting. Serves 2.
This menu offers foods of love, some are actual reputed aphrodisiacs while others are simply licentious by nature. Most of these can be prepared in advance, giving you plenty of time for a little pre-dinner flirting. Serves 2.
Superbowl Treats and Recipes
This collections of recipes and treats is perfect Superbowl fare - or for any other casual party.
This collections of recipes and treats is perfect Superbowl fare - or for any other casual party.
Football Buffet Party
To my mind, a fall or winter day watching a game in front of the TV calls for soup and sandwiches - with some coffee-table munchies tossed in for the boys parked in front of the TV and the ladies sheltering in the kitchen from the overt testosterone on display in the rec-room.
To my mind, a fall or winter day watching a game in front of the TV calls for soup and sandwiches - with some coffee-table munchies tossed in for the boys parked in front of the TV and the ladies sheltering in the kitchen from the overt testosterone on display in the rec-room.
New Year's Feast
I have an abiding affection for holidays and celebrations so I began a tradition of my own to acknowledge the new year: a New Year's Feast.I'd invite a few friends over for dinner on New Year's day, prepare a fancy meal, and we'd have a couple of glasses of champagne (sparkling wine) without worrying about other drivers or traffic checks by the police.
I have an abiding affection for holidays and celebrations so I began a tradition of my own to acknowledge the new year: a New Year's Feast.I'd invite a few friends over for dinner on New Year's day, prepare a fancy meal, and we'd have a couple of glasses of champagne (sparkling wine) without worrying about other drivers or traffic checks by the police.
Christmas Menu for Two
I've spent many Christmases alone or with just a friend or two, and as with all other holidays I absolutely dispute the idea that just because there are only one or two is no reason not create a feast. A smaller feast? Yes, but that makes it even harder to justify going out to eat instead of cooking.
I've spent many Christmases alone or with just a friend or two, and as with all other holidays I absolutely dispute the idea that just because there are only one or two is no reason not create a feast. A smaller feast? Yes, but that makes it even harder to justify going out to eat instead of cooking.
Thanksgiving Menu for Two
A traditional Thanksgiving dinner for two isn't that hard and is well worth the effort. Most of the dishes in this menu can be at least partially made in advance so you can relax and enjoy the holiday.
A traditional Thanksgiving dinner for two isn't that hard and is well worth the effort. Most of the dishes in this menu can be at least partially made in advance so you can relax and enjoy the holiday.
Early Fall Menu for Two
This is a good weekend menu because it takes a bit of time (although very little effort). Cornish hens are the perfect answer to roast chicken for two - no leftovers. Slice some of those late season tomatoes on the side and my recipe for braised Brussels sprouts has won over sprout haters. Finally, what better at the end of the meal than an apple crisp?
This is a good weekend menu because it takes a bit of time (although very little effort). Cornish hens are the perfect answer to roast chicken for two - no leftovers. Slice some of those late season tomatoes on the side and my recipe for braised Brussels sprouts has won over sprout haters. Finally, what better at the end of the meal than an apple crisp?
A Flagging 4th of July
For most of us, the 4th of July means grilling or barbequing. My favorite is barbequeing (slow smoking) ribs but I've also been known to fire-roast Cornish game hens, grill steaks or kebabs, and smoke a whole salmon.
For most of us, the 4th of July means grilling or barbequing. My favorite is barbequeing (slow smoking) ribs but I've also been known to fire-roast Cornish game hens, grill steaks or kebabs, and smoke a whole salmon.
Picking Nics
Above all, a picnic should not be ordinary, nor should it be an effort - at least not during the picnic itself. A little advance planning and work goes a long way toward keeping the picnic itself more joy than job but even a spur-of-the-moment picnic can be pure pleasure if you're prepared.
Above all, a picnic should not be ordinary, nor should it be an effort - at least not during the picnic itself. A little advance planning and work goes a long way toward keeping the picnic itself more joy than job but even a spur-of-the-moment picnic can be pure pleasure if you're prepared.
Father's Day 2008: Fried Chicken
I've been pondering my Father's Day menu. I always ask my parent's over for lunch on their parental and birth days and so what to fix this coming Sunday. I finally decided on fried chicken. Serves 2 or more.
I've been pondering my Father's Day menu. I always ask my parent's over for lunch on their parental and birth days and so what to fix this coming Sunday. I finally decided on fried chicken. Serves 2 or more.
Birthday Dinner
A birthday dinner is the perfect opportunity to tell someone you love them.
A birthday dinner is the perfect opportunity to tell someone you love them.
Happy Anniversary: Celebrate Your day
Anniversaries are the ultimate couple's meal, even more so than Valentine's Day because it commemorates not only your love but your history. To me, this is the time to pull out all the stops.
Anniversaries are the ultimate couple's meal, even more so than Valentine's Day because it commemorates not only your love but your history. To me, this is the time to pull out all the stops.
A Lazy Weekend
Cooking on the weekends is particularly enjoyable because you have time to cook seriously. Sometimes that means cooking something complex that stretches your imagination, abilities and teaches you something new. At other times it means making something that simply takes a long time - as in the case of this menu.
Cooking on the weekends is particularly enjoyable because you have time to cook seriously. Sometimes that means cooking something complex that stretches your imagination, abilities and teaches you something new. At other times it means making something that simply takes a long time - as in the case of this menu.
A Perfect End to a Long Day
It's your night to fix dinner, but the day has been back-to-back meetings and lunch was a bag of chips and a promise. You won't get home before 7:00. Sound familiar? Well here's an idea, and with a little planning you won't even have to stop at the store.
It's your night to fix dinner, but the day has been back-to-back meetings and lunch was a bag of chips and a promise. You won't get home before 7:00. Sound familiar? Well here's an idea, and with a little planning you won't even have to stop at the store.
Snowday - Eating Well on a Snowy Day
I lived in New Hampshire for three years and became all too familiar with six inch snowfalls on top of eight inch snowfalls. The only way to deal with that much snow is to stay at home in front of a fire and cook a hearty meal.
I lived in New Hampshire for three years and became all too familiar with six inch snowfalls on top of eight inch snowfalls. The only way to deal with that much snow is to stay at home in front of a fire and cook a hearty meal.
A Flash in the Pan
A great menu for a winter weeknight, this meal features veal scaloppini, egg noodles, braised Brussels sprouts, and even something sweet.
A great menu for a winter weeknight, this meal features veal scaloppini, egg noodles, braised Brussels sprouts, and even something sweet.
Valentine's Day Menu for Two
Popular with lovers of all ages, there is no other holiday so suitable for a couple unencumbered with children. This menu is as intimate as it gets.
Popular with lovers of all ages, there is no other holiday so suitable for a couple unencumbered with children. This menu is as intimate as it gets.