freezer

I adore my freezer: I am the boss and the freezer works for me. I capture all sorts of short-cuts and good ideas in my freezer, and who doesn’t love “what’s for dinner?” can be as easy as: what’s in my freezer?

"Oh Cookie Time, Oh Cookie Time"

12/05/2007 | 10 Comments | Topics: food., freezer

I cannot help but sing many different songs to the tune of “Oh Christmas Tree.” I make up words to this tune, silly words, while driving the kids around town. And I could just as easily make up a holiday-cookie-baking version of the song… if I really wanted to. Singing or not singing, it is the time of year to bring out the flour, sugar and butter and mix them… [more]

rum raisin shortbread cookies

07/15/2007 | 13 Comments | Topics: food., freezer

My father used to eat, or rather devour, a rum raisin bread pudding that his mother made. When I came across this particular cookie, it spoke of his favorite flavors all folded together with a bit of butter. Who was I not to make it? I am not a hard sell when it comes to new recipes, and this one I adopted from the June 2007 Martha Stewart cookie… [more]

ice cube trays: not just for ice

02/12/2007 | 17 Comments | Topics: food., freezer, kitchen tips

I am all about finding little helpful tricks in the kitchen, if only to make me feel ‘smart.’ Tricks sometimes save you time, but there are those that don’t. With a lot of kitchen ideas and doo-dads out there, it is essential to wade through all the ˜good things” to find what works for you and what doesn’t. I am increasingly fond of ice cube trays. Not necessarily if they… [more]

Amazing Macaroni & Cheese

12/07/2006 | 14 Comments | Topics: default dinners, entree, food., freezer, starch

Yes—I too ate the boxed version of macaroni and cheese in college. I would add smokies and/or broccoli to give it a little color and flavor (my other main indulgence was making Big Gulp size lattes on the $30 Krups espresso machine, back in the day we actually thought it was ‘expresso’). For the record, I would read Gourmet and Bon Apetit magazines while eating said boxed macaroni and cheese.… [more]

Answer: baked omelet, bruschetta & bread crumbs

12/04/2006 | 8 Comments | Topics: food spotlight, food., freezer, kitchen tips

Question: What do I make with day-old bread? I am a big fan of knowing what to do with fresh bakery bread before it goes to waste; almost as much as I adore having all sorts of ready-made inspiration waiting in my freezer (like pesto) or pantry (blueberry chutney, red sauce). I wish ‘what to make’ ideas popped readily into my head,… [more]

tomato sauce

11/19/2006 | 5 Comments | Topics: dip, sauce & syrup, food., freezer

It has been too long since I talked about tomatoes. My folks-in-law came over the other day bearing a pile of tomatoes from their garden. Drippingly sweet, these little gems have adorned plate after plate for 3 days and running. I have enjoyed them with mozzarella, poached eggs and rosemary toast. Tomorrow they will top quiche and nachos, and who knows about the next day!? But I am talking tomatoes… [more]

pesto now & later

08/25/2006 | Leave a comment! | Topics: dip, sauce & syrup, food., freezer, kitchen tips

Oh for the love of pesto. This is one of my ‘make it easier on myself later’ tricks that I employ in my kitchen. No doubt there are a million tricks to discover: I love the thrill of finding that next one. When the basil is abundant—whether its from the store or my garden—rather than let it go to waste, I make it into pesto for ‘Later.’ This pesto… [more]