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Category: Old World

Cast Iron Skillet Paella

How to Make Paella using a Cast Iron Skillet

Rather than using a traditional paella pan, this method uses a standard 12″ cast iron skillet to get the job done, and the results are spectacular. Note that you will need a lid, or something to cover the skillet, while the rice finishes.

Continue reading “Cast Iron Skillet Paella” →

Posted on August 9, 2023April 28, 2025 by jamesbradfordgrayPosted in Chicken, Complete Meals, Cuisine, Dinner Tonight, In the Kitchen, Latin, Mediterranean, New World, Old World, One Pot Wonders, Recipes, SeafoodTagged cast iron, cast iron skillet, fancy dinner, paella, saffron, seafood paella, spanish food. 1 Comment

Grilled Saffron Rack of Lamb with Mediterranean Herbs & Spices

This rack of lamb is the perfect entrée for these first days of springtime, and is full of Mediterranean flavor. Grill it over mesquite (or any hardwood) for extra flavor.

Continue reading “Grilled Saffron Rack of Lamb with Mediterranean Herbs & Spices” →

Posted on April 10, 2023February 25, 2024 by jamesbradfordgrayPosted in Beef and Lamb, Complete Meals, Cuisine, Dinner Tonight, In the Kitchen, Inspiration, Latin, Mediterranean, Old World, On the GrillTagged #french rack of lamb, #grilled lamb, #grilling, #grillingseason, #lamb, #mediterranean lamb. 3 Comments

Seafood Pasta with Scallops and Gulf Shrimp

Even though this is easy enough for a weeknight, it’s also elegant enough for a special occasion.

Continue reading “Seafood Pasta with Scallops and Gulf Shrimp” →

Posted on February 27, 2023February 17, 2025 by jamesbradfordgrayPosted in Complete Meals, In the Kitchen, Inspiration, Italian, Old World, Pasta, Recipes, SeafoodTagged date night dinner, easy date night dinner, fancy dinner, scallop pasta, scallops, shrimp. 1 Comment

Pesto with Penne and Grilled Chicken

Finally, the Pesto Pasta of My Dreams. Assembling this pasta has three steps, all of which are super easy.

(1) Make Pesto (2) Marinate and Grill Chicken (3) Cook Pasta According to Package Directions

Serve with Killer Garlic Bread and Grilled or roasted asparagus. Enjoy.

Continue reading “Pesto with Penne and Grilled Chicken” →

Posted on February 10, 2023March 11, 2025 by jamesbradfordgrayPosted in Chicken, Complete Meals, Dinner Tonight, In the Kitchen, Inspiration, Italian, Old World, On the Grill, Pasta, Recipes, Weeknight DinnersTagged authentic pesto, chicken pesto, homemade pesto, pesto, pesto genovese, pesto pasta. 1 Comment

Ragù Bolognese

Step aside Marinara Meat Sauce, Ragù Bolognese is without doubt the Queen of Italian sauces. This stick to your ribs pasta will warm your heart and soul any time of year.

Continue reading “Ragù Bolognese” →

Step aside Marinara Meat Sauce, Ragù Bolognese is without doubt the Queen of Italian sauces. This stick to your ribs pasta will warm your heart and soul any time of year.

Continue reading “Ragù Bolognese” →

Step aside Marinara Meat Sauce, Ragù Bolognese is without doubt the Queen of Italian sauces. This stick to your ribs pasta will warm your heart and soul any time of year.

Continue reading “Ragù Bolognese” →

Posted on December 23, 2022March 11, 2025 by jamesbradfordgrayPosted in Beef and Lamb, Complete Meals, Dinner Tonight, In the Kitchen, Inspiration, Italian, Old World, Pasta, Recipes6 Comments

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⛋ Field Notes | WINTER 2026

Seasonal Feature

6 Comforting Recipes to Make in the Dead of Winter

Just because the Holiday Season is over doesn't mean that Cooking Season is - we still have a lot of winter left to make delicious, cozy recipes. Here are 6 that are guaranteed to warm you up until things thaw out.

Featured Dinner

Roasted Salmon with Mustard, Miso & Brown Sugar

This simple but delicious weeknight dinner takes around 30 minutes to make, but feels luxurious enough for a weekend. Pair it with some roasted asparagus (which you can do on the same sheet pan if you like), and rice pilaf.

Gear

Here Are The Best Chef’s Aprons You Can Buy This Winter

Aprons – even expensive ones – are still cheaper than clothes. Here are the best aprons money can buy in 2025 for all your Fall cooking adventures.

Morning Coffee Read

Steak au Poivre with Apple Brandy Pink Peppercorn Sauce

Using Pink Peppercorns elevates this dish by contributing a fruity, floral depth while Himalayan Pink Salt provides a minerality which perfectly complements any cut of beef.

Tips & Tricks

7 Kitchen Hacks Used By Pro Chefs That You Should Be Using At Home

If you want to learn to cook like the pros, start with some of these tried-and-true pro hacks that have the potential to make your life infinitely easier in the kitchen.

Gear

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things…

“Japanese chefs believe that their soul goes into their knives once they start using them… You wouldn’t put your soul in the dishwasher, now would you?” — Masaharu Morimoto

About The Intrepid Gourmet

Hi! My name is Jim. I'm so glad you found your way to my blog!

I'm an avid cook, recipe developer and culinary enthusiast. At the end of the day though, I'm just a regular guy who loves cooking, eating, and sharing a fantastic meal with others.

I firmly believe cooking is for everyone, and that anyone who wants to learn to cook - and cook well - can do so.

As my grandfather used to say "If you can read, you can cook!" There is literally nothing to stop you from trying your hand in the kitchen - you'll be surprised what you can do!

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Disclaimer Cooking can be a thrilling experience, but is also inherently dangerous because most of the time it means using heat, which means fire, and sharp things, like knives, to say nothing of eating raw or undercooked things that might be housing various diseases, including but not limited to bacteria, salmonella, e Coli, trichinosis, etc. which can poison you.

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Category: Old World

Cast Iron Skillet Paella

How to Make Paella using a Cast Iron Skillet

Rather than using a traditional paella pan, this method uses a standard 12″ cast iron skillet to get the job done, and the results are spectacular. Note that you will need a lid, or something to cover the skillet, while the rice finishes.

Grilled Saffron Rack of Lamb with Mediterranean Herbs & Spices

This rack of lamb is the perfect entrée for these first days of springtime, and is full of Mediterranean flavor. Grill it over mesquite (or any hardwood) for extra flavor.

Seafood Pasta with Scallops and Gulf Shrimp

Even though this is easy enough for a weeknight, it’s also elegant enough for a special occasion.

Pesto with Penne and Grilled Chicken

Finally, the Pesto Pasta of My Dreams. Assembling this pasta has three steps, all of which are super easy.

Ragù Bolognese

Step aside Marinara Meat Sauce, Ragù Bolognese is without doubt the Queen of Italian sauces. This stick to your ribs pasta will warm your heart and soul any time of year.

Step aside Marinara Meat Sauce, Ragù Bolognese is without doubt the Queen of Italian sauces. This stick to your ribs pasta will warm your heart and soul any time of year.

Step aside Marinara Meat Sauce, Ragù Bolognese is without doubt the Queen of Italian sauces. This stick to your ribs pasta will warm your heart and soul any time of year.

Featured Dinner

Roasted Salmon with Mustard, Miso & Brown Sugar

This simple but delicious weeknight dinner takes around 30 minutes to make, but feels luxurious enough for a weekend. Pair it with some roasted asparagus (which you can do on the same sheet pan if you like), and rice pilaf.

4 minute read

Gear

Here Are The Best Chef’s Aprons You Can Buy This Winter

Aprons – even expensive ones – are still cheaper than clothes. Here are the best aprons money can buy in 2025 for all your Fall cooking adventures.

4 minute read

Morning Coffee Read

The Truth About MSG

MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) has gotten a bad rap for decades, but the question remains: is it really as bad for you as everyone thinks?

15 minute read

Quick Read

Steak au Poivre with Apple Brandy Pink Peppercorn Sauce

Using Pink Peppercorns elevates this dish by contributing a fruity, floral depth while Himalayan Pink Salt provides a minerality which perfectly complements any cut of beef.

3 minute read