Cooking Season is Upon Us: Here Are The Best Chef’s Aprons You Can Buy This Fall
Aprons – even expensive ones – are still cheaper than clothes. As we enter the Fall 2025 Cooking Season, we anticipate the fragrant and cozy months to come. What we don’t necessarily anticipate (until it’s too late) is the inevitable: Exploding soups, spattered oil, foofy flour, splatters of tomato sauce… As my friend John said…
Jerk Chicken with Mango-Avocado Salsa
This fragrant, firey chicken can be yours within an hour of coming home from work, as long as you’re willing to do about 15 minutes of prep the night before. Marinate overnight for best results – then just grill it up and enjoy. Serve with Mango Avocado Salsa, and white rice for a healthy, delicious…
Grilled Shrimp with Pistachio Basil-Mint Pesto, Garlic-Saffron Aioli, & Heirloom Tomatoes
Jumbo shrimp in a marinade of pesto, saffron, and garlic aioli, get a quick walk across a hot grill, and are then served with fresh heirloom tomatoes to evoke the sensation of deep summer. The mint and pistachios, while not traditional in pesto, add a freshness that pairs perfectly with a hot summer night and…
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. This works equally well on a hot grill, just in case you’re not in the…
Lobster Risotto
This dish is as seductive to eat as it is to look at. Sweet, buttery lobster is paired with beautiful, floral saffron in this gorgeous dish that embodies the essence of deep summer. No matter where you live, this dish will instantly transport you to seaside, where dog-day afternoons give way to a cool, evening…
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is an Italian American Classic. Serve it up with a Caesar Salad and some Garlic Bread and you’ve got yourself a delicious Italian dinner that will rival your red-and-white checkered tablecloth joint any day of the week. This Post Last Updated 04/14/2025 Ingredients: For the Chicken Cutlets For the Marinara Sauce Instructions Prepare…
Panang Curry
Panang Curry – sometimes Phanaeng – hails from central Thailand (although it is sometimes confused with Penang, Malaysia). It features a rich, savory-sweet broth based in both peanuts and coconut milk. It is important to use full-fat coconut milk to achieve an authentically creamy result. Panang curry paste can be purchased online or at an…
7 Recipes to Make This Spring
There – we made it. Spring has finally arrived! Time to open up the windows, clean the grill, and start celebrating the availability of fresh, vegetal ingredients. Here are 7 recipes to try as you thaw out from the winter. #1: Grilled Saffron Rack of Lamb with Mediterranean Herbs & Spices This rack of lamb is…
This Dead Simple Hack Will Change Your Marinade Game Forever
You’re going to have to trust me on this one – but I guarantee that if you do, you won’t be disappointed. From chicken, to pork, to steak, to fish – this one trick does it all. Please stick with me. The secret… is mayonnaise. But before you run away screaming while waving your arms…
Classic Marinara Sauce
This classic Italian sauce is a staple for many dishes and can easily be enjoyed on it’s own over pasta. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for bread, calamari, or mozzarella cheese sticks. Ingredients Instructions
The OG New Mexico Chicken Chili Verde
The recipe that started this blog. Admittedly, this is a little time consuming for a weeknight dinner, but it’s not that bad – probably a little more than an hour if your prep skills are good; 90 minutes if you’re prep is on the slower side. Do you grocery shopping and prep your veggies for…
10 Common Kitchen Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
I’ve been guilty of all of these at one time during my culinary career as well, but if you are willing learn a thing or two from my mistakes and the mistakes of others, I guarantee it will make you a better cook. This Post Last Updated 02/24/2025 Mistake #1: Not using an instant read…
Cajun Jambalaya
Today is Mardi Gras, which means it’s time for some Cajun Jambalaya! The observant chef will notice that this dish bears a striking resemblance to paella, but somewhat simpler and with different ingredients. This recipe last updated 02/24/2025 Recipe Notes: Ingredients Instructions Serve in bowls with crusty bread. Enjoy!
Honey Lime & Adobo Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Jalapeño Cilantro Chimichurri
The majority of this meal can be prepped a day in advance – and the prep time is less than 30 minutes – so put it together the night before for a perfectly delicious midweek pick-me-up the next day. Serve with cilantro-lime rice, sliced avocado, and a grilled veg and you’ve got yourself dinner. Ingredients…
6 Comforting Recipes to Make in the Dead of Winter
Okay, let’s face it – the holidays are a distant memory; Valentines Day and the Superbowl are over, St. Patrick’s Day is a month out, and Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow on Groundhog Day, so we’ve got at least another 6 weeks of winter. Here are 6 comforting recipes (one per week!) to get…
Boneless Buffalo Wings
When I was in college in Amherst, MA there was this bar called “The Hangar” that was famous for it’s boneless Buffalo “wings” – which of course are really chicken tenders tossed in Buffalo sauce. But man, they were addictive. It was something about the crispy, perfect, crunchy breading on the outside with the tender…
Thai Green Coconut Curry
Cut by lime and fragrant with cilantro, this bright vegetal curry comes together in around 30 minutes. The subtle sweetness of the coconut, bamboo, and sugar snap peas is balanced by fiery green peppers and the deep umami of fish sauce and white miso. This recipe uses chicken as a protein, but any firm fish…
How to Balance Flavors – And Make Your Food Taste Great
Here’s the game-changer: If your food doesn’t taste the way you want it to, it’s probably not a matter of needing more of something; it’s probably a matter of whatever it is being out of balance. For a lot of chefs – both professional and home cooks alike – things begin to change when they actually start to…
Chocolate Crème Brûlée
This decadent, luscious dessert is sure to satisfy any chocoholic. It pairs especially well with a port or dessert red wine – and is well suited to romantic dinners (Steak au Poivre anyone?) – but is delicious any time. NOTE: This recipe doubles easily to make 6, 7oz ramekins Ingredients For 3, 7oz Ramekins Method…
4 Romantic Dinner Ideas (Plus a Dessert!) that say “I Love You” this Valentines Day
Cooking for other people is a great way to express your love for them any time of year, but these dinners are something truly special. And if for whatever reason you’re alone this Valentines Day this year, make one of these for a platonic friend, or even just for yourself – you’re worth it. #…
Ode to the Microwave Breakfast Sandwich
Look – not everything on this blog is designed to be haut cuisine. Some things – like this Microwave Breakfast Sandwich – are just practical. And delicious. *Ahem* *Clears throat, taps microphone…* “O Microwave Breakfast Sandwich! How I adore thee!Thy savory, calorie & cholesterol laden deliciousness;Thy perfectly soft, unnaturally round egg – Thy mapley morning…
Seafood Fra Diavolo (Arrabbiata Sauce)
Photo Credit: Lucas Scott Wright This delicious, spicy pasta dish comes together in no time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. It can be as simple or as decadent as you like – it really only needs one type of seafood, but this recipe includes calamari, lobster, and shrimp. Serve with Garlic Bread, extra lemon…
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
This is perfect weeknight comfort food – savory, thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, sweet bell peppers and umami-packed mushrooms, all stuffed into a soft hoagie roll. Pair it with a crisp lager or IPA. Ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s both difficult and easy to understand the allure of the famous Philly Cheesesteak. It’s…
Tuscan Grilled Chicken with Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Angel Hair Pasta
This bright and flavorful pasta is especially suited to warm summer evenings, but can be enjoyed any time of year. It pairs perfectly with a crisp, dry white wine (such as pinot grigio). Total cook time is probably around an hour, but can be shortened to 30 minutes by using rotisserie or pre-made grilled chicken…
The Truth About MSG & Why You Should Cook With It More
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) has gotten a bad rap for decades, but the question remains: is it really as bad for you as everyone thinks? Here is the fascinating and bizarre history behind the origins of MSG-hate, and why you should actually be cooking with it a lot more. Last Updated August 12, 2025 In this…
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. Pro Hack # 1: Use deli containers, a sharpie marker, and light blue painters tape to keep things organized. Deli containers are superior to…
Saffron Grilled Chicken Kebabs
These chicken kebabs are simple to make, and are a sure crowd pleaser any time of year. Saffron, once considered the world’s most elusive and prohibitively expensive spice, is now readily available at Amazon and other specialty grocers like Trader Joe’s. You Will Need: Ingredients Instructions Serve with Rice Pilaf, Hummus, a Mediterranean Salad, and…
Lemon & Pistachio Pesto Pasta
This variation on Pesto Genovese gets a jolt of acidity from the addition of lemon juice and zest, and uses a 50/50 blend of pistachio nuts and pine nuts (both are tree nuts), lending a unique color and luscious flavor to the dish. It also comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Best…
Essential Garlic Bread
This quick and easy version of Garlic Bread is made from pantry and fridge essentials, comes together in a flash, and is a perfect accompaniment or side dish to almost any meal. Last Updated January 8, 2026 Ingredients Instructions
The Notorious B.I.D. (Big Italian Dinner)
Here it is: Your complete guide to making a Big Italian Dinner that will warm your heart and soul this winter. Crank up the Pavarotti (or Sinatra, or whatever makes you feel Italian), open a nice Chianti, and get ready to feast like a wise-guy. INTRODUCTION The order of operations here is a little different…
5 Books on Food and Cooking You Should Read in 2025
Your 2025 reading list has arrived. Take some time this year to indulge yourself in these fun and fascinating books that are all about food, cooking, and the history and lore of the kitchen. I admit it – I love to read. And I’m a total nerd at heart. I’ll find any excuse to sit…
5 Reasons Why You Should Be Using Side Towels (like the pros do)
A pack of these is roughly the same price as a giant package of paper towels from the grocery store, but will last you 6 months to a year depending on how often you cook. I used to go through half a roll of paper towels every time I cooked trying to keep things clean. …
Mediterranean Salad
A great salad is the perfect compliment to any meal, and the secret lies in using fresh ingredients – and a homemade salad dressing. Once you learn to make your own salad dressing – which is simple to do – you’ll never buy store-bought again. Ingredients For the Salad: For the Salad Dressing: Instructions: For…
5 Reasons Why You Should Cook More in 2025
Some of you may be asking this question: Why should I learn to cook? It takes time. It takes money. It means I have to go to the grocery store. It takes practice. I have so little free time in my life – why should I spend time every day, or a few days…
How To Build The Perfect Charcuterie Board
It may be counterintuitive, but the secret to building a great charcutier board lies in choosing ingredients that to some degree actually oppose – rather than compliment – each other. This keeps the experience interesting enough that people will want to keep munching. A charcuterie board is the perfect dinner for New Year’s Eve, because…
How (and Why) to Roast Garlic
Roasted garlic is utterly delicious and has myriad uses: use it to make the best garlic bread of your life; combine it with raw grated garlic in salad dressings to tease out more depth of flavor, add it to an Umami Bomb when making sauces and stews… or just eat it with some Brie cheese…
Rice Pilaf
Sure, you can use Near East or even the Riceroni version – which are surprisingly good – but here’s how to make you own authentic Rice Pilaf. Ingredients Instructions
Hummus
This version of hummus uses both roasted garlic and grated raw garlic – the former for background and the latter for bite. Feel free to omit the cumin, or add whatever other herbs and spice you like – just don’t go overboard; the beauty of hummus is in its simplicity. Ingredients Instructions Add ingredients 1-6…
Panko Parmesan Crusted Chicken Piccata
This twist on an Italian classic uses Japanese panko bread crumbs to create a delicate yet irresistibly crisp breading on the outside of lightly fried chicken cutlets which are then served with a savory and tangy pan sauce over angel hair pasta. This post last updated 12/22/2024 You Will Need: Ingredients: Prep: Cook: While the…
Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce
Traditionally made with pork (in Japanese Tonkatsu) – this quick and easy version is made using chicken cutlets. Less than an hour start to finish, it makes for a great weeknight meal. Best of all, the cutlets keep well for a few days and can be reheated in the oven (or air-fryer) for additional meals…
3 Keys to Making Your Own Signature House Seasoning
An irresistible House Seasoning will set your cooking apart from the rest. Developing a winning recipe for your own House Seasoning is easier than you think. There are all kinds of seasonings out there. In fact, if you go to the grocery store you will find that just about every major company makes their own…
12 Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Cook
Looking for gift ideas for that person in your life who loves to cook? Here are 10 unique ideas that are pretty much guaranteed to appeal to their inner chef. If you have a person in your life who loves to cook, it can be tough to figure out what they might like – because…
4 Things to Do with Thanksgiving Leftovers
Here are my favorite things to do with Thanksgiving Leftovers… #1 – Make Turkey Sandwiches I love turkey sandwiches almost more than I love Thanksgiving Dinner. So does my father, and so did my grandfather. In fact, my grandfather loved leftovers so much that he would often go out the day after Thanksgiving and buy…
Turkey Enchiladas with Green Chili and Bacon
If you’re looking for something to do with your leftover Thanksgiving turkey (that’s not sandwiches), these enchiladas will hit the spot. Great thing about this is you can make ahead of time, and then just pop them in the oven when you get home from work – done in about 45 minutes. In case you…
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 I’m not going to lie. I love my knives so much that when I think about my last will and testament, I don’t think about the…
5 Classic Thanksgiving Sides to Make This Thanksgiving
Here it is: Your definitive guide to Thanksgiving Sides The Secret to Perfect Mashed Potatoes The secret to absolutely perfectly fluffy and creamy mashed potatoes lies in two quick hacks. Comfort food at it’s best. Read the full story here… Shiitake Mushroom Gravy Unctuous without being cloying; mellowed with cream, woodsy with herbs, and packing…
Perfect Turkey Stuffing (What You Need to Know)
No matter exactly how you make stuffing (casserole-style, stovetop style, or actually stuffing it IN your turkey, as God intended), these are the ratios you need to remember for stuffing that’s perfectly fluffy. Everybody has their own opinions about how to make stuffing. Growing up, it was always the stovetop method. These days, we actually…
Shiitake Mushroom Gravy
Unctuous without being cloying; mellowed with cream, woodsy with herbs, and packing an umami punch from the mushrooms, it is – in my opinion – the perfect gravy for any occasion. While not traditional per-se, once I was introduced to this version of gravy I’ve never gone back. You Will Need: Ingredients Instructions
Why You Should Be Making Your Own Stock (And How To Do It In Half The Time)
Almost all restaurants make their own stock – it’s one of the things that gives restaurant food that additional depth of flavor and texture. Traditionally, this process takes 8 – 12 hours at home, but the method here takes less than 2 – and most of that time is hands off – thanks to using…
Penne Alla Vodka
Another beloved Italian-American Classic, this basic dish will rival anything you might get at your local red-and-white checkered tablecloth joint and comes together in about 30 minutes. Pancetta, prosciutto or even bacon in a pinch – or any of your favorite porcine ingredients – elevate this dish to the next level, but it still tastes…
Khao Soi Curry
This version of curry hails from Northern Thailand and is all at once warming, comforting and deeply flavorful – sure to warm your heart on a cold winter night. As with any dish, it is important to check for taste as you go – you want to carefully balance Salt, Acid, Heat and Sweet. You…
Linguine con le Vongolé (Linguine with Clams)
This Italian classic is simple and delicious. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight and elegant enough for a special dinner for two. It is satisfying and filling, yet light on both the wallet and the stomach. Also, it’s guaranteed to keep the vampires away for a millennia or so. What’s not to love? Last…
The Intrepid Gourmet 