Vodka Martini

Sometimes the classics are the best! The key to a great vodka martini is to make it really cold.  Decent quality vodka helps too but you don’t have to break the bank.  If you store your vodka in the freezer you can make a cold martini in seconds.  A frosted glass is even better. For […]

Gin Martini

You have to really like gin to like a gin martini.  Cheap gin is terrible so don’t bother with this cocktail if you don’t want to splurge on the good stuff. For this recipe you’ll need: a splash of dry vermouth 2 ounces cold gin lemon peel or martini olives for garnish Pour a splash […]

Soft Boiled Eggs

Everyone has their own recipe for boiling eggs.  This is mine borrowed from Cook’s Illustrated. Bring about 2″ of water to a rolling boil.  Add eggs directly from the fridge.  Cook for 6 1/2 minutes with the lid on. Remove from heat and run under cold water until the eggs are cool enough to handle. […]

Classic Brownies

These brownies are basically amazing. Plan ahead because you really do need to let them cool for a few hours before cutting them into squares. This is my go-to recipe when I need to bring a dessert somewhere new. Brownies are easy to serve and eat, and everyone loves them. They let people know what […]

Cider Vinaigrette

Without vinaigrette dressing I don’t know how I would manage our weekly CSA veggie delivery.  Too much lettuce?  Time for a big salad.  A weird root vegetable we’ve never seen before?  Roast it then dredge in dressing.  Too many potatoes?  Warm potato salad in a vinaigrette dressing.  Most vegetables that require cooking taste good roasted […]

Baking Conversion Chart

I wanted a baking conversion chart that was pretty enough to display in my kitchen.  I think this chalkboard design compliments my shabby-chic  stainless steel frame nicely. Is shabby-chic still a thing? Or should I call it distressed? Weathered? A shiny perfect frame would not blend in to my well loved (distressed? weathered?) kitchen. Click […]

Warm Potato Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette

Potatoes and bacon.  Seriously, what could be better than that? For this recipe you’ll need: 1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes 1/4 pound bacon chopped in small pieces 1 medium onion finely diced 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon honey salt & pepper Cook the potatoes (whole and unpeeled) in a […]

Kimchi Pancakes

We’ve had a huge jar of kimchi in our fridge for way too long.  Yesterday I got tired of looking at it.  I wondered just how long it we could keep it before it was too funky to eat.  Is that even possible with kimchi? I decided to try kimchi pancakes.  Pros:  uses a lot […]