Baking is science and I don't like formulas, but cooking is art and anything goes...and the simpler the better. It's all about less time at the stove and more time at the table. With a forty year passion for food I'm excited to share what I do in the kitchen nearly every day.

Monday, April 11, 2022

Easy Sausage Marinara Pasta

This one comes together quickly with fresh sausage and some pantry staples.

Remove the casings from four Italian sausages by slicing them down one side and peeling them away from the meat.  Heat a little bit of olive oil in a large pot then sauté the ground sausage and a chopped shallot until the meat is nearly cooked through. If you want to spice it up, this would be the time to add some red pepper flakes…or extra garlic as well.

To finish, simply pour in a jar of your favorite marinara, simmer for 10 minutes, then toss with a pound of cooked pasta and some parmesan. 

Monday, April 4, 2022

Brussel Sprout Parmesan Cranberry Salad

Sour, salty, and sweet, soft and crunchy, this salad has it all!

For a raw Brussel sprout salad I figure about six sprouts per person. Start by removing the discolored outer leaves then slicing as thinly as possible and set aside in a salad bowl. Sometimes it easier to cut the Brussel sprout in half first then slice with the flat cut half against the cutting board.

Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into a small bowl, add a handful of dried cranberries and soak for at least five minutes. Next, prep the parmesan using a cheese planer or the coarsest side of a box grater…shave about a half a cup and set aside.

When you’re ready to go, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil onto the sprouts along with the cranberries and lemon juice. Toss well, add the shaved parmesan then salt and pepper to taste. Depending on how wet you like your salads, you may want to add some more lemon juice or olive oil.