Tuscan Beef Stew

Tuscan Beef Stew

I appreciate that Cook’s Illustrated has a scientific explanation for why its recipes are superior to others, but most of the time I’m content to take it at face value and not read their lengthy dissertation.  I don’t dislike science, I just feel...
Toasted Bread with Burrata and Arugula

Toasted Bread with Burrata and Arugula

Or Bocconcini if that’s what you discover the kid in the cheese department gave you right before you assemble this.  At least it was buffalo.   This was meant to be a first course but I doubled it and served as an appetizer.  It was a bit of a mess to eat...
Italian Vegetable Stew

Italian Vegetable Stew

As I write this local Chicago weather professionals are going bonkers over a predicted record-setting temperature tomorrow.  National weather folks are saying there will be wind chill factors in FLORIDA.   And what most experts will tell you is that the best...
Nutella Swirled Banana Bread

Nutella Swirled Banana Bread

I never truly embraced banana bread (or zucchini bread, or carrot cake) and only make it for the very sound reason that I often have black bananas.  And having lived through the Great Depression and traveled Route 66 through most of the dust bowl with all my...