Puerto Rican Rice and Beans Yummy Puerto Rican food will help you have a ‘rice’ day

Often, I launch this column by telling you a story that ties into whatever the week’s recipe is going to be. This week, however, I wanted to talk ingredients, because if you’re like me, this recipe is going to be a bit of a scavenger hunt through your local grocery store.  My sister-in-law makes amazing …

Moroccan Butternut Squash Chickpea Stew Make a great week even ‘Moroccan’ with veggie stew

Despite some of the balmier days lately, I’m certain autumn is upon us after seeing multiple “It’s fall, ya’ll” signs around town. Fall is always my favorite time of year, mostly because I’m excited to have slightly cooler temperatures that let me pull out my favorite sweatshirts, and I can start cooking up soup as …

Homemade Pastrami Making pastrami can turn you into a real ‘brisket’ case

We have been cautiously returning to eating in restaurants over the past couple of weeks. We’ve specifically been targeting local places who are clearly working keep their staff and customers safe and healthy. It was during one of those meals that Joey said to me, “I think we could make this.” “Oh, pastrami?” I replied, …

Chicken Chimichangas with White Sauce I’ll take all the Tex-Mex you can ‘chimi’

The debate about “authentic” food always fascinates me.  I recently listened to an episode of NPR’s “The Splendid Table,” where the host and guest were discussing the different ways people make sauce in Italy, and some of the recipes sounded very different than what I’d always thought was uniquely Italian. The same debate seems to …