Tag Archives: dinnerFeed

Instant Pot Classic Marinara and Her Distant Cousins (a no-recipe recipe)

Posted on Sep 3, 2020 by Peggy

My kids gave me an Instant Pot for Mother’s Day. Both passionate cooks, they told me they couldn’t imagine life without the contraption. But, to be honest, I rolled my eyes when opening the box—the last thing I need is another kitchen gadget cluttering my counters. That’s until I spied a yogurt button on the panel. I can make … Full recipe post »

My Secret Weapon Flavor Bomb for Savory, Summery Vinaigrettes

Posted on Jul 2, 2018 by Peggy

Last night we had friends over for a Fourth of July warm-up dinner party. The hyper-local menu–Grilled Sumac Lamb Chops, Cherry Couscous Salad and Asparagus–was created with the bulk of ingredients sourced in a one-mile radius; easy to pull off at this time of the year in the orchards and farmlands of Northern Michigan. The day before … Full recipe post »

Shrimp Burgers + the Naughty and Nice of Top 5 Burger Favs.

Posted on Jul 31, 2017 by Peggy

Note: I’m giving away a hardcover addition of my favorite Mark Bittman’s How To Cook Everything at the end of this blog. One burger word will enter you–Hoo-hoo! ♥♥♥So how’s your summer, folks? Sweltering? Having fun? Summer is Michigan’s payback for dealing with winter and we’re having us a grand ole’ time in these parts–outdoor … Full recipe post »

Abuela’s Pumpkin Flan with Caramel Sauce for Thanksgiving!

Posted on Nov 17, 2016 by Peggy

Women that grew up in countries outside of the United States, immigrated to America as young adults, raised families and have grandkids, capture my imagination. They’ve escaped war, poverty and oppression, many bringing only the shirts on their back and the recipes from their homelands. And their stories? Makes my life look like a pony ride at a … Full recipe post »

Pickled Herring for the “Eves” (a shortcut)

Posted on Dec 21, 2015 by Peggy

We may be jipped out of a white Christmas in Michigan this year, but the promise of the family rejoined and traditions re-lit has me craving pickled herring. In past years I’ve been lucky enough to receive it––scratch-made––from my Polish neighbor, Krystyna, the week before our family celebrates Christmas and the New Year. This year she’s left … Full recipe post »

Peru: A Tapestry of Restaurant, Street and Market Food (plus a recipe for Quinoa Soup)

Posted on Nov 7, 2015 by Peggy

There’s a difference between vacationing and traveling. Traveling removes me from my comfort zone; vacationing amplifies my comfort. The past couple of weeks spent in this marvelous tapestry of a landscape called Peru would definitely qualify as Traveling. Full recipe post »

Michigan Beaches, Strawberry S’mores and a Goodreads Giveaway

Posted on Aug 12, 2015 by Peggy

Michigan’s underrated. Some of us have long known that to be fact and now Thrilllist  agrees. In “The Definitive and Final Ranking of all 50 States”, Michigan was recently pronounced the best state to live “…ranking the states on everything”. And I quote:  “…Did you know Michigan has more coastline than any state other than Alaska? Did you … Full recipe post »

Ribbons of Chard

Posted on Jun 30, 2015 by Peggy

My son, Zan, married Lucy last week. Last week my first novel, SIMMER AND SMOKE, was attached a firm publication date: two weeks from today. (The paperback is now available on Amazon; the ebook will be soon.) Events surrounding the book’s massive to-do list were swept beneath wedding hoop-la without a glance. Big glorious times. This week the balloon has … Full recipe post »

Dinner Party to Welcome Spring

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Peggy
Spring Green Risotto

On Sunday’s journey back from Utah (an impromptu trip utilizing a free AMEX companion plane ticket), while poring over photographs taken hiking Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, I lamented that I forget to take my wide-angle lens. Still. I could never capture Ansel Adam‘s American West no matter how many strings of cameras I roped around … Full recipe post »

New Orleans: Hey Y’all, it’s Carnival–Laissez Le Bons Temps Roulé!

Posted on Feb 8, 2015 by Peggy

Whether you’re buried in 10 feet of snow, or basking in more winter favorable climes, February is a great time to inject a bit of heat–New Orleans style– into your kitchen. Here for my niece’s wedding, we’re  spending a week in the Garden District, VRBOing a home built in the 1850’s with a front porch … Full recipe post »

Lamb Burger Sliders with Beetroot Relish and Tzadziki

Posted on Aug 10, 2014 by Peggy

The burger – be it White Castle or Farmer’s Market Veggie-Grain – could be the most telling testimonial, the most apt memoir of the 20th and early 21st century American palate.  Little sis “Slider” drills into this hypothesis. The Slider, especially, is suited to our national temperament and accommodates our multitasking lifestyle. It’s easily held in one … Full recipe post »

This week is for celebrations – whatever your celebration may be!

Posted on Apr 15, 2014 by Peggy
Mediterranean Appetizer Platter

Perhaps it’s Easter or Passover you’re commemorating this week, or maybe it’s the grass turning from a brittle straw beige to green.  After this winter, the upward inch of the thermometer is a good enough excuse for a celebration, and with that celebration comes food. My family celebrates Easter, and I’m happily stuck in the … Full recipe post »

Seared Scallops with Truffle Flavors over Wild Mushroom Risotto

Posted on Feb 10, 2014 by Peggy

Best freebie dip in town? Zingerman’s samples of bread with truffle-infused olive oil tops my list. This year, however, I’m wary of samples, quite sure I contracted last year’s hideous virus from a different, yet similar, dunk. Fearful of flu-infested double-dippers contaminating the culinary landscape, I chunked down the change to purchase the truffle-infused salt, … Full recipe post »

Nora Ephron’s Fancy Meatloaf (never too meta to eat!)

Posted on Jan 27, 2014 by Peggy

So I’m reading this article and recipe in the New York Times (by Sam Sifton) who described making Nora Ephron’s Fancy Meatloaf that inspired me to write about and make this recipe – with my changes – which was concerning, as I wondered if the end product would be too meta to eat. Mr. Sifton … Full recipe post »

Off-Season Solo in the Redneck Riviera

Posted on Nov 12, 2013 by Peggy

Hallelujah, praise Jesus! Gospel music and Radio Selma preaching entertained as I descended that Mountain of Configuration towards the Gulf of Mexico, fabled panhandle beaches of Alabama and Florida (a.k.a. The Redneck Riviera). Quoting the guru, Dr. Beach, this sand savant referred to my destination as: “…the greatest strand of white sand on earth.” I was … Full recipe post »