Author Archives: I'm Not a Cook
Cheddar Cheese Buttermilk Scones
For the longest time, I did not know the difference between a scone and biscuit. I basically operated under the assumption that “scone” was merely a fancy British term for what we Americans know as biscuits. Finally, I decided to
Cheddar Cheese Buttermilk Scones
For the longest time, I did not know the difference between a scone and biscuit. I basically operated under the assumption that “scone” was merely a fancy British term for what we Americans know as biscuits. Finally, I decided to
Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Blue Cheese
Mac and cheese, an American classic that even though having been re-invented many times over by pretty much every professional chef and home cook out there, somehow retains its iconic comfort food status. The great thing (and what I think
Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Blue Cheese
Mac and cheese, an American classic that even though having been re-invented many times over by pretty much every professional chef and home cook out there, somehow retains its iconic comfort food status. The great thing (and what I think
Tomato Basil Spirals
This is a quick little sandwich wrap that does double duty: it can be a simple snack for one, but also works wonderfully as an appetizer when entertaining. lavash bread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 tomato fresh basil leaves salt pepper
Tomato Basil Spirals
This is a quick little sandwich wrap that does double duty: it can be a simple snack for one, but also works wonderfully as an appetizer when entertaining. lavash bread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 tomato fresh basil leaves salt pepper
Asparagus with Egg and Orange
This is a light and healthy dish I like to make when the spring rolls around. Asparagus is in season and with its abundance comes my joy in eating this vegetable. It may sound like an odd trio, but this
Asparagus with Egg and Orange
This is a light and healthy dish I like to make when the spring rolls around. Asparagus is in season and with its abundance comes my joy in eating this vegetable. It may sound like an odd trio, but this
Buttermilk Pancakes
What better way to start a morning than with pancakes? When they are fresh out of the pan and drizzled with maple syrup, it is like giving your belly and soul a warm hug. Now, who can say no to
Buttermilk Pancakes
What better way to start a morning than with pancakes? When they are fresh out of the pan and drizzled with maple syrup, it is like giving your belly and soul a warm hug. Now, who can say no to
Soy Kale Chips
When it comes to kale, I find people either love or loathe it. As for me, I will admit that I’m not much of a fan- its dense texture and lack of natural flavor is akin to eating cardboard. That
Soy Kale Chips
When it comes to kale, I find people either love or loathe it. As for me, I will admit that I’m not much of a fan- its dense texture and lack of natural flavor is akin to eating cardboard. That
Pineapple Sorbet
I don’t know if it is just my taste buds, but for me, the pineapple is simultaneously contrasting in being sweet, sour, tangy, spicy, and even salty. The pineapple’s distinct flavor really packs a punch and can be sometimes overwhelming.
Pineapple Sorbet
I don’t know if it is just my taste buds, but for me, the pineapple is simultaneously contrasting in being sweet, sour, tangy, spicy, and even salty. The pineapple’s distinct flavor really packs a punch and can be sometimes overwhelming.
Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons
My little sister always makes coconut macaroons whenever she hears the word “potluck.” She’s made them so many times, she can do them in her sleep and has it practically down to a science. So finally one day I pulled
Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons
My little sister always makes coconut macaroons whenever she hears the word “potluck.” She’s made them so many times, she can do them in her sleep and has it practically down to a science. So finally one day I pulled
Purple Cabbage & Carrot Ribbon Salad with Mission Figs, Radish, & Walnuts
Who says a salad has to be green? Here, the purple (also known as red) cabbage is the star of the show. When shaved down into a little nest, the deep purple hues of this hearty vegetable contrast well with
Purple Cabbage & Carrot Ribbon Salad with Mission Figs, Radish, & Walnuts
Who says a salad has to be green? Here, the purple (also known as red) cabbage is the star of the show. When shaved down into a little nest, the deep purple hues of this hearty vegetable contrast well with
Sweet Egg Soup
This sweet soup is from my mother’s kitchen. She doesn’t have a sweet tooth, nor is she much of a baker, so sweets were not very common in our household growing up. I remember it being a real treat whenever
Sweet Egg Soup
This sweet soup is from my mother’s kitchen. She doesn’t have a sweet tooth, nor is she much of a baker, so sweets were not very common in our household growing up. I remember it being a real treat whenever
Linguine Pasta with Butter and Arugula
This pasta is a great and simple one to prepare since it does not require a cooked sauce. The linguine is dressed with butter, parmesan cheese, lemon, olive oil, and comes together with heat from the warm pasta. Add in
Linguine Pasta with Butter and Arugula
This pasta is a great and simple one to prepare since it does not require a cooked sauce. The linguine is dressed with butter, parmesan cheese, lemon, olive oil, and comes together with heat from the warm pasta. Add in
Cremini Mushroom Soup
Mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, flavors, textures, and rarities. One of my favorite varieties is the commonly found cremini (which is actually a baby portobello) and is readily available at pretty much any local market. Normally, I enjoy my
Cremini Mushroom Soup
Mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, flavors, textures, and rarities. One of my favorite varieties is the commonly found cremini (which is actually a baby portobello) and is readily available at pretty much any local market. Normally, I enjoy my
Vegetable Japchae aka Korean Sweet Potato Noodles
One of the more popular of Korean foods, Japchae (commonly pronounced: jap-chay, job-chay, or chap-chay) is a sweet potato noodle dish traditionally made with stir-fried vegetables, beef, and topped with sesame seeds. Like most Asian foods, the idea of cooking
Vegetable Japchae aka Korean Sweet Potato Noodles
One of the more popular of Korean foods, Japchae (commonly pronounced: jap-chay, job-chay, or chap-chay) is a sweet potato noodle dish traditionally made with stir-fried vegetables, beef, and topped with sesame seeds. Like most Asian foods, the idea of cooking
Red Velvet Cupcakes
These mini-cakes are easy to make, quick to decorate, and always put a smile on one’s face. Not to mention: if you bring these to a party, some of those smiles will be for you! Makes 24 cupcakes For the
Red Velvet Cupcakes
These mini-cakes are easy to make, quick to decorate, and always put a smile on one’s face. Not to mention: if you bring these to a party, some of those smiles will be for you! Makes 24 cupcakes For the
Chicken Stock
Chicken is a constant in my kitchen. I find myself eating this staple poultry in one form or another on a weekly basis. In the effort to not waste and maximize every ingredient that crosses the chopping block, making my
Chicken Stock
Chicken is a constant in my kitchen. I find myself eating this staple poultry in one form or another on a weekly basis. In the effort to not waste and maximize every ingredient that crosses the chopping block, making my
Pumpkin Ice Cream
I love my ice creams and will take any seasonal opportunity to keep my freezer stocked with a quart (or three!) of this creamy treat. Pumpkin is one of those flavors that comes with so many associations of Autumnal weather
Pumpkin Ice Cream
I love my ice creams and will take any seasonal opportunity to keep my freezer stocked with a quart (or three!) of this creamy treat. Pumpkin is one of those flavors that comes with so many associations of Autumnal weather
Sausage and Apple Stuffing
Stuffing is among the most comforting of comfort foods in the winter season. Traditionally made during Thanksgiving, but not limited to that sole holiday, I make this throughout the colder months since it is a simple one-pot type of meal
Sausage and Apple Stuffing
Stuffing is among the most comforting of comfort foods in the winter season. Traditionally made during Thanksgiving, but not limited to that sole holiday, I make this throughout the colder months since it is a simple one-pot type of meal
Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic-Glazed Bacon
These little mini cabbages have always had a bad rap, mostly because they are generally cooked to death- being boiled or steamed until they become gray and mushy, with a sulphuric smell. Brussels sprouts do have a distinct taste, but
Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic-Glazed Bacon
These little mini cabbages have always had a bad rap, mostly because they are generally cooked to death- being boiled or steamed until they become gray and mushy, with a sulphuric smell. Brussels sprouts do have a distinct taste, but
Apple Pie
This is probably the most iconic, classic American dessert in our country’s edible lexicon. Every family has their own recipe and tradition in making this pie. For some, like my friend Dan, it is his way of signaling the arrival
Apple Pie
This is probably the most iconic, classic American dessert in our country’s edible lexicon. Every family has their own recipe and tradition in making this pie. For some, like my friend Dan, it is his way of signaling the arrival
Meatloaf
Ah meatloaf… one of the most comforting of comfort foods. I mean, it’s pretty hard to say resist the aroma of this roast wafting out of the oven. The best part? This meatloaf is packed with a fair share of
Meatloaf
Ah meatloaf… one of the most comforting of comfort foods. I mean, it’s pretty hard to say resist the aroma of this roast wafting out of the oven. The best part? This meatloaf is packed with a fair share of
Chocolate Bread Pudding
This bread pudding is one of my favorite desserts because it brings together two of my most beloved food groups: bread and chocolate! The great thing about this recipe is its versatility; the pudding can become sweeter, richer, or milder
Chocolate Bread Pudding
This bread pudding is one of my favorite desserts because it brings together two of my most beloved food groups: bread and chocolate! The great thing about this recipe is its versatility; the pudding can become sweeter, richer, or milder
Risotto Ai Funghi Porcini aka Porcini Mushroom Risotto
My friends Neal and Roberto came over from Rome for a visit and I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with them in the kitchen. We got together and spent an evening catching up and come dinnertime, Roberto
Risotto Ai Funghi Porcini aka Porcini Mushroom Risotto
My friends Neal and Roberto came over from Rome for a visit and I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with them in the kitchen. We got together and spent an evening catching up and come dinnertime, Roberto
Orecchiette Pasta in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
From Italian, orecchiette translates to “little ear,” which is an appropriate name since this small, round pasta cooks up into little pockets (or ears!) that are perfect for holding onto cream sauces. Most times, a pasta sauce can be prepared
Orecchiette Pasta in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
From Italian, orecchiette translates to “little ear,” which is an appropriate name since this small, round pasta cooks up into little pockets (or ears!) that are perfect for holding onto cream sauces. Most times, a pasta sauce can be prepared
Melon Mint Salad
There are many tricks of the trade when it comes to selecting a good melon. For me this is how I go about it for each one – WATERMELON: look for a large stem-end which indicates it was on the
Melon Mint Salad
There are many tricks of the trade when it comes to selecting a good melon. For me this is how I go about it for each one – WATERMELON: look for a large stem-end which indicates it was on the
Egg, Rice, & Spinach Bowl
I grew up eating rice every night for dinner, so it has become a standard habit of mine when making rice to always make more than needed – which is great because having cooked rice on hand always comes in
Egg, Rice, & Spinach Bowl
I grew up eating rice every night for dinner, so it has become a standard habit of mine when making rice to always make more than needed – which is great because having cooked rice on hand always comes in
Plum Sorbet
Ah, plums… one of those refreshing fruits that can’t be beat. They are the perfect size to snack on, with that great combination of being simultaneously both tart and sweet. And as the season ends, while most people will start
Plum Sorbet
Ah, plums… one of those refreshing fruits that can’t be beat. They are the perfect size to snack on, with that great combination of being simultaneously both tart and sweet. And as the season ends, while most people will start
Broccoli Soup
This is pretty much a variation on my Asparagus Soup recipe, which in essence is a variation on my philosophy on how to make a simple and healthy, yet satisfying soup. Once you get the basic formula down, no vegetable
Broccoli Soup
This is pretty much a variation on my Asparagus Soup recipe, which in essence is a variation on my philosophy on how to make a simple and healthy, yet satisfying soup. Once you get the basic formula down, no vegetable
Sriracha BBQ Pork Ribs
Slow-cooking a rack of ribs smothered in sauce is a perfect introduction to grilling; consistently basting the meat as it cooks keeps it moist and flavorful, which means that even it happens to over-cook, no-one will be the wiser. This
Sriracha BBQ Pork Ribs
Slow-cooking a rack of ribs smothered in sauce is a perfect introduction to grilling; consistently basting the meat as it cooks keeps it moist and flavorful, which means that even it happens to over-cook, no-one will be the wiser. This
Dry Rubbed BBQ Pork Ribs
When it comes to grilling a rack of ribs, there are primarily two routes to take: wet or dry. Most times it is easier to take the wet route, since basting meat with a sauce usually allows more room for
Dry Rubbed BBQ Pork Ribs
When it comes to grilling a rack of ribs, there are primarily two routes to take: wet or dry. Most times it is easier to take the wet route, since basting meat with a sauce usually allows more room for
How to Pick a Ripe Avocado
I love avocados. They are full of great vitamins and have all the good fats to fuel your body. Their texture is soft and creamy, which enhances pretty much anything it is added to. But how do you go about
How to Pick a Ripe Avocado
I love avocados. They are full of great vitamins and have all the good fats to fuel your body. Their texture is soft and creamy, which enhances pretty much anything it is added to. But how do you go about
Under-Sink Storage Rod
This is a quick solution for those of us with limited storage space. The area under the sink is the standard place to store all our cleaning products, and by simply installing a tension curtain rod, we can now organize
Under-Sink Storage Rod
This is a quick solution for those of us with limited storage space. The area under the sink is the standard place to store all our cleaning products, and by simply installing a tension curtain rod, we can now organize
Vegetable Stock
In an effort to become even more resourceful when it comes to utilizing anything and everything that crosses my cutting board, I’ve gotten into the habit of making my own stock. Rather than tossing them into the compost bin, I’ve
Vegetable Stock
In an effort to become even more resourceful when it comes to utilizing anything and everything that crosses my cutting board, I’ve gotten into the habit of making my own stock. Rather than tossing them into the compost bin, I’ve
Egg Avocado Tomato Trio Salad
So I’ve been a little more fitness-conscious lately. Recently, my mornings have included a lengthy jog with the dog, followed by an intense at-home cardio program called INSANITY. In an effort to be more aware of what to eat on
Egg Avocado Tomato Trio Salad
So I’ve been a little more fitness-conscious lately. Recently, my mornings have included a lengthy jog with the dog, followed by an intense at-home cardio program called INSANITY. In an effort to be more aware of what to eat on
Cheese Fondue
One of my favorite passtimes is to go hunting for vintage cookware, whether it be at an estate sale, garage sale, antique shop, thrift store, or flea market. On one such adventure, I found a vintage, orange-enameled fondue pot. Making
Cheese Fondue
One of my favorite passtimes is to go hunting for vintage cookware, whether it be at an estate sale, garage sale, antique shop, thrift store, or flea market. On one such adventure, I found a vintage, orange-enameled fondue pot. Making
Braised Pork Spare Ribs with Root Vegetables
Whenever I go to the market for ribs, I like to get the whole portion in its entirety. It does require some extra work to clean and trim, but pays off in the end since it is more cost effective
Braised Pork Spare Ribs with Root Vegetables
Whenever I go to the market for ribs, I like to get the whole portion in its entirety. It does require some extra work to clean and trim, but pays off in the end since it is more cost effective
