Side Dishes

Grilled Polenta with Mushrooms

Polenta two ways – Creamy and Grilled

Polenta Polenta is a cornmeal mush that originated in Northern Italy as peasant food. But in the US, it’s served at upscale restaurants as a gourmet dish. The reality is somewhere in the middle. It can be a basic porridge with few flavors. Alternatively, it can be a high-end version […]

Smashed Potatoes out of the oven

Smashed Potatoes How to Make the best

Smashed Potatoes -This recipe is all about technique. The secondary ingredients can be very adaptable. Rosemary, Salt and garlic add flavor.

Microwave Risotto

Easy Microwave Risotto

Cooking Risotto in the microwave is a different way to make a delicious labor-intensive dish. It is very easy. You can do other things in the kitchen while the risotto is in the microwave. Risotto is one of the few comfort foods in the world that provide this level of […]

Green Beans Steamed

Green Beans vs Haricot Verts – video

Green Beans vs Haricot Verts – Learning from others is in many ways the best way to learn about cooking. Most good cooks have go-to recipes and techniques that you may not utilize but should be using. Case in point – we were invited to our friends Ken Finkel & […]

Sautéed Spinach

Sautéed Spinach in 2 minutes

Sautéed Spinach in 2 minutes There are a few basic ways to cook spinach. You can blanch it or steam it, or you can take the fastest route (The Cooking Secrets for Men route) and sauté it in a pan. All you need is spinach, a pan, and a pair […]

Roasted Pork with Fall Fruits

Roasted Fruit with Pork or Chicken

Applesauce is the go-to accompaniment for pork chops, pork roast, pork tenderloin, etc. But, with just a little effort, you can raise your cooking game and serve Roasted Fruit instead of applesauce with pork (or even Chicken).  It is a simple dish that draws rave reviews from your guests. Roasted […]