Eggplant and ground lamb

From Ottolenghi’s Jerusalem Well, except for Ottolenghi’s version (which I’m sure is delicious) requires three hours of slow cooking, and needs paprika and tamarind sauce. Whereas this version requires about half an hour of cooking, and more ordinary ingredients. Everyone loved it though. How to make eggplant and ground lamb: In a large frying pan, pour …

Egg Salad

Easter Eggs Do you hard-boil your Easter Eggs? At my house we always blew ours out, so we could make the eggs into matzobrei, and keep the eggs forever (or until we smashed them). But if you hard-boil at your house, well, that’s what egg salad sandwiches are for. You can also use the eggs to …

Duck with cranberries

A Paris recipe My sister created this recipe when she was living in Paris, and posted it on her blog. Her main idea was to show that you didn’t have to sweeten cranberries in order for them to taste good. It was a huge hit at our house, although I think it’s easier to make …

Cornmeal crust pizza

Inspired by Dove Vivi Pizza in Portland Dove Vivi pizza near my house makes incredible gluten-free vegan cornmeal crust pizza. Naturally they don’t give out the recipe, but this seems to be a pretty good imitation, if you don’t live near Dove Vivi or just want to stay at home. It’s quick and easy, anyway. …

Cod and corn fritters

A good solid summer meal Quick and easy, and a good thing to serve with fish if you’re tired of rice and noodles, or want something a little more exciting (and gluten-free). How to make the corn fritters: Mix up a cup of polenta and a cup of masa, and a large pinch of salt. …

Cioppino

Quick Fish Stew I just read a recipe for cioppino that recommended sauteing onions and garlic, adding tomatoes, and then simmering for two hours before adding the fish at the last minute. What possible purpose could that serve? How to make cioppino: A great one-pan hot winter meal, ready in about half an hour and …

Chili and cornbread

American Food My teenagers complain that I make hippie food and not American food, so this is an effort to make something their friends will recognize when they decide to stay for dinner. But without any processed foods, sugar, or meat in it. The friends liked it anyway. How to make chili and cornbread: In …

Chickpea crepes

Why chickpea flour? You could just make wheat flour crepes, but these chickpea flour crepes are not much harder and have a lot more flavor. Plus, they don’t have any gluten, so if you’re cooking for a vegetarian with a gluten allergy, this is a good direction to go in. How to make chickpea crepes: …

Chicken soup and matzo balls

Chicken soup for a cold: Official scientific studies have finally shown it: chicken soup is about the best thing you can do for the common cold. So enjoy! Raw chicken or leftover chicken? The great question in making chicken soup. My grandmother always used a fresh chicken for chicken soup, never leftovers. I hate to …