It’s midsummer, or mid-heaven in my book. Bring on more sunny, warm days, Jazz Festivals, Comedy Festivals and all the trimmings that make the splendid months so irresistible. Char-Broil Great Book of Grilling has been at the top of my to-do list for way too long. I finally read it cover to cover and filled it…
Sam Sifton’s Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma – Proof Positive
I’ve been outta the kitchen for weeks now. That’s what happens when Jane, Mary, Candace and Diane’s Book Club enters your life. First there was the LA movie premiere on May 6, then the May 18 opening night viewing. My jitters were reserved for the reviews, which turned out mighty fine considering how hard it is for…
Life is Sweet and Sour Meatballs – Cook Your Marriage Happy
Debra Borden, a social worker, wrote the book Cook Your Marriage Happy describing her brand of cooking therapy. Apparently you can improve your emotional health while making dinner. After all, marriage is like a complicated recipe. Cook your Marriage Happy is a short 90-page manual full of food for thought. Here’s what I learned: Cooking is healing, bonding…
Dill Weed Grilled Cheese – Paired with Beer
Raise your hand if a grilled cheese sandwich is one of your favourite comfort foods. It isn’t exactly news that we collectively crave grilled cheese. But here’s a newsmaker: the wild and crazy Grilled Cheese & Beer, Recipes for the Finer Things in Life from beer brewer Kevin Vanblarcum and chef James Edward “Eddie” Davis. Grilled Cheese & Beer gives…
Vodka-Cured Irish Salmon with Horseradish Mayonnaise
Is it possible to fall in love with a country you’ve never visited? The New Irish Table, Recipes from Ireland’s Top Chefs fans the flames for love of everything Irish. Ireland today is said to be a “paradise for epicures.” and this coffee table delight, edited by Leslie Conron Carola, illuminates the country’s culinary renaissance. Ten award-winning chefs contribute…