Category Archives: How-to

How-to advice and recipes for cooking. Easy instructions for basic cooking techniques.

Easy arugula pesto.

Posted on May 6, 2013 by

Pesto isn’t just for basil. In spring, turn seasonal arugula into a bright-green, slightly spicy version of this classic Italian condiment. Continue reading →

Posted in Better than store-bought, Gardening, How-to, Recipes, Sauces & dressings | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Try this: How to toast pasta.

Posted on April 2, 2013 by

Try this: Before cooking your favorite dried pasta for a recipe, toast it lightly in the oven to lend a deep, nutty, rich flavor to your pasta dish. Continue reading →

Posted in Dinner, Fun ingredient, How-to | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Foodie trends: Predictions for 2013.

Posted on January 7, 2013 by

As I scout food-related media and watch what’s happening in my own city (and backyard), here are a few foodie trends I’m anticipating in the coming months. Continue reading →

Posted in Eating local, Food 4 thought, How-to, List | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Best way to cook spaghetti squash.

Posted on September 20, 2012 by

I love spaghetti squash—its great flavor and versatility—but always thought it was a pain to prepare. Then I found a better way. Continue reading →

Posted in Eating local, Farmers' market, How-to, Recipes | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Canning summer tomatoes.

Posted on September 6, 2012 by

I learned a couple of new tricks when I tried canning local heirloom tomatoes from the farmers’ market this week. You can benefit from my mistakes. Continue reading →

Posted in Around the house, Eating local, Farmers' market, How-to, Recipes, Sauces & dressings | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Preserving summer green beans.

Posted on August 10, 2012 by

If you find yourself with a glut of crispy-fresh summer green beans, you can easily freeze them to enjoy several months down the road. Here’s how. Continue reading →

Posted in Eating local, Farmers' market, Gardening, How-to, Recipes | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Canned heirloom tomatoes.

Posted on August 6, 2012 by

I spotted these jars of heirloom tomatoes at my cookware store over the weekend. And I thought: Damned if I can’t make this myself. So stay tuned for a post on canning your own varietal heirloom tomatoes …

Posted in Better than store-bought, How-to, Inspired by, Pantry | 1 Comment

Better than store-bought: Homemade red-pepper hummus.

Posted on June 28, 2012 by

Really: You HAVE to make this. If you like hummus—that wonderful, flavorful Middle Eastern spread—then you have to try making your own. Sure, there are tons of great store-bought versions out there. But go grab a can of chickpeas and … Continue reading →

Posted in Better than store-bought, How-to, Lunchbox, Recipes, Sauces & dressings | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Better than store-bought: Homemade mayonnaise.

Posted on June 21, 2012 by

I don’t like mayonnaise. Never have. Not on sandwiches, not in cole slaw, not in potato salad. I don’t even typically keep it in the fridge. I’m thoroughly grossed out by it. Then I had homemade mayo. Wow. This stuff … Continue reading →

Posted in Better than store-bought, How-to, Recipes, Sauces & dressings | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Strawberry jam (again).

Posted on June 11, 2012 by

My happy jam-making experience last summer—with homemade strawberry, blueberry and tomato jam—had me looking forward to getting out the canning pot and jars all over again. For a household of two people, we managed to go through quite a few … Continue reading →

Posted in Better than store-bought, Eating local, Farmers' market, How-to, Recipes | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments