Archive for 'recipes'
SHY-SMILE BEET GREENS: A MARKET STORY
The beet greens I typically encounter at farmers markets play second fiddle to the actual beets. That stands to reason: Most people regard the thick leaves as something to be discarded, asking the seller to remove them before tucking the shorn, diminished root vegetables into a market bag. I have viewed this phenomenon with puzzlement for ages; in […]
Posted: June 16th, 2015 under cooking, favorite books, Market Stories, people + places, recipes, spring.
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STRAWBERRIES THREE WAYS
Nothing compares to the rich, profound flavor and fragrance of perfectly ripe strawberries. And since June’s full moon, which occurs tonight, is commonly called the Strawberry Moon, you can guess what’s been on the menu chez Lear. A couple of days ago, I greedily overbought at not one, but several farm stands, and a good […]
Posted: June 2nd, 2015 under cookbooks, people + places, recipes, spring.
Comments: 1
A SPRING LEEK GRATIN
In May, there are days when the sun beats down like summertime. And then there are days when the temperature hovers in the 50s, and mist turns into a drizzle so gradually you don’t even notice. Until you are soaked to the skin, that is, and chilled to the bone. I am not complaining for […]
Posted: May 19th, 2015 under people + places, recipes, spring.
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I BRAKE FOR LOCAL ASPARAGUS
It looks like spring, smells like spring, feels like spring. And now that local farm stands are proudly displaying the first asparagus of the season, it really is spring. I busted loose at Latham’s, run by a family that has farmed this part of the North Fork of Long Island for generations. All that separates the sturdy […]
Posted: May 5th, 2015 under cookbooks, Gourmet magazine, people + places, recipes, spring.
Comments: 3
OF MIMI SHERATON AND MA-PO TOFU, OR 1,000 FOODS TO EAT BEFORE YOU DIE … PLUS 1
I wish I could say that 1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die: A Food Lover’s Life List, the latest book by journalist, restaurant critic, and national treasure Mimi Sheraton, was the sort of thing I kept next to the bed, for dipping into last thing at night. But it makes me too hungry. I end up […]
Posted: April 15th, 2015 under cooking, favorite books, food, people + places, recipes.
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SPRING FLING: PASTA PRIMAVERA
Given the hard winter and cold, snowy spring we’ve had in the Northeast, the growing season is weeks behind schedule. Heaven knows when we’ll see the first local asparagus and peas—let alone tender, slender green beans and (dare to dream!) sun-ripened tomatoes. In other words, a visit to the farmers market is more about foraging than shopping. […]
Posted: March 31st, 2015 under cookbooks, culinary history, early spring, Gourmet magazine, recipes.
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BUTTERY BRAISED ENDIVES
It took me a long time before I could admit how much I dislike barely cooked vegetables. I realize I am in the minority; most folks love them, especially this time of year, when heavy winter food has palled. Granted, their crispness and bright colors have a clean, minimalist appeal, but I find them squeaky in the […]
Posted: March 18th, 2015 under cooking, early spring, recipes.
Comments: 1
WINTER WARMTH: TURKEY CHIPOTLE CHILI
I’m a purist about a number of things, but not about chili. I like it with ground, cubed, or shredded meat. With or without beans. With or without tomatoes. I do prefer really good soft tortillas as an accompaniment, but tortilla chips, rice, or the spaghetti (and oyster crackers) that folks in Cincinnati are crazy about […]
Posted: February 24th, 2015 under cooking, Gourmet magazine, people + places, recipes, winter.
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HOT BUTTERED RUM
New England is still getting pounded by one heck of a blizzard, but New Yorkers are experiencing their own DeflateGate: Although conditions are serious out on Long Island, a measly five and a half inches or so of snow was measured in Central Park. What a bust. A couple of respected computer models certainly looked dire, with predictions of more […]
Posted: January 27th, 2015 under Gourmet magazine, recipes, winter.
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TIME FLIES!
And how. It’s been way too long since I last posted—I was typing as fast as I could for folks who pay for it—but here’s hoping in the meantime you’ve made Chicken Marbella at least once, and are contemplating your journey into the new year. Here at the Lears, we have a delicious few days ahead. There […]
Posted: December 30th, 2014 under cooking, culinary history, Gourmet magazine, recipes, winter.
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