When we returned from our Tuscan vacation back in October I was extra-inspired to try curing new things like salumi and hams. Eating prosciutto all week will do that to you. Inspired, yes, but not quite ready to go whole hog (ha ha ha) and hang an entire leg in my basement. Instead, I optedContinue reading “Culatello and Fiocco – I Am Ham, Ham I Am”
Category Archives: Recipes
Creamy Mushroom Soup – A Good Winter Warmer
This week’s post was inspired by a bowl of mushroom soup Cheryl had over the weekend at one of our favorite local French restaurants. As is often the case when she orders something really delicious she asks ‘can you make this?’ Of course I can, dear. For you, anything. One pot of creamy mushroom soupContinue reading “Creamy Mushroom Soup – A Good Winter Warmer”
Spanish Chorizo
Ever since I purchased Ruhlman’s Charcuterie years ago I’ve wanted to make Spanish chorizo but it requires dextrose and meat starter culture, two ingredients I never had on hand and had always put off buying. That all changed last month when I decided this coming winter would be the winter of fermented sausage and orderedContinue reading “Spanish Chorizo”
Getting Ready for Thanksgiving – Some Side Dish Ideas
Thanksgiving is a week away so you better start thinking about your menu! There are certain things you know you’re going to have, like a turkey, but for the most part you get a free range with your sides. Cheryl and I have been doing Thanksgiving together for eight years now and we’re always tryingContinue reading “Getting Ready for Thanksgiving – Some Side Dish Ideas”
Nduja – Taking The Next Step on The Path of Charcuterie
I am very excited about this week’s post. The first time we ate nduja was years ago at The Purple Pig here in Chicago and neither of us knew what it was, except that it was really fricking awesome. It’s a Calabrian sausage (toe of the Italian boot) and it is spicy! Spreadable, you canContinue reading “Nduja – Taking The Next Step on The Path of Charcuterie”
Sautéed Pumpkin and Chestnuts
Pumpkins have been filling up our CSA box here at the end of the season, and aside from pureed soups and pies what else can you do with them? Well, pumpkin is squash so you can treat it just like any other squash by roasting, mashing, or sautéing. This week I came across an interestingContinue reading “Sautéed Pumpkin and Chestnuts”
Spice Club from Savory Spice and Coffee Spiced Sausage Rigatoni
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I purchase my spices and herbs from a shop in Lincoln Square called Savory Spice. Last week I received an email from the store’s owner, Dave, asking if I’d be interested in taking a look at a new program they were introducing called Spice Club. Sounded very interesting, especiallyContinue reading “Spice Club from Savory Spice and Coffee Spiced Sausage Rigatoni”
Vellutata de Ceci (Chick Pea Soup) – Tuscan Vacation Inspiration
A few weeks ago, on our last day in San Gimignano, we ate lunch at a small place just off the main piazza called Osteria del Carcere. Despite being just down the street from where all the tourists congregate and queue up for gelato (there’s an award-winning gelateria in San Gimignano) the osteria seemed ratherContinue reading “Vellutata de Ceci (Chick Pea Soup) – Tuscan Vacation Inspiration”
Poulet Normande – Because It’s Fall
As the calendar flips to October I feel it is time to start cooking more regularly in the kitchen. This week, in celebration of kicking off fall menus, I decided to make a simple one pot dinner: Poulet Normande, or Chicken Normandy. A delicious, early fall dinner to help warm up the now chilly nights.
Curry Brat Currywurst for Oktoberfest
It’s that time of year again…Oktoberfest! Beer, pretzels, sausage. I don’t know if currywurst is a traditional Oktoberfest dish but it is for Cheryl and me. It’s one of our favorite German festival foods and I make some for our Oktoberfest party. This year I’m putting a spin on the currywurst with a new sausage:Continue reading “Curry Brat Currywurst for Oktoberfest”
The Roaming GastroGnome 