Recipes | Dinner With Joy

Jun 14

Side by side

Fathers’ Day already, and with the warm weather, it’s usually another occasion to cook out. After acting as busboy, dishwasher and sous chef for three generations of men in my family, while they grilled, I’ve concluded that for most men, grilling is less about cooking than it is about enjoying the company and the setting, and they have the right idea. They’re willing to watch over the starring entrée, but don’t want to fret over the sides, especially with guests present. Those are better magically appearing on the table, but there’s no reason they can’t be ready in advance so those who do make them can relax and have fun too. Read more

Jun 7

Still in the soup

The morning after I wrote my last posting on summer soups, I turned on the T.V. to see Chef Mark Bittman recommending chilled soup as a dinner entrée on a hot day, and realized my idea might be in sync with a trend. In case it is, I decided to write the first of a few planned sequels right away, rather than wait until later in the season, as intended. The more you know, the easier it will be to take advantage of fresh produce as it comes to market, and to tap into all the resultant sales on related products that follow a trend. For this, they would be broths, herbs, seasonings, condiments, some dairy products like sour cream, cream, and shredded cheese, as well as salad dressings and breads; anything that goes with, or into soup, and that opens a whole world of possibilities. Read more

May 31

Soups On

My Memorial Day was less crowded than planned because three of the younger guests were suffering from strep throat. Their mother was relieved they all came down with it within 12 hrs. It meant fewer trips to the doctor and a quicker return to normal schedules, but she was concerned about what to feed them that is nourishing, filling and easy to swallow. When I suggested soup, since one size fits all, she reminded me that it’s 90 degrees outside. I suddenly realized that, aside from Vichyssoise, Madrilene, Gazpachio and a brief interest in Tortilla Soup a few years ago, soup isn’t considered a summer food in the United States. In fact, soup, generally, doesn’t figure prominently in our menu choices as an entrée at any season, except as a hearty dinner on a cold winter night. But why, if it’s filling and nourishing served hot in winter, shouldn’t it be just as nutritious and satisfying chilled in summer? Read more

Apr 12

Let’s Get Seasonal

Probably the greatest amount of food knowledge we absorb growing up is when regionally or locally grown products become available, and when to anticipate produce from other places. I really believe that recognition of these seasonal changes is part of our survival instincts. We seem born with the understanding that there is a time of re-growth, a time to enjoy the bounty and a time to store provisions for a difficult season to come. Now, thanks to modern technology, preservation and transportation methods, the time lines have blurred. Foods from all over the world are readily available. Moreover, many produce items have been introduced in climates similar to their indigenous ones, making them obtainable throughout the year. Read more

Apr 5

Easter Favorites Recipes for Hams – Glaze – Sauce – Hash and Soup

It seems just last week I was talking about putting aside a ham for Easter, and here we are! Time to start getting it ready to star at the holiday dinner, and to consider the supporting cast. Don’t forget, for those on restrictive diets, Smoked Turkey can be substituted for the ham in any of these recipes. Read more

Mar 28

Tips to Stay Within Your Grocery Budget – Diet for the Food Dollar

As I mentioned last post, many people who freely state they can’t cook, are confusing ineptitude with lack of experience, interest and/or desire. On the other hand, most people, who are confident they can handle the marketing, are confusing grocery shopping with buying food. Shopping for a family’s weekly groceries is Provisioning on a domestic scale. Read more

Mar 15

Everything You Need to Know about Home Made Corned Beef Hash

Years ago, the mention of this holiday brought thoughts of Corned Beef and Cabbage. Men seemed to love it. A friend of my father’s, a sportswriter, arranged his summer schedule around a race track where the clubhouse caterer served it on Tuesdays. Read more

Feb 16

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Special Dinner Recipes for 2 – Affordable, Last Minute and Easy

I realize Valentine’s Day just passed, but I wanted to use the Super Bowl illustration while it was fresh. Hopefully, since the 14th was midweek, some of you waited until this weekend to celebrate and this post is in time to help you. If not, there’s always a birthday, anniversary or special occasion on the horizon. Read more

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