Holiday Archives - Page 2 of 14

Vanilla Bourbon Pork Chops

April 6, 2023 1 Comment

Welcome to Easter Dinner: small household edition. It doesn’t look bad, does it? I mean, this plate might lack the dramatic effect of a glistening ham dripping with pineapple rings or the majesty of a rosemary-trimmed leg of lamb with a side of golden fat roasted potatoes. But this meal boasts glossy Vanilla Bourbon Pork Chops paired with braised red cabbage accented with dried sour cherries and a small mountain of crème fraîche watercress mash. So yeah, this isn’t some impressive roast/centerpiece you can present with a flourish but I promise you this meal tastes every inch as good as one. So let’s make it!

Fish & Seafood, Holiday, Snacks, Starters

Oysters Rockefeller – Overthinking Classics

December 30, 2022 No Comments

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The New Year is nearly upon us so it just makes sense to shuck an oyster. As far as I’m concerned, shucking an oyster is as iconic as popping a cork at midnight. And while you could serve your oysters with nothing more than mignonette, there is something to be said for Oysters Rockefeller. A dish so rich they name it after the richest man in America circa 1889. While it may seem like the height of sophistication and it is, it’s actually an incredibly simple recipe to pull off with plenty of make-ahead opportunities. But the simple preparation doesn’t detract from the overall impact of the finished dish. I promise your guests will be impressed. So let’s get to it.

Chocolate, Dessert, Holiday, Pies & Tarts

Earl Grey Caramel Tart

December 27, 2022 No Comments

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Okay, so this tart was supposed to appear on the blog before Christmas but I got a little too into the merrymaking of it all. But I figure December as a whole is baking season and now that all the gifts have been purchased, and the elaborate tables have been set we actually have the time to, well, take our time in the kitchen and bake for fun. And I can tell you this Earl Grey Caramel Tart is very fun to make. It’s obviously more fun to eat but what dessert isn’t?

Holiday, Poultry, Salads

Seared Duck Salad with Hoisin Marmalade Glaze

December 21, 2022 No Comments

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I realize I say this a lot on this blog but today’s Seared Duck Salad with Hoisin Marmalade Glaze is my new favorite recipe. For me, this isn’t a surprise. It has everything I love and look for in a meal. A rich piece of protein paired with a refreshing pile of greens dressed in a sharp, acidic dressing. It offers indulgent flavors that rest heavily on the palette before being ushered away by brighter, lighter notes. This dish provides contrast but is balanced. And it is surprisingly easy to prepare. No really, searing a duck breast is easier than poaching an egg. To be honest, I think everything is easier than poaching an egg. Nothing gives me the sweats more than the thought of poaching eggs for a crowd. But that’s beside the point.