This SSD (simply spectacularly delicious) Pork Puttanesca is not a recipe per se, it's really a concept that could apply equally well to chicken, fish, veal, eggplant, whatever your heart desires. This particularly evening thin boneless pork chops seemed appealing. As we all know, puttanesca sauce is Italian for "whore's style," presumably … [Read more...]
SPECTACULARLY BEAUTIFUL CUPCAKES: SSD #5
With no end in sight to the over-the-top cupcake craze, it seems like even accomplished home bakers have thrown in the towel. Why even try to impress and dazzle when you're competing with countless eye-popping monstrosities readily available? The reliable province of novices and experienced alike, pity the … [Read more...]
ST. PATRICK’S DAY SAUSAGE: CORNED BEEF, CABBAGE, POTATOES, CARROTS
Corned Beef and cabbage, potatoes and carrots: St. Patrick's Day on a plate, reimagined and reinvented with this original recipe for St. Patrick's Day Sausages. Before setting out, consultation with the parents was in order. We got on the horn for an "ideation session" -- my office's preferred euphemism … [Read more...]
CRAB RANGOON: ORIGINAL GOURMET RECIPE
Welcome back old friend. This recipe for Crab Rangoon transports one back to the glory days of Trader Vic's and all its progeny spread across America like the Polynesian archipelago itself. I was always one to pooh pooh the pu pu platter -- a hit or miss gamble and always too few Crab Rangoons. A full order or two is the de rigueur commencement of an ersatz tropical … [Read more...]
ART DECO CHRISTMAS COOKIES: THE CHRYSLER BUILDING
If you can't come to New York City for the holidays, why not bring a little of Manhattan chic to your holiday cookies plate? These Chrysler Building sugar cookies in all their art deco splendor could be just the thing. This clever cutter was in a set of NYC architectural landmarks I got ages ago. Never throw out a cookie cutter! You never know... When the time … [Read more...]
SABLES LIBERACE: FRENCH BUTTER COOKIES
Breathless with the news of a Liberace bio-pic in the works (Starring Michael Douglas! Directed by Steven Soderberg!! Matt Damon as Scott Thorson!!!) a celebration was in order. So I found myself drawn once again to Liberace Cooks! As told to Carol Truax, and their recipe for Sables, the delicate French butter cookie. (If you're not … [Read more...]
THE BEST THANKSGIVING RECIPES FROM SPECTACULARLY DELICIOUS
As the big day approaches, here's a quick guide to some of the best Spectacularly Delicious Thanksgiving-appropriate recipes. Make them yourself or assign them to the "Is there anything I can bring?" Less work for daddy and happiness all around. Start out with the new Brussels Sprouts Hash with Bacon recipe. Even if you can't get to a fresh … [Read more...]
BAKED PAPAYA: 100 MILES.COM “CHEF WALLY” RECIPE
There's something so intrinsically mid-century California about this Baked Papaya recipe originally created by "Chef Wally." When our spoons broke through the cheese-encrusted top to the warm and savory pudding-like depths below, we were transported to Palm Springs in the 1960s. Perhaps at a cozy supper at Lew … [Read more...]
A SPECTACULAR CELEBRATION OF POMEGRANATES!
I happily accepted POM Wonderful's invitation to host an all-things-pomegranate dinner party. And what do you know? In short order an enormous box of the brightest fresh fruits arrived at our door. Now it was up to us: we needed to dazzle them with new recipes, fabulous decor and fun times. No sweat. That's the way we roll at … [Read more...]
POMEGRANATE CHICKEN THIGHS: SHAH OF IRAN
Working on this pomegranate theme, I wanted to create an extra-special, super tasty main dish. My efforts paid off! This recipe for pomegranate chicken thighs was such a regal treat I've dedicated it to a couple of really classy royals, The Shah of Iran and his glamorous Shahbanu Farah Diba. At the risk of going a little Marge Schott on … [Read more...]