Can a seasoning blend be cheerful? I think za’atar is. It has such a bright, open flavor that it will make you smile. I thought that even before I read that marjoram and oregano contain compounds that, at least in rodents, can affect dopamine and serotonin levels. Since that’s how many antidepressant medications work, maybe…
Tag: from scratch
Peanut Dog Treats
These might just be the easiest dog treats ever — only three ingredients. They’re perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs, assuming they can tolerate peanut butter. My dog Willie loves them. Of course, he’s a Lab — he’ll eat anything. But I tried one, and I agree they’re pretty tasty. I’ve been meaning to make…
Orange Pork With Broccolini, Scallions, and Rice
This tasty, vaguely Asian-style dish has been in my book so long I don’t even know where it came from. I dragged it out recently, dusted it off, and added the broccolini. Back before the paper got so yellowed, I’d never even heard of broccolini. Now I look for excuses to slip it into a…
Sourdough Starter
I thought there were only two choices for sourdough starter: buy some or make some. Turns out there are multiple ways of making your own. I definitely wanted to try that rather than buying, just for the fun of it. My kitchen is toasty warm all year long, so yeast breads tend to do very…
Black & Bleu Meatloaf
Technically, it’s already spring here. But we had a cool, rainy day on Tuesday, and it seemed we could do with some comfort food anyway, so I whipped up one of my favorites. My butcher used to always have Black & Blue Meatloaf in the case. It was delicious. For some reason, probably not enough…
Rhubarb Pie
It’s rhubarb season! I wish I could say I cut this rhubarb from my garden, but I didn’t. I bought it at the store, so it’s not even as local as I’d like. I keep hoping one day my plants will grow big enough to harvest, but they’re being stubborn. I planted three about three…
Miso Five-Spice Sauce
This savory Asian fusion sauce is fast and easy to make. The flavor is smooth and sophisticated and tastes like you simmered it all day. Serve with Five-Spice Sheet Pan Supper, or slather it on ribs. How will you serve it? Let me know in the comments below. Ingredients: 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil 1…
Bold Spice Rub
A delicious, bold dry rub for fish, seafood, or chicken. From Alder-Planked Fluke to Beer Can Chicken to sheet pan suppers, use it on the grill or in the oven. It makes enough for a large fish filet, a small chicken, or a sheet pan supper for two to four people. The flavors are fresher than store-bought…
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