11/18/2008

Roasted veggies make a splendid Thanksgiving side
A colorful platter of roasted vegetables can accompany almost any meal, but it's particularly attractive for a Thanksgiving buffet. If you plan to buy a takeout turkey, dressing, potatoes and gravy, this could be the only thing you need to make.

11/20/2008

Pecan-Cornbread Stuffing and other Thanksgiving solutions
We can all be thankful at Thanksgiving for the variety of good prepared foods at places such as Central Market, Whole Foods Market, private club stores and some grocery stores. The choices of side dishes are endless, allowing you to please everyone.

For the leftovers: A light salad you'll adore
All the delicious food from Thanksgiving can be revisited in a variety of ways. A light meal of soup and salad might neutralize what you ate the day before as well as be a star on its own, something you'll prepare again and again.

With a well-stocked pantry, last-minute entertaining is easy
Convenience products are not all the same. Here are a few of my favorites to keep in the freezer or pantry during the holidays for last-minute appetizers, snacks, quick meals or to enliven turkey leftovers.

11/11/2008

Heavenly Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Several columns this month feature easy do-ahead side dishes that can make your holiday entertaining easier. Mashing potatoes is not difficult, but it does take time.

11/04/2008

Slow-Cooker Braised Short Ribs make an elegant and easy entrée
The first cold snap brings hearty slow-cooker meals to mind. While a slow-cooker is a convenience to the cook, quite often presentation can determine the difference between a simple make-ahead family meal or a special dinner for friends.

11/10/2008

An easy Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict is a classic brunch dish ideal for entertaining or for a special breakfast for houseguests, but the thought of poaching eight eggs, toasting muffins and having everything ready at the same time can be overwhelming.

10/28/2008

Use a slow cooker to make no-stress risotto
Sweet corn, creamy rice and a hint of cayenne make a delicious side dish that can be prepared in a slow cooker.

Fish tacos are great at home
Fish tacos gained popularity via Cabo San Lucas and San Diego, and now appear on many menus. The fish may be grilled or fried, the greens can be thinly sliced cabbage or sliced iceberg lettuce, and the sauce could be a salsa and spicy mayo sauce.

Quail salad perfect for cool temps
Warm quail or smoked turkey salad is not as complicated as you might think, particularly if using smoked turkey. Salads using smoked meats or game birds make a nice fall appetizer or entree salad. Many opt for frying game birds, particularly quail. This lighter version takes advantage of the low-fat, low-carb characteristics of these delicate birds.

08/26/2008

Flatiron steaks get high marks for tenderness, flavor and price
The flatiron steak is a relatively new cut of beef popularized by chefs. Research from the universities of Florida and Nebraska uncovered a surprising fact: The flatiron cut is the second most tender cut of meat from a steer (after the tenderloin). What makes this noteworthy is its comparatively low price and great flavor.

08/13/2008

Grill swordfish or tuna for Asian skewers
Swordfish and tuna are good choices for indoor or outdoor grilling. Their firm flesh also makes them ideal for skewers and Asian-style sauces or marinades. This not only gives a change in presentation, but also allows guests to taste both fish.

07/29/2008

Tomatoes sweeten steamed halibut
The technique for preparing this dish comes from Toscana, a lovely club in California, where heirloom tomatoes are more plentiful than in Texas.

07/16/2008

You can make restaurant-style spinach side dishes
Here are recipes for Creamed Spinach and Spinach Artichoke Dip

07/10/2008

Easy appetizers for casual dining
Summer is a great time for casual entertaining and backyard barbecues. These are often the easiest of menus that revolve around grilled meats and takeout salads. Try these quick appetizers with cocktails or wine.

06/24/2008

Shortcake shortcut for Fourth of July dessert
Shortcake – whether made with just strawberries, or using all the summer berries – is a colorful and delicious dessert, particularly for the Fourth of July.

06/10/2008

Pasta and tuna salad is light enough for summer meals
Many pasta dishes in Italy are served at room temperature, or room-temperature pasta may be tossed with a warm sauce.

05/28/2008

Tomatoes star in Spring Pasta Salad
We no longer have to wait until summer for delicious tomatoes, thanks to our specialty stores. Teardrop tomatoes, tree tomatoes (sold on their stems, packed in net bags) or baby Romas have a wonderful homegrown flavor.

04/29/2008

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with – pizza?

04/15/2008

Portobellos and polenta, a classic combination
During the fall in Italy, porcini mushrooms grow quite large and are at their peak. They are not readily available here, but the large portobello is and lends itself to the classic combination of roasted or grilled mushrooms and polenta.

04/18/2008

Shake up some pretzel twists
Tasty snacks are helpful to have at your fingertips for guests. Whether you plan dinner at home or are going out with friends, something quick and not too filling could be just the thing. Even better, if the ingredients are in your pantry or freezer, you save that last-minute dash to the store.

04/10/2008

Old-school elegance, with scallops
There are several ways to prepare coquilles St. Jacques, a delicious classic dish of scallops in sauce.

03/25/2008

Black bean soup without the wait
No matter what the season, soup and a sandwich make for a quick, low-effort meal.

03/04/2008

Shrimp Risotto that's not high-maintenance
Risotto is a classic Italian dish made with arborio rice that has a creamy, soft texture unlike other rice dishes.

02/25/2008

Make authentic guacamole 'tableside' like restaurants do
Most people have been to restaurants that offer guacamole prepared tableside. Perfectly ripe avocados and a fresh blend of seasonings make guacamole easy to do at home.

01/23/2008

Citrus and shrimp give salad Asian flair
This is the season for grapefruit and oranges, and this refreshing, light salad can be served as an appetizer or stand alone as a luncheon entree.

01/14/2008

Two soups to keep fans happy at a Super Bowl party
Hearty soups make a simple dinner for a Super Bowl-watching crowd and keep warm in a slow cooker without overcooking. Serve them with cornbread or a crusty bread from a bakery.

06/06/2007

Try these Asian lettuce wraps from the Hill Country's Patton's on Main
Like many Hill Country chefs, Patton Robertson has returned to his native roots in Marble Falls. This once-sleepy little town is full of new cafes and restaurants, unique shopping and country music.

05/23/2007

Beef Stroganoff: Packaged sauces cut prep time
I am not sure how long Beef Stroganoff has been around, but it is high on the list of comfort foods. Some recipes call for inexpensive cuts of meat, but in testing various methods, better cuts of meat are tenderer when the dish is made in advance.

06/19/2007

World-class lamb in the Hill Country
Already discovered by several national magazines, the Nest is located in an old Fredericksburg house that has been transformed into a destination restaurant with world-class cuisine. Elle Decor describes it as a "quieter movie-star hangout in a cozy Hill Country rock house." Texas Monthly says, "The Nest isn't just sophisticated for Fredericksburg; it's sophisticated, period."

02/21/2007

Good friends, great steak

EVANS CAGLAGE/DMN

After pan-searing, finish cooking a steak in the oven, the method preferred by professional chefs.

Steaks are popular for entertaining close friends. I have asked steak expert Richard Chamberlain, the chef-owner of Chamberlain's Steak and Chop House, for his favorite steak and a simple pan sauce.

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