It started as this small thing, just a tiny container from a local nursery. Then, like something out of a 1950s horror film, by August last summer, my French tarragon grew into an embarrassment of riches on the patio of my Seattle home. On a chilly day in late autumn, I hacked … [Read more...] about Shrimp Tarragon Pasta with Wilted Greens
Pasta & Rice
Recipe: Risotto 101
Question: I am looking for good, super flexible budget-friendly things to cook while sheltering at home. A friend mentioned risotto. My store was sold out of the usual rice to make it. Can I make it with other rice? What other things can I substitute? There are only two of us, so … [Read more...] about Recipe: Risotto 101
Recipe: Easy Fresh Tomato Sauce
Be sure to have all the ingredients ready before starting the sauce. It’s ready more quickly than you expect. Good tasting fresh tomatoes make all the difference here; cherry tomatoes work especially well and just need to be cut in half. Makes enough sauce for about four- to … [Read more...] about Recipe: Easy Fresh Tomato Sauce
Recipe: Spicy Creole Shrimp with Pasta
Years ago, I did a cooking class event with a special menu titled "Lunch from the French Quarter." I taught a gumbo recipe from my book, The Sharper Your Knife. I developed the recipe below based on a dish that I had in New Orleans during a rushed trip to the Crescent City during … [Read more...] about Recipe: Spicy Creole Shrimp with Pasta
Recipe: Pasta with olives, tomatoes and tuna
This is a cheap and easy meal to craft from pantry staples. The tuna bumps up the protein quotient, but it's optional. You can use fresh or canned tomatoes, but if you use the latter, be sure to drain them well. Cook the pasta in liberally salted water, and then reserve some of … [Read more...] about Recipe: Pasta with olives, tomatoes and tuna
