2010 Archives
Souvlaki: Greek Pork Skewers
Greek food and I had a shaky start, which is hard to imagine given how much I love it now. My first exposure to a fully-loaded gyro – hours into my freshman year, University of Wisconsin-Madison, with my just-met roommate – completely freaked me out. So much garlic, with yogurt on meat (wha?), and juices…
Farro "Risotto" with Parmesan & Pea Shoots
Eating intact grains – as Summer Tomato refers to them – is not the same as eating foods labeled as “whole grain.” Intact grains are just that, not ground into flour or broken into pieces. Filling and nutritious, intact grains are a whole food, as well as a healthy, busy cook’s best friend. Cook them…
Minneapolis Farmer’s Market Bounty
I made my first trip of the season to the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market yesterday, total blast. I strolled around with a big grin on my face, happy to see such bounty so early in the season. I carried home garlic chives, pea shoots, asparagus, rhubarb, and a whole pound of freshly picked morel mushrooms. …
Weekend Grilling: Pork Tenderloin Tacos

It’s going to be 90 sultry degrees here in Minneapolis on Sunday. Ugh. I’m not going to complain (is “ugh” a complaint?), but I’m not quite prepared for that level of heat and humidity. Guess I’ll just have to grab a cold beverage and head out to the grill…tough, I know. If you’re looking for…
Whole Barbecued Chicken
I half ruined this whole barbecued chicken and it was still so provocatively delicious that John and I attacked it (and each other, get back!) like wolves. Snip, snap, gone. Wow, dudes, if you have not heeded my unpaid over-representation of the Weber poultry roaster (I have no relationship with Weber), heed it now. It…
No-Fail Pork Ribs and Tangy Coleslaw

These falling-off-the-bone ribs almost make themselves. Alongside crunchy slaw, they’ll make your Memorial Day barbecue! So, the countdown to Memorial Day continues… Last week, I suggested strawberry shortcakes for a post-barbecue dessert. This week, the barbecue’s main show: no-fail pork ribs for grill novices (and experts) alongside crunchy, tangy coleslaw. The ribs are a bit of a…
Blue Cheese Shortbread Crackers
I’ll confess a deep, dark secret. I love…Cheez-its. I don’t want to know what cheez is, and I endeavor to not eat the things (I forbid them from the house…most of the time), but I’m moved by their flaky, tangy, processed perfection. Addictive little beasts, grrr. But as tasty as they are, I’m obviously not…
Korean-Style Grilled Beef
Here’s a fast way to jazz up your weekend steaks. I’ve posted this recipe for Korean Bulgogi before, but it deserves another look on a sunny Friday. It finally stopped raining here which means improved moods and…grill time! Yes! This marinade is perfect for a top sirloin (although I had strip steaks in the freezer;…
Strawberry Shortcakes
Are you thinking about Memorial Day weekend yet? I am, and I’m thinking strawberry shortcakes. It’s a bit backward, starting with dessert, but strawberries are so perfect right now that I couldn’t help myself. Warm biscuits overflowing with juicy berries and piles of lightly sweetened whipped cream? Better than chocolate. Yeah, I just said that….
Happy Mother’s Day: Rustic Bread with Dark Chocolate, Olive Oil, & Salt
You read that right. Bread, chocolate, oil, and salt. Could there be a better combination? Could there be an easier combination? Mother’s Day, any day, simply beautiful. Slice crusty bread into thin slices, drizzle with really good olive oil. Toast in a hot oven until crisp and golden, scatter with dark chocolate pieces. Now we’re…