Stir-Fried Greens with Cremini Mushrooms and Soba

Written on Apr 22, 2010 by Cheryl Sternman Rule
Stir-Fried Greens with Cremini Mushrooms and Soba

I’ve made this dish successfully with all kinds of greens, but I like tender baby spinach and bok choy derivatives the best. Keep in mind that you want a touch of water clinging to the greens, but not so much that they’ll swim when they’re wilting. Note: If choosing tough-stemmed greens like chard or beet greens, slice the stems into 1-inch lengths.

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Crispy Buttermilk Oven-Fried Chicken

Written on Apr 19, 2010 by Lia Huber
Crispy Buttermilk Oven-Fried Chicken

I hesitate to call this ‘oven-fried’ chicken, because that title seems to demean it. The truth is, as much as I love a full-fledged fried affair once or twice a year, THIS is the chicken I crave several times a month. As brown and crispy and juicy and flavorful as fried, but not as greasy, and easy enough to do on a weeknight (and for lunch the rest of the week).

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USDA Steering Organics to the Center of the Plate

Written on Apr 16, 2010 by Kurt Michael Friese
USDA Steering Organics to the Center of the Plate

In a radical departure from no-questions-asked support of giant agribusiness, USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announces a direction that will steer organics to the center of the plate. Here’s our say on the matter, by Kurt Michael Friese.

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Categories : Eco Bites

Spiced-Rubbed Skirt Steak

Written on Apr 15, 2010 by Lia Huber
Spiced-Rubbed Skirt Steak

Skirt steak is a great choice for a weeknight meat craving: it cooks up superfast and takes great to rubs. A few slices served with a plateful of veggies and whole grains brings something traditionally thought of as a nutritional no-no (steak) into a more nourishing category.

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Most Versatile Chicken Stock

Written on Apr 14, 2010 by Alison Ashton
Most Versatile Chicken Stock

Homemade chicken stock recipe is easy to make and has a mellow quality that makes it particularly versatile in soups and sauces.

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Stretch Your Food Budget: Use Everything

Written on Apr 14, 2010 by Alison Ashton
Stretch Your Food Budget: Use Everything

“Profits are measured in pennies,” one of my culinary school instructors often repeated to remind us of the importance of maximizing our use of ingredients. Smart chefs–those who want to stay in business–do this all the time and now, thanks to a stagnant economy, it’s a practice budget-conscious cooks are bringing home.

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Categories : Kitchen Tips

Look at Your Labels

Written on Apr 12, 2010 by Lia Huber
Look at Your Labels

Alison’s piece last week on egg labels got me thinking about how confusing it can be to evaluate foods. So I thought I’d distill some solid rules of thumb to help you choose wisely when in the packaged aisles.

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Fish Sticks with Cilantro-Serrano Tartar Sauce

Written on Apr 12, 2010 by Lia Huber
Fish Sticks with Cilantro-Serrano Tartar Sauce

Commercial fish sticks are loaded with fillers and preservatives. Make your own and you can avoid all that. I’ll often double this recipe and freeze half, so I have healthy fish sticks on hand for Noemi for busy nights. Just heat frozen fish sticks in the oven at 400 for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

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Natural Products Expo West: A world of organic

Written on Apr 9, 2010 by Alison Ashton
Natural Products Expo West: A world of organic

Turning 30 is a big deal, whether you’re a person or an event, and it was certainly cause for celebration last month at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California.

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Categories : Kitchen Tips

Easy Rice Pilaf

Written on Apr 9, 2010 by Alison Ashton
Easy Rice Pilaf

Mineral- and fiber-rich brown rice is the basis for an rice pilaf recipe that makes a simple side dish. Add peas or edamame for a dish of color.

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