This is a great gravy to use when you're grilling a bird and don't have a pan to collect the juices. A quick turkey stock made from the neck and giblets (removed before the turkey roasts) is enhanced by a nutty roux and brightened by a splash of apple cider. As Nickie says, "it's the perfect autumnal gravy."
Lentils are a staple food in Eritrea, and every time I prepare them I recall my years there. Adding cubed roasted pumpkin lends this soup vibrant color and transforms it into an ideal Thanksgiving starter.
Grandma Friese was famous in our family for writing out recipes that began with things like “Take a bottle of cream…” without any indication, for those of us who grew up in the post-milkman era, what the size of a “bottle” might be. And that’s the way this recipe was originally handed down to me. She used to make these cranberries way ahead of time and let them ferment; they have quite a kick.
Heritage turkeys give us a chance to connect to our country's history and the farmers dedicated to preserving their breeds . . . and to some tasty meat. The miso in this rub acts almost like a light brine, only without any of the mess.
Use a mixture of different kales, if you can get your hands on them. A local farmer, Bibianna Love, opened my eyes to the incredible variety of flavors and textures between them.
The spirit of the harvest season, the richness of my mother's kitchen and an acknowledgment of my Heartland roots, all brought together in one enameled, cast iron casserole. ~Kurt Friese
This is an incredibly versatile…
There are so many things I love about this pasta. For one, it’s packed with loads of my favorite vegetables. For another, its incredible flavor is the perfect illustration of just how delicious healthy can be. But it also, to me, captures the essence of the change of season: summer’s bounty exuding a homey scent as it roasts in the oven, a portent of the many braises to come. What can I say? This dish truly nourishes me body and soul.
When I lived on Corfu, souvlaki meant skewered cubes of grilled, marinated pork. But on a trip through Athens seeking out the best street food and mezedhes, we found this version to be utterly addictive; moist and tender with just the right amount of spice.
There's a chill in the air here in the Heartland, the kind of windy, rainy days that drill into your bones and create a hankerin' for a rib-sticking bowl of chili. It's also a great way to use up the last of your tomatoes and peppers, or to begin to use your new "puttin' ups" (as Kurt's grandma used to call them).
Braising renders tough cuts like these beef short ribs meltingly tender with relatively little hands-on cooking time (and the glaze makes the flavors even more intense). The ribs freeze beautifully, so cook up this extra large batch and stash half away for a later date.
Starchy, last-of-the-season corn is actually ideal for this polenta, giving it a natural creaminess, while the vanilla brings out its sweetness.
I love the whole concept of canning, but more often than not I'll opt for low-heat and a deep freeze to preserve my plum tomatoes.
This sandwich should come with a rating--and not because it's topless (tartine is the French word for open-faced sandwich). Because it's that good.
As refreshing as a slice of watermelon with a little hint of perfumed sweet.
favorite finds
I tasted this on a mad rush through the farmers market this weekend and am glad I did. Dukka is a Middle Eastern spice blend of nuts and seeds, and these guys include local fennel in theirs ...
Secured by