Pasticho Venezolana, aka Lasagne Bolognese aka Pasticciata Bolognese aka The Real Italian Lasagna

If you are looking for a standard american lasagne, this recipe is not for you. It is, however, the food of my memories. One of my absolutely all-time favorite dishes.  A traditional Italian lasagna, which relies on a great ragu …

Tri-tip Bulgogi with Pear Marinade

2 pounds tri-tip or sirloin roast 1/2 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil 3-4 cloves garlic 1/2 cup chopped green onions 1/2 pear, seeds removed 4 ounces canned pear juice 1/4 onion, coarsely chopped 1 teaspoon ground white …

Kale “No-Spinach” Pie

Well, the kale is still growing in my neighbor’s garden!! The little bit that is left is getting overrun by butternut squash, honeydew squash, and soon, spaghetti squash.     But, I was able to get a grocery bag full …

Lentil Salad with Preserved Lemon Dressing

As you know, I love lentils. Of the four varieties currenly in my kitchen, the regular inexpensive brown ones are my favorite. But, this weekend, they just may have been replaced! And not in the form of a soup, at …

Easy Pinto Beans

Easy pinto beans. These may be left juicy and served as a soup, or reduce the liquid, to serve as a side.  Or, puree or mash and serve warm with some chips topped with chips and jalapenos as an appetizer …

Venison Potstickers

Thanks to the generosity of a friend and neighbor who recently shared a few packets of venison (mixed with 15% beef) with us. We are game (no pun intended) to use the venison for just about anything (especially since it’s …

Winter Minestrone

A classic winter minestrone.  The addition of green beans (from freezer section) and a few leaves of winter kale and a nice greenness that is welcome in the winter. 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 ounces pancetta 1 medium onion, diced …

Soba Noodle Salad with Winter Vegetables and Sweet Kumquats

A classic Asian salad made with winter vegetables, almost everything is from the farmer’s market. The carrots, the radishes, the tatsoi, and the kumquats. The kumquats were a last minute addition, as they sat next to my cutting board, winking …

Green Curry, from a box

Sometimes, you just want convenience.  These were on sale a while back, and I thought it would be a great way to a) have a dinner for myself, with enough leftovers for a work lunch. The instructions are simple enough: …

Hearts of Palm Salad

My contribution for Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s the kind of salad that might be served in any Central or South American country, or even the Caribbean islands.  Due to historically poor refrigeration, both in transportation and in the stores, lettuce …