Vegetarian Tomato Soup with Spaghetti
Tomatoes and pasta are familiar partners in Italian cooking, but combining them in a soup creates something different from an ordinary plate of spaghetti. The pasta cooks in a seasoned tomato broth, absorbing some of its flavor while releasing starch that gives the soup a slightly thicker consistency. Broken spaghetti works particularly well because the […]
Green Olives with Feta Cheese and Rosemary in Olive Oil
Across the Mediterranean, a meal often begins with several small plates placed in the center of the table. Olives, cheese, fresh vegetables, and bread invite everyone to share food while the main dishes are being prepared. Green olives and feta cheese make a particularly good combination. The olives bring a firm texture and pleasantly briny […]
White Cheese Sandwich with Lettuce, Tomato, and Red Onion
A fresh cheese sandwich depends on the balance between creamy cheese, crisp vegetables, and good bread. Unlike grilled sandwiches, this version is served cold, allowing the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients to stand out. Mild white cheese provides a smooth, slightly salty base, while ripe tomatoes add juiciness. Crisp lettuce creates a refreshing […]
Spicy Schezwan Fried Rice with Vegetables
Schezwan fried rice is all about high heat, separate grains of rice, crisp vegetables, and a bold chili-garlic flavor. Using cold cooked rice is especially important because freshly cooked rice contains more surface moisture and can turn soft when stir-fried. Carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, and scallions provide color and crunch, while Schezwan sauce supplies most […]
Can You Freeze Herbs?
Can You Freeze Herbs? You buy a beautiful bunch of parsley for one recipe. You use a handful. The rest goes into the refrigerator. A week later, you find it wilted in the back of the produce drawer. Fresh herbs can completely transform a meal, but they can also be frustrating because recipes often require […]
Lemon Tart
A lemon tart depends on contrast: crisp pastry underneath and a smooth lemon filling with enough acidity to balance the sugar. Fresh lemon juice and zest provide most of the flavor, so this is one dessert where bottled lemon juice is not a good substitute. The filling is cooked gently with eggs, sugar, cream, and […]