A couple of recipes to see you through this season. The most beautiful chocolate you've ever seen. A wonderful vintage menu. And the most comforting dish I know.
Brilliant piece on slow-cooked comfort during bad weather. The detail about browning meat in batches instead of crowding the pan is one of those technique things that actually makesa huge diference in how deep the final flavor gets. I've always done stews on the stovetop but gonna try the oven method next time for that consistent low temp.
I just need to second your comments on the sadly missed New York coffee shop aka luncheonette that were everywhere and served the most delicious buttery corn muffins, mostly liked made in a factory but I loved them!! I miss those coffee shops in general-not for high end coffee but where you ran in to get a BLT or a grilled cheese to eat by yourself or to bring back to the office.
BTW I just ran out to buy a chuck roast from the last butcher standing in Park Slope for this weekend's antidote to zero degrees. Thanks for the lovely forgiving recipe.
Re: the corn muffins being "split horizontally, brushed with butter and toasted on a griddle or in a pan." My mother was a terrible cook (may she rest in peace), but reading this instantly took me back to one of the few things she made that was delicious -- we called it "biscuit toast" -- which was simply day-old biscuits, split, buttered, toasted in the oven, and topped with strawberry jam. Had to close my eyes and put my hand on my heart for a moment. Thanks for evoking this long-not-thought-of memory, Ruth!
I'd like to recommend Vivian Howard's series on PBS called Kitchen Curious. In every episode she cooks and also has field trips to show where ingredients are grown and processed. It's a very interesting and appealing show.
Context matters so much, and I love the story before diving into the recipe. It really sets the tone and mood and suddenly, instead of just being a recipe, I have an actual reason to try and make it. I come from the tropics but I can still imagine (and taste!) how comforting those muffins are.
Another comforting dish for this snowy day in Maine! Chicken fricasee from My Kitchen Year - doing it with herbed dumplings and maybe baked apple for dessert. There will also be real hot cocoa today. Lots of tea. Birdwatching, filling feeders. Reading my new copy of Recioes From The American South by Michael W Twitty.
A perfectly beautiful post in beastly weather - so cold here in Maine. I make your New York corn muffins all the time. And as i’ve said to you before, “My Kitchen Year” has seen me through many hard times “if Ruth can get through it, so can I.” ❤️❤️❤️
I made the chicken fricasee on this snowy day in Maine - added herb dumplings adapted from a recipe by Edna Lewis. Seriously one if the best meals I've ever cooked or eaten. Thank you!
new york corn muffins sound delectable!!
Brilliant piece on slow-cooked comfort during bad weather. The detail about browning meat in batches instead of crowding the pan is one of those technique things that actually makesa huge diference in how deep the final flavor gets. I've always done stews on the stovetop but gonna try the oven method next time for that consistent low temp.
Ruth,
What a great issue!
Pleasure to read.
Georgine Cavaiola
I just need to second your comments on the sadly missed New York coffee shop aka luncheonette that were everywhere and served the most delicious buttery corn muffins, mostly liked made in a factory but I loved them!! I miss those coffee shops in general-not for high end coffee but where you ran in to get a BLT or a grilled cheese to eat by yourself or to bring back to the office.
BTW I just ran out to buy a chuck roast from the last butcher standing in Park Slope for this weekend's antidote to zero degrees. Thanks for the lovely forgiving recipe.
Re: the corn muffins being "split horizontally, brushed with butter and toasted on a griddle or in a pan." My mother was a terrible cook (may she rest in peace), but reading this instantly took me back to one of the few things she made that was delicious -- we called it "biscuit toast" -- which was simply day-old biscuits, split, buttered, toasted in the oven, and topped with strawberry jam. Had to close my eyes and put my hand on my heart for a moment. Thanks for evoking this long-not-thought-of memory, Ruth!
Comforting words and recipes for fierce times, weather-wise, and otherwise. Thank you.
P.S. My father's most favorite thing in all the world to have for breakfast was a toasted corn muffin from the diner, or anywhere.
I'd like to recommend Vivian Howard's series on PBS called Kitchen Curious. In every episode she cooks and also has field trips to show where ingredients are grown and processed. It's a very interesting and appealing show.
Ruth, do you know Vivian?
Love your opening describing the snowstorm. Great stew tips too!
Context matters so much, and I love the story before diving into the recipe. It really sets the tone and mood and suddenly, instead of just being a recipe, I have an actual reason to try and make it. I come from the tropics but I can still imagine (and taste!) how comforting those muffins are.
Another comforting dish for this snowy day in Maine! Chicken fricasee from My Kitchen Year - doing it with herbed dumplings and maybe baked apple for dessert. There will also be real hot cocoa today. Lots of tea. Birdwatching, filling feeders. Reading my new copy of Recioes From The American South by Michael W Twitty.
I made your beef stew yesterday, for my Mom's visit. It was outstanding! Thank you for the recipe and the tips.
thank you. I'm drooling
A perfectly beautiful post in beastly weather - so cold here in Maine. I make your New York corn muffins all the time. And as i’ve said to you before, “My Kitchen Year” has seen me through many hard times “if Ruth can get through it, so can I.” ❤️❤️❤️
I made the chicken fricasee on this snowy day in Maine - added herb dumplings adapted from a recipe by Edna Lewis. Seriously one if the best meals I've ever cooked or eaten. Thank you!
I want that stew and a corn muffin too! Thanks for the awesome recipes--will try one or other this weekend.
Truly thought about giving up vegetarianism while reading your stew tips
My favorite cold weather comfort food is Bibimbap. It's my favorite any season comfort food come to think of it.