No. 9Recipe Card Posted on 2 Comments

Cacio e Pepe (Spaghetti with Pecorino Romano and Black Pepper)

Only 3 ingredients: dried spaghetti, Pecorino Romano and black pepper.  Who needs a recipe and why is this a Bijouxs?

I’ll answer the second question first. Why is cacio e pepe a true Bijouxs of a recipe? Important – it’s a simply sublime dish – pasta is one of the (my) things that “those who cook for a living” make for themselves after they have been cooking for hours (or days). You never eat when you work. Case in point: over the Labor Day holiday I contributed some of the dishes for a friend’s 50th birthday party of 30 guests; a Caramel Brie, Guacamole, my House Salad and 75 crab cakes – later I am home wondering…what will I eat for dinner? Continue reading Cacio e Pepe (Spaghetti with Pecorino Romano and Black Pepper)

No. 8Recipe Card Posted on 2 Comments

Chicken Tagine with Green Olives & Preserved Lemon

At the surface my experience cooking tagines feels recent, that is within the last 10 years, but upon reflection my roots to Moroccan cooking run deep to the very beginning of my cooking experience. What is now over 30 years ago, I had the pleasure of taking a cooking class with Paula Wolfert. As a young bride and very young cook, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to take a class from this fabulous chef. Paula’s memorable class on Moroccan food transported me to the sights and smells of Tangier not only through the food, but also through her words. Her articles from Saveur magazine will transport you too. She shares that Tangier “was also the place where I found my vocation as food writer—where I discovered who I really was.” What a wonderful experience. Continue reading Chicken Tagine with Green Olives & Preserved Lemon

No. 7Recipe Card Posted on Leave a comment

Celery, Lovage and Almond Soup

Lovage  (Levisticum officinale)  – if you don’t have it in your herb garden – plant it. Pretty saucy statement I know, but lovage is truly a Bijouxs. It is a large, vigorous (perennial) herb with celery-like leaves that harbor an intense celery-ansie flavor. Uses? Endless – think celery squared.

One way in which I like to use lovage is in this delicate, and fresh soup from Fifteen Minutes Meals. I have intensified the celery flavor with my addition of fresh lovage. Continue reading Celery, Lovage and Almond Soup

No. 6Recipe Card Posted on 4 Comments

Café de Paris Butter

Compound butter: sounds pretty boring, what’s the big deal with whirling some flavors into butter? I know, but don’t pass on these little Bijouxs Basics for your pantry (um, freezer).

When I first started cooking, I began with the basics, and compound butters were a part of my classes, but acting very crow-like and being very young, I was more attracted to the shiny objects. My new copper bowl and giant balloon whisk held my attention, compound butters?, I’ll get back to those later. I don’t really know what every happened to my copper bowl and giant balloon whisk, but I can assure sure you compound butters are now given front row center in my freezer. Continue reading Café de Paris Butter

No. 3Recipe Card Posted on Leave a comment

Grapefruit Gazpacho with Mint

This is a very light, simple take on Gazpacho, and the grapefruit is what really makes it such a fresh sup on a hot day. It’s a snap to make: chop everything up, put in a bowl with grapefruit juice, let the flavors develop for an hour, and give it a quick spin the food processor, pure Bijouxs. Continue reading Grapefruit Gazpacho with Mint