(This article was published in the Western Kentucky Review under my column, “Around the Table with Maureen.” I retain sole copyright to the article and photographs.) One of the most satisfying meals to make is a whole roasted chicken. The hot crispy skin, tender breast meat, and juicy dark meat … Read more →
Seasonal Recipes: Asparagus & Strawberries
(This article was previously published in Western Kentucky Review newspaper.) In the food world, the arrival of Spring brings asparagus and strawberries to market. When I want a quick, no-fuss meal, two of my favorite go-to recipes are Asparagus & Leeks Tart and Spinach & Strawberry Salad topped with Pecan-Crusted Goat … Read more →
BLT: A Riff on the Classic
I watched the flames lick the twine-bound chunk of beef tenderloin and returned to the kitchen to stir the slow-cooking leeks and watch the final round of the Masters. From inside the kitchen, the buttery-sweet leeks mingled with the unmistakable scent of charred meat and my mouth watered. I wanted … Read more →
How to cut fennel and other pithy thougths
Do you have an obsession you’re embarrassed to talk about? I do. Except I’m ready to talk about it. Right here. Right now. Deep inhale. Exhale. I developed a little fennel fetish over the last few weeks. Seriously. Not in a sexual way. Get your mind out of the gutter. … Read more →
Tomato & Fennel Flat Bread
On a recent trip to The Fresh Market in Evansville, Indiana, I bought fresh fennel. One. To be exact. One fennel is plenty. Unless you’re feeding an army. Its licorice flavor goes a long way, and, ahem, Elvis doesn’t like licorice. But I’m working on a salmon ebook and need … Read more →
Apple & Bacon Slaw
Because this month’s Creative Cooking Crew challenge was a mystery box-granny smith apples, bacon, nut butter, and vinegar, I took the task literally and made Apple & Bacon Slaw with peanut butter-pear vinaigrette. It was only after I made this dish, I realized I could include these items to create … Read more →
Tales from the kitchen: how to make four meals from a four pound chicken
My all-time favorite way to roast a whole chicken is the Julia Child way. Disclaimer: It’s not low-fat, easy to make, nor a thirty-minute meal. But it makes the juiciest-tasting bird. I like to roast a bird a la Julia Child at least once a month. I feel like I’ve … Read more →
Meatloaf and Potato Pizza
When I was a kid, I ate meatloaf and mashed potatoes every Monday. It wasn’t fancy-a pound of ground beef, Wonder Bread crumbs, an egg, onion, garlic powder and a little Heinz 57 ketchup. As a young adult, when I managed The Wooden Spoon restaurant, I served meatloaf every Monday … Read more →
Arugula-Cilantro Pesto
Don’t you just love a recipe that gives you more than one choice? Take my Arugula-Cilantro Pesto. I couldn’t find basil in the store and don’t have enough sunlight to grow my own, and I was craving that garlicky, nutty, garden-fresh taste that comes from a great homemade pesto. The only other … Read more →
Vegan Sushi: A Cooking Challenge
Do you love a challenge? I do. But, I’m pretty competitive. Okay, so you knew that, but when it comes to doing something out of the box, as much as I love a challenge, I tend to squirm around inside that box a bit. Like the time Elvis surprised me … Read more →
Cara Cara Orange & Pomegranate Bread
Pomegranate’s are one of those fruits that are only available from October to January. It’s no surprise we find them in so many holiday dishes. In fact, this past Christmas season, I not only made a pomegranate vinaigrette, and Berry Bourbon Christmas Cocktail, I tossed pom seeds on my oats, … Read more →
Sweet Corn Chowder
When it is twenty degrees outside, like it is this week, I remind myself of the foods I eat during summer: fresh-shucked sweet corn, sun-kissed peppers and vine-ripe tomatoes. No. Not to torture myself, but because when the days are shorter and the cold, like they are this week, there’s … Read more →
A secret cooking challenge
One of the things I love about Facebook is the community it offers. Yes, its got a few drawbacks as well, but that’s a story for another day. Last month on Facebook, I was invited to join a “secret” monthly cooking event. First, I love the word secret, don’t you? … Read more →
Change in 2013
I created Cuisine by Maureen in April 2011. I’ve struggled with its concept since. But since it’s a new year, I figure it’s as good a time as any for change. In fact, I started with a pantry re-du. Check out the before and after. Not too shabby, huh? Any … Read more →
Happy New Year 2103
May 2013 bring you prosperity, love, good health, and great cooking! Chocolate-Marmalade Truffle Martini I’m not one for creating cocktails, in fact, the first attempt at making this drink was not good. Fortunately I have Elvis, who has a knack for putting things together, and then telling me how to … Read more →
