Zucchini with Almonds (it’s good)

My zucchini hater likes this.  She tells me it’s because the zucchini is in such tiny pieces, not in big chunks, so it’s a texture thing.  I suspect that it’s because it has shaved Parmesan cheese scattered on top (she’s been known to go to the fridge to hack chunks off of the block for [...]

Chicken cooking chart

Cut
Internal Temperature
Maximum Grilling Time (medium heat with lid down)
Maximum Skillet Cooking Time (medium-high heat)
Maximum Roasting Time (uncovered in 350F oven)

Boneless skinless breast
Small (120g)
Large (170g)
170F
10 minutes per side
15 minutes per side
9 minutes per side
14 minutes per side
approximately 25 minutes, covered

Boneless skinless thigh
Small (120g)
Large (170g)
170 [...]

Chocolate Chip Walnut Bars

Makes about 30 squares
Preheat oven to 350F
Crust:

1 cup all purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup butter

Topping:

2 large eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup corn syrup
2 Tbsp corn syrup
2 Tbsp butter, melted
1 cup excellent quality semi-sweet, or bitter-sweet chocolate chips
¾ cup chopped walnuts*

Directions:
Crust:
Combine all crust ingredients, mixing until crumbly.  Press firmly into a greased 9” square cake [...]

Cauliflower with Green Onions and Seeds

This is not an “old” recipe for us, but it is so good; it is also remarkably simple!  Supposedly it comes from a chef by the name of Julie Sahni, who I understand is the owner of a couple of Indian restaurants, is a cookbook author, and has a renowned cooking school.

1 head cauliflower
2 small [...]

Shortcake Biscuits

¼ cup unsalted butter cut into pieces, more for baking sheet
2 cups flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
¾ cup heavy cream

Heat oven to 425F.  Butter a standard sized baking sheet.
Place the flour into a large bowl with the baking powder, salt, and sugar; stir well with a wire whisk.
Make a well in [...]

Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf or Muffins

Preheat oven to 350F
Butter a 9” x 5” loaf pan or a 12-cup muffin pan (preheat oven to 375F)

¾ cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup softened butter
1 egg
3 teaspoons grated lemon rind
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/3 cup milk
1 ¼ cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup yogurt or sour cream

Glaze:

¼ cup [...]

Cheddar Dill Muffins

These are rather like a scone or fluffy tea biscuit, but in muffin form.  Add three crisply fried and crumbled strips of bacon if you wish.

2 cups all purpose flour (or substitute whole wheat)
1 Tablespoon white sugar
½ teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup Old Cheddar, shredded
1 to 1 ½ teaspoons dried dill weed

1 egg, lightly [...]

Green Lentil Kulebyaka

This is a bit of a fiddle to make, but it is very delicious…leftovers disappear way too quickly!  

1 cup green lentils, soaked for an hour
2 bay leaves
2 onions, halved lengthwise, then sliced (keep each separate)
5 cups chicken stock, divided in half (use vegetable stock or vegetarian “chicken” stock cubes for vegetarian version of this [...]

Tandoori-ish/Indianish Yogurt Marinade for Chicken

1 cup yogurt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons crushed or minced fresh garlic
2 teaspoons finely minced fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 teaspoon Garam Masala
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon tamarind concentrate (2 tablespoons if you like) — I like Aeroplane  or Tamcon brand that comes in a [...]

Urad Dal

This recipe is supposedly a family favourite of actor Anil Kapoor (his wife’s recipe):
* 1 cup split urad dal (black lentils) — Pick over very carefully, then soak in cold water overnight, and drain before using
* 2 large onions, thinly sliced (each onion is used separately)
* 3 green chilies, halved lengthwise
* Pinch of asafoetida
* Coarse salt
* [...]