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This hearty beef stew, when made with imported Hungarian paprika, is certain to warm you in the winter months. It can also be turned into a soup by doubling the amounts of liquid called for in the recipe and adding carrots and potatoes near the end of the stewing process. Cubed veal or pork loin can be substituted for part of the beef, making this an exceedingly flexible dish.

Continue reading "Hungarian goulash" →

Crisp on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, and best served while flaming — this fried cheese dish of humble Greek origins is a far cry from the mozzarella stick appetizer made popular by various chain restaurants.

Continue reading "Saganaki" →

This fresh salsa provides welcome zest and freshness when used as a condiment with common Mexican dishes. It is best served on the same day as it is made.

Continue reading "Pico de gallo" →

This is a very basic beef and bean chili recipe. Everyone has their favorite — this is mine.

Continue reading "Simply chili" →

I think this is the first recipe that I learned by heart. Simple, easy, guaranteed to bring broccoli out of the supermarket and back onto your dinner table.

Continue reading "Basic Hollandaise sauce" →

This pound cake is sweet, but the tangy cream cheese keeps it from being cloying. It is great for last-minute get-togethers, as it is simple and keeps well in the refrigerator.

Continue reading "Cream cheese pound cake" →

On the offhand chance that this information may prove useful to someone: the flute track from Busdriver’s song “Imaginary Places” on Temporary Forever is from Suite for Orchestra No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067 7. Badinerie by Johann Sebastian Bach. The sampled part of this track can be heard as a song sample on 25 Bach Favorites.

This recipe is originally from my Aunt Maureen. I’ll be making it this afternoon for Matthew’s birthday, as it is his absolute most favorite cake in the whole wide world.

Continue reading "Two-tone cheesecake" →

This hot soup is more like a stew, especially when topped with cheese and bacon pieces. I love to make it in the winter when the wind-chill factor is through the roof. The cayenne pepper gives it an unexpected kick; using bacon instead of ham makes it extra tasty.

Continue reading "South by southwest potato soup" →

Microwaves are a good thing, especially for making fast snacks. Apples are a good thing, especially in the fall. Combining the two… well, it’s pretty darn awesome.

Continue reading "Zapples" →