Quick and Easy

English Cheddar Cornbread

November 30, 2009 by Charles 4 Comments

In addition to cranberry sauce, cornbread and turkey just seem like one of those perfect pairings.

Cornbread is a so-called quick bread, because it doesn’t contain yeast, and doesn’t require any rising or kneading. These traits make it perfect for Thanksgiving, when the number of dishes and burners going at once can be overwhelming. Beyond being quick and easy to prepare, its hearty, yet uncomplicated – requiring basic pantry staples.

Another advantage to cornbread is its adaptability. Cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt are a given, but beyond that, …

Cranberry Sauce

November 29, 2009 by Charles 3 Comments

During the Thanksgiving rush, the night before can sometimes be your only friend.

Wednesday night, I made this cranberry sauce in a matter of minutes. It was quick and it was easy, but it still meant one less burner, one less pot, and one less thing on my mind come Thursday. A full day in the refrigerator also gives the sauce and its flavors time to come together. It’s the perfect complement …

Artichoke Dip

November 15, 2009 by Charles 5 Comments

Every good party deserves a good dip.

When we hosted the Halloween Party – complete with Tarantula Treats and Bloody Lady Fingers – Caitlin and I also served this dip. Unlike more traditional dips, we allowed this one to set, though it was still soft enough to accommodate our assortment of chips.

If you prefer a truly soft and creamy dip,…

Roasted Asparagus

September 21, 2009 by Charles 4 Comments

Roasting is one of the best ways to enhance both the color and flavor of an item. In this case, just a little time and olive oil brings out the crisp crunch and sharp green of asparagus spears. These roasted asparagus spears can be served in their own right, or …

Grilled Peach Salad

July 26, 2009 by Charles 1 Comment

Summer is a good time for fresh fruits and vegetables. But it’s not the best time to spend stuck in your kitchen, laboring over a hot stove. The perfect summer salad solves this potential paradox.

The grilled peaches took me outside for a few minutes, and provided a sweet taste and a vibrant color for the salad. After that, I laid some arugula down as a base, topped it with roma tomatoes, feta cheese, toasted pecans, and a homemade vinaigrette. The salad was ready in fewer than five minutes – which left me plenty of time to enjoy a sunny Sunday stroll in Saint Louis.

Incidentally, if you’re looking for more salad ideas, …