Hi Reader, Take a hike, lords-a-leaping—we've got stand mixers-a-mixing.Instead of twelve drummers drumming, may I introduce you to a dozen friends who are far more attractive and certainly more tasty! 12 Days of Christmas Cookies And, unlike those golden rings everyone's singing about, these won't require a second mortgage on your house. Cranberry Pistachio Cookies These festive cookies are adorned with sweet-tart dried cranberries and crunchy pistachios. They're the perfect addition to your...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, In a world where pie has ruled Thanksgiving dessert since the beginning of time...One brave soul dares to suggest something different. (That's you, by the way.) Thanksgiving Desserts that AREN'T Pie Traditionalists might clutch their rolling pins in horror, but this list of proven recipes are worth every "side-eye" glance. Cranberry Apple Crostata Cranberry apple crostata is so easy to make and so unexpectedly lovely to experience it may end up displacing the more familiar dessert...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Because nobody remembers who brought the green beans last Thanksgiving... Perfect Thanksgiving Pies The real Thanksgiving power move? Being the one who brings the perfect pie. Pumpkin Meringue Pie Pumpkin meringue pie. At long last, a slice of pumpkin pie can be considered stunningly sophisticated as well as complete in and of itself—no dollop of whipped cream required. ☞ Try this recipe Caramel Apple Pie This caramel apple pie takes classic apple pie to the next level. For this...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Some will call it sacrilege. I simply call it your Thanksgiving plot twist.While everyone else wrestles with their 20-pound bird at 4 AM, you'll be calmly creating something that doesn't require a physics degree to cook properly. Thanksgiving Main Courses (that Aren't Turkey) Let someone else bring the turkey this year, while you collect the rave reviews for your delicious "change of pace". Pork Loin in the Style of Porchetta This pork loin in the style of porchetta is an Italian...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader, Some people dream of fame. (Well, I dream of that, too.) But this time of year, what I really dream of is that delicious moment when a certain relative, who for years has claimed she doesn't cook from recipes, asks for mine. (I shan't say who that is, but if you're reading this newsletter, you know who you are.) Thanksgiving isn't a competition. It's about creating dishes that have everyone scheming to take home the leftovers. "So Good!" Thanksgiving Sides Classic Green Bean...
5 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Come on, 'fess up. You think that stuffing is the star of Thanksgiving dinner. I know I certainly do. Sure, turkey is great. Smothered in gravy, it's even better. But it's the carb-loading of stuffing that makes me oh so happy on Turkey Day. I love it so much that in my cookbook, The New Portuguese Table, I offer up two stuffings for Thanksgiving. You'll find both at the bottom of this newsletter. Also, some of you were asking more about turkey stock. Here's a video I made a few...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hello there Reader, Thanksgiving doesn't have to leave you cursing like a sailor. (Although, if you ever heard Mama Leite muttering in Portuguese while wrestling a 22-pound turkey into submission, you might think otherwise.) As someone who's hosted more holiday dinners than my youthful countenance would suggest―some of which ended with me hiding in the basement, clutching a bottle of wine, and questioning my life choices―I've learned a thing or two about keeping my sanity intact. The One will...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, First, I’d like to thank all of you who sent us well wishes for The One. There were so, so many people who wrote, and both of us were blown away! The One was so moved he wanted me to pass on a message. Hello, everyone. I can't thank you enough for all of your kindness and good wishes during what has been a rather difficult time. I'd never been in the hospital before and was not prepared for the challenges. However, your words were a great comfort. Many, many thanks. The One.Now,...
5 months ago • 4 min read
Coming Clean Hello Reader, I've been a bit dodgy lately, cursorily mentioning "family health stuff." A lot of you saw through my words and sensed something was up. Well, enough of you wrote that I decided to come clean. Last week, The One had open-heart surgery to replace his aortic valve. He had severe calcium buildup on the valve's leaflets, and it was causing his valve to open to the diameter of a pen. (It should be open to the size of half a dollar.) It was his first time in the hospital,...
5 months ago • 3 min read
