CUMIN-ROASTED CARROTS

CUMIN-ROASTED CARROTS

SERVES 2 to 4 “The Incident” in my elementary school cafeteria left me cooked-carrot averse. (Think mean lunch lady, waterlogged carrots from a can, tepid milk, and force feeding.) But my mom introduced me to the sweet goodness of roasted carrots and saved the day....
MASHED CAULIFLOWER

MASHED CAULIFLOWER

SERVES 2 to 4 I grew up in diner country, where creamy mashed potatoes were a standard side dish that almost defined a balanced dinner. (Hello, meat and potatoes!) This cauliflower proves that starch is not a requirement for comfort. Snuggled under a hearty beef stew...
CREAMY SPICE MARKET KALE

CREAMY SPICE MARKET KALE

SERVES 2 to 4 Leafy greens like kale, chard, beet tops, and collards are the definition of “good for us,” but I’ve never been a fan of the standard “throw in a pot with bacon, stew for hours, and hope for the best” approach. There is surely an elderly (but still...
BLUE RIBBON COUNTRY CAPTAIN CHICKEN

BLUE RIBBON COUNTRY CAPTAIN CHICKEN

SERVES 6 to 8 In 1971, wearing a groovy vest-and-pants outfit she sewed herself, my mom won first prize in the Pottsville Republican’s annual Share-Your-Recipe contest. In the photo of the award ceremony at the swanky Necho Allen Hotel, she is clearly the...
MEAT AND SPINACH MUFFINS

MEAT AND SPINACH MUFFINS

MAKES 12 muffins These muffins are a savory surprise. First, they come in a brightly colored wrapper, just like cupcakes, only better. They also have a pleasantly dense texture that packs both meat and veggies into a fun, portable shape. Great hot or cold, you can...