Author: Jill Wendholt Silva
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Tacos with a Korean twist
You’re probably familiar with the wide variety of authentic Mexican-style tacos available at local taquerias, including al pastor (layers of adobo-marinated meat), al carbon (grilled meats), de guisados (casseroles), carnitas (pork cooked in its own fat) and charrales (fish).Korean tacos, however, rate as less-common fare. The fusion delicacy originated in California under the auspices of…
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EATING FOR LIFE: Restaurant-style salad gets a lower-cal makeover
People assume salads are a healthy choice. But ordering one at your favorite restaurant can be deceiving: You think you’re being good, only to realize later you could have eaten a steak for the same number of calories. That’s why I’m mesmerized by each new edition of “Eat This Not That!” (Rodale Press) by David…
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EATING FOR LIFE: An easy dish full of Greek flavors
“Food was such an important and integral aspect of Greek daily life, even the great philosopher Plato debated on how fish should be prepared,” nutritionist Elaine Gavalas writes in her cookbook, “Secrets of Fat Free Greek Cooking.” Greek cuisine has not changed all that much since ancient times. American cooks who want to emulate the…
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Do-it-yourself salad dressings beat bottled
I was weaned on bottled dressings poured over iceberg lettuce salads. There were three basic choices. When my two younger brothers dared to drizzle dressing on their salads — and most of the time they chose (shiver) dry lettuce — they adorned it with something called “Catalina,” a vivid orange, very sweet dressing. My personal…
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EATING FOR LIFE: No-fat oven plank cooking
American Indian tribes of the Pacific Northwest have used the wooden plank to flavor foods since ancient times. Plank cooking imparts a smoky flavor to salmon cooked over an open fire. But planks can also be used indoors, in the oven. The Kansas City Star’s Cedar-planked Chicken with Vegetables is an example of how plank…
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“Heartland” cookbook celebrates Midwestern cooking
Judith Fertig’s Overland Park, Kan., kitchen is a modest but efficient space with white cabinetry, gray countertops and textured walls painted a soothing Benjamin Moore “butter.” On a recent gray spring day, she’s also getting ready to show me how to make butter. She pours two cups of heavy whipping cream from the carton into…
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Winning awards-night munchies and a chance to win $100, movie passes and more
Designer gowns stepping out onto the red carpet? It’s time to plan a tasty little star-studded Oscar number based on this year’s crop of movie contenders. The updated Western “True Grit” is rife with clever food puns. Serve your guests chili, beef jerky, corn bread, s’mores or Cowboy Caviar (check out the half million Internet…
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Winning awards-night munches
Designer gowns stepping out onto the red carpet? It’s time to plan a tasty little star-studded Oscar number based on this year’s crop of movie contenders. The updated Western “True Grit” is rife with clever food puns. Serve your guests chili, beef jerky, corn bread, s’mores or Cowboy Caviar (check out the half million Internet…
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Nutrition in a nutshell
Step away from the vending machine. Or were you going to pull the lever for a packet of mixed nuts? Nuts are an easily portable and tasty snack for busy people on the run. Tuck a bag into a desk drawer, glove compartment, purse pocket or backpack for days when the munchies strike. Recent nutrition…
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Beef and Fennel Ragu: luxury for less
Tough times call for tender meat. The secret to turning a bargain cut into melt-in-your-mouth delicious? This Beef and Fennel Ragu uses a slow cooker — an inexpensive, time-saving appliance no modern kitchen should be without. Unlike many slow-cooker dishes, this recipe does not require browning the round steak on the stovetop before assembling the…