From the monthly archives:

May 2008

Trout Taste Better When You Know Who Caught ‘Em

May 31, 2008 Meat, Poultry & Fish

The more fresh meats I try, the more of a meat snob I become. Last spring, it was freshly butchered chicken. This time, it’s fresh-caught fish. No, I don’t fish… but I am lucky enough to have recently made the acquaintance of a certain avid fisherman. For as long as I’ve known him he’s never [...]

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Oh Yeah: That’s a Morel. Singular.

May 28, 2008 Meat, Poultry & Fish

Oh no: I could not actually afford fresh ones. And seeing as dried morels are a stiff $20 an ounce, I couldn’t even justify getting some of those. Woe is me. (And I still need a mixer! Boo!) There’s something about those elusive, once-a-year, barely understood fungi that inspires near fanaticism this time of year… [...]

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May (and June) Challenge: The Delight of Dining Alone

May 20, 2008 News & Views

A small confession: Although they may be the least useful posts I write for you, my monthly challenges are the most helpful posts I write for myself. So when I am (ahem) 20 days late posting my challenge for the month, you know I’ve been sidetracked. My sidetracks this month have been plenty: a new [...]

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Pleb to Posh Pierogies

May 8, 2008 Pittsburgh

There aren’t a lot of pasta dishes that can claim a regular appearance at Major League Baseball games… with the notable exception of Pittsburgh’s Pierogies. Cheese Chester, Jalapeno Hannah, Sauerkraut Saul and the highly intelligent Oliver Onion race through the streets of the city and into PNC Park at every home Pirates game, as a [...]

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An Artichoke Primer for the Uninitiated

May 1, 2008 Vegetables & Side Dishes

Artichokes should come with a pamphlet like the ones they give you at the school clinic. Am I prepared for a relationship with this vegetable? Do I understand the potential consequences? How do I know when I’m ready? I mean, I’ve had artichoke dip, of course, and artichoke hearts from a can. I even made [...]

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