Easy post-holiday buffet ideas
By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times
What was a glorious ham dinner on Christmas can be part of a tasty — and easy — post-holiday buffet later this week.
Whew we made it!
We survived the holiday onslaught, fed large numbers of people and generally were all-around heros in the kitchen. Now’s the time to take a break from all that stress and offer laid back, easy to prepare...
On Your Table: Tomatoes are the bright star in your summer salad
By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times
Tomato Salad with Cucumbers and Shiraz Dressing
Tomato season is upon us and that means we’re about to see our favorite fruit in a whole plethora of shades, shapes and sizes. Sure, these days you can find tomatoes at the grocery store year round. But those perfectly round, usually bland, tomatoes have been genetically modified over the years...
On Your Table: Get the most from local farmers’ markets
By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times
One of the joys of shopping at farmers markets is picking out your own produce.
As farmers market season kicks off again I am excited to reconnect with the farmers whose produce graces my summer dinners.
A trip to one of these markets can yield nearly all that’s needed to make a spring dinner – fresh vegetables, local meats, tender herbs...
On Your Table: Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with Mexican and Italian flare
By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times
Mushrooms are the star in these Italian style enchiladas.
Cinco de Mayo is a significant Mexican celebration, originating as a commemoration of the defeat of Napoleon III in 1862 when Mexican soldiers, greatly outnumbered and poorly armed, prevailed versus the forces of France. In honor of that holiday, many folks plan a Cinco de Mayo fiesta...
On Your Table: Lighten up and deconstruct
By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times
Lightening up familiar favorite dishes is a great way to please the family while serving healthier dishes.
If the recent spate of springtime weather (this week’s crazy winter weather notwithstanding) has started you thinking about summertime and bathing suits, now is the time to start lightening up food choices.
And, by the way, this doesn’t...
On Your Table: Gumbo is for Mardi Gras
By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times
Mardi Gras, the New Orleans celebration of Fat Tuesday which is marked by eating, drinking and parading. The raucous event preceding the start of Lent will soon be upon us. Let’s face it, Mardi Gras is an excuse to party, or at least host friends over for a festive dinner. And gumbo in its many variations is at the heart of Mardi Gras celebrations.
So...
Last-minute Valentine’s Day desserts
By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times
A little chocolate can go a long way to saying “I love you” to your sweetie on Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s day is upon us but don’t stress out. Making the day special can be as easy or as elaborate as you’d like to make it. Simple seems best as the clock is ticking down. And last minute dishes can be just as delightful...
On Your Table: You carved ’em, now cook those pumpkins
And it’s time to go beyond just pie
By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times
Carved pumpkins from the Chadds Ford October Great Pumpkin Carve donated by H.G. Haskell of SIW Vegetables on Route 100.
Pumpkins make for many a sweet treat like pies and other baked goods this time of year considering the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, but they have many other benefits. They are...
On Your Table: Take corn beyond the cobb
Try pasta with a creamy corn sauce and summer vegetables
By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times
Enjoy corn pureed and used as a sauce over pasta dressed with fresh summer vegetables.
The saying goes that corn should be “knee high by the fourth of July”. Well this year’s crop certainly has surpassed that standard here in the midst of August. Today, driving down a rolling country...
On Your Table: Summer produce in its glory
Fresh, local corn, tomatoes, peppers and more are a delight
ByCathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times
It’s all fresh, local and delicious! This is the peak season for locally grown produce.
We’ve been enjoying the summer produce season for weeks already, but it’s right now – when July has melted its way into August that the summer harvest is at its peak. Corn is...
