Articles

Options galore with cauliflower, fresh tomato sauces

I felt like a frantic little squirrel as I scurried about the yard, snipping as many fresh herbs as I could. The nights had been getting cooler, and on this night, there was a frost advisory. The first frost was on its way.

• Pretty presentation
• Sue’s not finished with cauliflower yet. On her blog, see how she makes Cheese-Frosted Cauliflower
• Colorful choices

Craving cupcakes? Try these red, white and blue treats for the Fourth

I love little surprises. A couple of weeks ago my son, Andy, came walking into my house with a lovely turquoise box in hand. He had just returned from a business trip to Houston and brought back a surprise.

• Patriotic treats
• Video: Sue shows how easy it is to make the traditional cooked frosting for Waldorf Red Cake
• On her blog, Sue uses traditional Waldorf Red Cake cooked frosting on Blueberry and Cream-Filled 7-Up Cake
• Colorful topping

One last indulgence: Cappuccino Cheesecakes

The holiday season for sharing sweet treats and eating them yourself continues, but it won’t be long before the “new you” New Year’s resolution begins. Right now, going to bed with a sugar-high headache is still allowed. Calories that don’t count, Christmas cookies for breakfast – still justifiable.

• On her blog, Sue spreads the same chocolate topping (ganache) on Grasshopper Cheesecake
• Video: Sue uses melted white chocolate to make a decorative design on Cappuccino Cheesecakes
• Single servings

Sandwich for a 'change'

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a lecture at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn. If the word lecture brings back memories of a boring college professor you once had to listen to, Jay Weinstein would definitely reframe the meaning of that word for you.

• Hot off the grill
• Video: Watch Sue grill eggplant and fresh mozzarella
• On her blog, Sue turns roasted eggplant into soup

Sliding into summer with tasty sandwiches

What is it about a sandwich that makes it so loved? Maybe it’s the ease of preparation. The fact that there’s almost no cleanup involved certainly doesn’t hurt. And who doesn’t appreciate the simplicity of eating out of hand?

• Photo
• Video: Sue shares some tips about working with fresh herbs
• Like the looks of that slaw in the photo above? You can get the recipe on Sue’s blog

Baby Cakes present many options

With Thanksgiving looming just ahead, it’s time to start thinking about dessert. Well, at least that’s what I’m thinking about. I like options, meaning at least one other choice besides pumpkin pie. Or pecan pie.

• Photo
• Video: The scoop on crystallized ginger
• Find out how to turn Sweet Apple-Cranberry Sauce into a savory topping for chicken breasts by visiting Sue’s blog

Columns

Layers of flavors: Why not try something new with layered vegetable dish?

It doesn’t seem so long ago when my adult sons were young boys. As if it were yesterday, I can see them sitting at the dinner table. And as clear as day, I can see the twisted look on their faces as they say, “Why can’t we have the same potatoes we had last week? Why do we always have to try something new?”

• Thanksgiving and beyond
• On her blog, Sue serves Layered Autumn Vegetable Crisp with Creamy Baked Chicken for Two
• Side dish

Looking for an alternative to pumpkin pie? Try this tasty tart

It happens every year in November. It never fails. It’s already happened this year.

• Dessert alternative
• On her blog, Sue makes Pecan-Pumpkin Sauce to serve over waffles, pancakes or ice cream
• Tasty crust

Mac and cheese: An old favorite gets a new twist

Every year at this time, I get such a craving for homemade macaroni and cheese. I pull out my old “Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book” that my mom and dad gave me when I was in high school. I turn to page 140, well worn with sticky spots and a little tear. That’s where my favorite macaroni and cheese recipe lurks.

• Special sauce
• On her blog, making soft pretzels warms Sue’s kitchen on a chilly day
• “New Vegetarian”

Divine doughnuts make this grandma a hero

I carefully measured out all of the ingredients. I pulled out my big dough board. My deep, heavy cast-iron pan was filled with oil and I clipped a thermometer to the side. A baking sheet was lined with layers of paper toweling. I took a deep breath.

• Yummy doughnuts
• On her blog, Sue puts applesauce doughnut balls into a rich and cidery bread pudding
• Ready to fry

Hungary for goulash: Traditional dish warms the soul

There seems to be one Hungarian dish that most people know of: goulash. So, it’s not surprising that when people discover I am Hungarian, they assume I am an expert on Hungarian Gulyás.

• Comfort stew
• On her blog, Sue makes Hungarian Jam Crescents
• Merry making

Chicken thighs: Eat some now, freeze some for later

These days, it seems we’re all looking for meals that are quick to prepare, economical and healthful. It’s not much different from the kinds of meals my mom used to search for so many years ago.

• Lots of choices
• On her blog, Sue uses some Now and Again Chicken Thighs to make her favorite Chicken a la King
• Chicken a la King

Caramel apple cake could become a seasonal favorite

When golden leaves begin collecting along the roads I drive each day, and brown pine needles fill the gutters on my house and blanket the grass in my yard, my apple senses switch into high gear.

• Appealing
• On her blog, Sue makes Danny’s Apple Crisp every year
• Takes the cake

It's time to bake the leaves ... beet leaves, that is

It was the sign outside the Ukrainian Cultural Institute in Dickinson, N.D., that caught my eye: “Cheese Buttons and Borshch Soup Sold Here.” My foot went directly to the brake pedal.

• Can’t beet it
• On her blog, Sue uses beets to make individual gratins
• Ready for the oven

In perfect harmony: Moist bread satisfies chocolate craving

I’m always in the mood for chocolate, but every once in a while I get an overwhelming desire for chocolate with a hit of cinnamon. Not too much, mind you, but just enough to give a whisper of sweet, warm and woody fragrance.

• Feed the craving
• On her blog, Sue makes Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
• Finished loaf

Hooked on eggplant: Rollups hit the spot

When I was a child, I don’t ever remember having eggplant. When I was in high school, though, I had an Italian friend whose mother seemed to fry eggplant every other day. Their house always smelled delicious. I can’t say that turned me into an eggplant enthusiast, but I did eat one or two of those thick slices of chewy Italian bread with a slice of fried eggplant and homemade tomato sauce slapped onto it that my friend’s mom would make for us as an on-the-go snack.

• Easy eggplant
• On her blog, Sue shares a recipe for Eggplant and Sweet Bell Pepper Dip
• Harvest time