Author Archives: Drew

Chana (Chick-pea) Blueberry Chaat

Posted on 26 June, 2018 by Drew

Chaat are sweet, sour, tangy, spicy, crunchy, Indian snacks served from food carts, roadside stalls, and restaurants. Recipes for chaat are numerous, but the basic elements are fairly consistent: a carbohydrate base, a vegetable, an umami element, a sauce, and … Continue reading →

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Black Soy Sauce

Posted on 16 February, 2016 by Drew

Black soy sauce is an ingredient often used in Chinese recipes for cold noodles, such as Barbara Tropp’s Tangy Cold Noodles. Its Chinese name, according to Tropp, translates to “old-head” soy. Black soy sauce is aged longer than other soy sauces. Toward … Continue reading →

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Barbara Tropp’s Tangy Cold Noodles

Posted on 15 February, 2016 by Drew

My friend, Barbara Tropp, left us all too soon. Barbara was a Princeton Chinese scholar studying Chinese poetry when she arrived in Taiwan in the 1970s. Her experience there transformed her into an avid taster and translator of Chinese cuisine. My … Continue reading →

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Toasted, Peeled Walnuts

Posted on 8 February, 2016 by Drew

Toasting nuts is a lovely way to deepen their flavor and firm their texture. They don’t actually become crispy, but they develop a firmer texture. After they are toasted, the skins become loose and you can rub them off in a … Continue reading →

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Boy Scout Beef Chili

Posted on 23 December, 2015 by Drew

The first weekend of December, MM participates with his Boy Scout troop in the annual lighting of memorial luminaria at Antietam Battlefield near Sharpsburg, Maryland. It is an extremely moving event. If any of you live in the area I urge … Continue reading →

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Roasted Root Vegetables

Posted on 28 November, 2015 by Drew

Roasted root vegetables are so simple to prepare. They add a deep, earthy heartiness to a meal. The vegetables above graced our Thanksgiving table. I recommend them as a satisfying side for roasted meats, such as turkey, ham, or beef. … Continue reading →

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Thanksgiving Recipes

Posted on 23 November, 2015 by Drew

As you might imagine, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Here is a selection of my recipes that will complement any Thanksgiving table. Just click on the links to go to the relevant recipes on the blog.  Tweet

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Good Ingredients

Posted on 22 November, 2015 by Drew

A dish is always a product of its ingredients. When creating a dish from a small number of ingredients, this adage rings especially true. In salads, the ingredients really shine, so, when you can, spend more for top quality vinegars and oils. Tweet

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Zucchini Fritters

Posted on 14 October, 2015 by Drew

Zucchini and other summer squash are very prolific. Therefore, one can never have too many delicious, quick recipes for them. This one is a family favorite. I’ve found that even finicky kids and hesitant adults are willing to try these tasty … Continue reading →

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How to Choose Zucchini and Other Summer Squash

Posted on 2 October, 2015 by Drew

The first thing you need to know when choosing zucchini, or any other summer squash, is to look for the smallest ones; they will be the sweetest and most tender. In the photo above, there are yellow patty pans, dark … Continue reading →

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