Crispy, oven-baked leaf potatoes. These are an adapted version of a dish my mom used to make when I was a kid. Scalloped potatoes were one of her signature dishes. Talk about decadent; potatoes, cream, butter, cheese…need I say more, they were outrageously good. My leaf potatoes are a slightly healthier twist, I still use […]
Green bean casserole was a dish my mom, and millions of others, make for Thanksgiving. It’s a reliable, love-hate dish, that many of us have had at least once in our lives, if not more. Many, including my mother, still make this dish, but many, like myself, have adapted or modernized it over the years. […]
Bolognese, known in Italian as ragù alla bolognese, ragù bolognese, or simply ragù is a meat-based sauce in Italian cuisine, commonly associated with the city of Bologna. But contrary to popular belief, Bolognese has no definitive tie to the city of Bologna, in northern Italy. Food historians typically agree that the dish originated in Imola, […]
A simple roast chicken is a technique that everyone should master, but it’s not easy. One of the first things they teach you in culinary school is that the test of a good chef (or restaurant) can be determined by their roast chicken and not their most elaborate dish. I’m serious. And I’ve tested this theory […]
In the 50s, a gin martini was what mom and dad sipped before dinner with the family, but not a lot has changed since then. Considered an iconic cocktail, a simple gin martini is one of the world’s most famous drinks. With its clean, bracing taste, there is no mystery to the martini, and all […]
Broccolini is a favorite, but then again, there are not many vegetables I don’t love. This recipe for broccolini with candied pecans was a no-brainer for me, the perfect blending of a few simple things I’m fond of. But broccolini is a confusing vegetable for some. To start, it isn’t baby broccoli. So, what is […]
While life is far from “normal” it continues. With that, I mean, fall and pumpkin season is now in full swing. I’ll be honest, COVID holidays look very different than normal holidays once did. I don’t know about you, but crowds now terrify me. Gatherings of any kind immediately put one on edge. And while […]
I say this loud and proud, these no-bake Oreo cookie dough bites are not healthful by any means, but they are worthy, especially if you are an Oreo lover. This was a fun recipe to develop and truthfully, I did it for my son who loves my eggless chocolate chip cookie dough bites (and Oreos) […]
Oat milk is all the rage these days. And oat milk could not be more simple to make. This popular dairy-free alternative is just rolled oats and water blended then well strained to remove the pulp. The result is easy, creamy, DIY oat milk! Lately, this dairy-free milk alternative seems to be popping up all […]
I bet you had no idea I’m part German. I used to think that’s where my love of apple strudel came from. But truth be told, strudel is not German. This iconic pastry is most often associated with Austrian cuisine and can be traced back to the 17th century. The first handwritten recipe for a […]
Potato samosas are one of my favorite comfort foods. I say comfort food as these tasty, typically savory, potato-stuffed, golden-fried pastries are by no means low-calorie, but they are delightful. Samosas have been popular in South Asian cuisine for the last eight centuries and have been said to be a food that transcends both class […]
The question is, where has apple butter been my entire life? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had apple butter before, but never the homemade kind. Total game-changer. And to be clear, the homemade version of freshly baked biscuits is almost too incredible to speak about. But what is apple butter exactly? Not sure about you, […]
My life was forever changed the first time I tried Japanese milk bread. I’m serious, there is nothing truly like it. Pillowy is the word that comes to mind. I’ve made many breads in my lifetime, but Japanese milk bread is in a category of its own and a worthy try if you enjoy baking. […]
Baby greens with manchego and quince vinaigrette, a lovely, simple salad with staying power. From the most basic to complex, for me, salads never get old. There are limitless combinations from basic to bold, and nothing is off-limits. This is a favorite elegant favorite of mine that hinges on the sweet-salty homemade quince vinaigrette that […]
This is my chocolate honey cake for the upcoming Jewish holiday, Rosh Hashanah. In Judaism, Rosh Hashanah means “head [of] the year“, and is the first of the Jewish High Holy Days, also known as the “Days of Awe“. According to the teachings of Judaism, Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the civil year and […]
Welcome to my blog Simmer + Sauce. I always thought I was going to be a lawyer, but going to culinary school was one of the best decisions I ever made. I’m a former professional chef from NYC who loves to eat, cook and talk about food. My focus is great food, with solid recipes and reasonable ingredient lists. Cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. Many of my recipes are family friendly and often on the healthy(ish) side.