Mad About Maize by Peggy Paul Cassella Most experts agree that the wild ancestor of corn (or maize, as it’s called in other countries) can be traced to Central and South America about 70,000 years ago. After it was domesticated around 7500 B.C., it became a mainstay of the ancient Native American diet and remains
MoreA Parade of Radishes by Peggy Paul Casella This time of year, fresh-picked radishes are hard to miss at the farmers market, all piled up with their neon-colored tubers facing out. So if you’ve only ever thought of them as a garnish, now is your best chance to give these ancient brassicas a second look.
MoreStalking the Spring by Peggy Paul Casella Spring hasn’t really sprung until you’ve snatched up your first bunch of asparagus from the local farmers market. It livens up any dish with its grassy, floral flavor, and the prep work—bending each spear until it snaps toward the bottom end—was one of my first kitchen tasks as
MoreSweet Potatoes by Peggy Paul Casella They might not be as flashy as other super foods, but sweet potatoes pack a serious nutritional punch, and have impressive concentrations of fiber, potassium and other essential nutrients. Most notably, sweet potatoes are one of the most potent natural sources of beta-carotene and other pigment-related antioxidants, which have
Moreby Peggy Paul Casella Broccoli & Cauliflower Both members of the Brassica oleracea or flowering cabbage family, broccoli and cauliflower share many of the same attributes and nutritional properties. They are low in calories, high in vitamin C, good sources of folate, fiber and vitamin A, and they contain phytochemicals that can help protect eyesight
MoreSlow-cooked carnitas, scented with smoky cumin, cinnamon and orange, make an easy meal to share with friends. | Photo by Emily Teel
It's still winter, but let carnitas warm you up
Ah, spring. The promise of sunshine, blooming trees, crunchy new vegetables and the meals that taste the way spring can make us feel: bright, fresh and
Warm up the kitchen without cranking the thermostat by making roasted sablefish, escarole and avocado salad and roasted pineapple and coconut sundae | Photo by Emily Teel
Although you can’t will spring to arrive sooner, you can turn on the oven. Not only does it warm up the kitchen without cranking the thermostat, it’s also the
Nourishing meals for short days
Beans & Greens Stew; Savory Muffins with Prosciutto; Leek and Cheddar; and Vanilla-Roasted Winter Fruit are all nourishing and satisfying dishes perfect for a chilly January. | Photo by Emily Teel
January can be cruel. The days are short and cold, and the contrast between the overindulgence of the holiday season and
This holiday season, ditch the pre-made treats and make something from the heart
Last winter, a friend gave me a jar of tomato jam. It was delicious, but the fact that it was an unexpected treat made it even sweeter. It served as a reminder of the particular joy of pressing something homemade into the hands
MoreSkip the typical sage and thyme for Thanksgiving and instead opt for Chai-Spiced Apple Crisp, Pumpkin & Coconut Thai Curry and Roasted Broccoli Salad with Tahini and Za’atar. | Photo by Emily Teel
Skip the usual suspects for Thanksgiving fare and give late autumn produce a kick
The momentum around food in november all leads up to