Category Archives: Condiments

WEEKEND INDULGENCE: FIGGY FRENCH TOAST

Posted on August 31, 2013 by thesolitarycook

No. I’m not going to presume to teach you to make French toast.  But I do want to show you a way to gild the lily.  Figs are involved.     Weekend. Just the very word bespeaks time.  Time spent … Continue reading →

Posted in Breakfast, Condiments, RECIPES | Tagged , , , , | 25 Comments

DAVID LEBOVITZ’S ROASTED FIGS

Posted on August 20, 2013 by thesolitarycook

“FIGS!” I exclaimed out loud the other day when I came upon a display of them at the grocery store.  My outburst startled a woman near me, but instead of subtly side-stepping away as many do when I talk to … Continue reading →

Posted in Condiments, Desserts, Hors d'oeuvres, RECIPES, The Freezer is Your Friend, Vegan, Vegetarian | Tagged , , , , | 28 Comments

SANDWICH SATURDAY: THE SANTA BARBARA (or HOW I CAME TO LOVE CABBAGE, PART 1)

Posted on June 30, 2013 by thesolitarycook

I let the first bite seduce me, wash over me.  The second one swept me off my feet,  pulled me under.  By the third, though, I surfaced, gasping, realizing I needed to pay attention and commit the creation to gustatory … Continue reading →

Posted in Condiments, Leftovers, Meats, RECIPES, Sandwiches, Solitary Cook, STORIES | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

WEEKNIGHT DINNER: COCONUT CHIX STIX

Posted on June 7, 2013 by thesolitarycook

SERVES 2, or 1 with leftovers When I think coconut, I tend to think shrimp.  Now, while coconut shrimp are all very well and good, my budget isn’t always in the mood for shrimp.  These were inspired by a friend … Continue reading →

Posted in Condiments, Entrées, Meats, RECIPES, Solitary Cook, WEEKNIGHT DINNER | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

MEATLESS MONDAY: GRILL-ROASTED EGGPLANT CAPONA OVER ROASTED POTATOES

Posted on August 6, 2012 by thesolitarycook

Just look at these beauties!  I almost don’t want to cook them; I’d rather cradle and caress them, they’re so perfectly smooth and ripe.  But cook them I will.  (Re-reading this, I’m anticipating a couple of responses:  some will be … Continue reading →

Posted in Condiments, Entrées, Meatless Monday, RECIPES, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetarian | 8 Comments

REALLY? YOU’VE JUST INVENTED ICE CUBES?!

Posted on July 1, 2012 by thesolitarycook

Yes, I can already hear you saying it out loud.  But I beg your patience.  Who doesn’t have a nuisance of mint growing somewhere?  And what cools the heat of summer better than the combination of lemon, mint and ginger? … Continue reading →

Posted in Condiments, Gluten-free, RECIPES, Vegan, Vegetarian | Tagged , | 13 Comments

PANTRY DINNER: REPURPOSED BURRITO

Posted on June 19, 2012 by thesolitarycook

As I’ve mentioned, I’m often asked what I think people should stock in a pantry.  I almost always answer the question with a question, and ask them what sorts of foods they really like.  Because for me, at least, that’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Condiments, Entrées, Leftovers, RECIPES, Solitary Cook | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

GRILLED PINEAPPLE WITH SMOKY AVOCADO VINAIGRETTE

Posted on June 17, 2012 by thesolitarycook

I can imagine this accompanying just about anything you plan to prepare for Father’s Day, or any other warm summer evening, since chances are good that you’re going to be grilling anyway.  The colors are beautiful, the sweet flavors heightened … Continue reading →

Posted in Condiments, Meatless Monday, RECIPES, Salads, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetarian | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

CAESAR SALAD

Posted on June 5, 2012 by thesolitarycook

Back when I owned a bakery-restaurant, one of our most popular salads was a classic Caesar.  You know, that heavenly dressing that was the only way you’d eat anchovies.  Crisp, cool romaine lettuce.  Parmesan cheese.  And our dramatic croutons. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Condiments, Entrées, RECIPES, Salads | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

MEATLESS MONDAY: MUSHROOM BURGER

Posted on May 20, 2012 by thesolitarycook

Yes, I realize I am on a burger kick these days.  And very happily so.  A mushroom burger has been on my mind for a while, and no time like the present, right? I don’t live in an area where … Continue reading →

Posted in Condiments, Entrées, Meatless Monday, RECIPES, Sandwiches, Vegetarian | 7 Comments