Chile-Brined Fresh Whole Ham

Chile-Brined Fresh Whole Ham

Last November when I was trying to make a decision about the turkey we’d prepare for Thanksgiving, quite by accident, I saw a news segment about a local turkey farmer.  In San Diego?  I immediately researched to find that yes, we really did have someone …

Cassoulet

Cassoulet

I think the first time I heard anyone mention cassoulet, it was Martha Stewart years ago in the first version of her television show.  Outside of remembering that the main ingredients were white beans and a huge amount of meat for what could be classified …

Little Italy Mercato: Fresh Pappardelle with Sausage and a Salad

Little Italy Mercato: Fresh Pappardelle with Sausage and a Salad

Mother’s Day weekend found us enjoying a relaxing two days filled with food this year.  Big surprise, right?  To be fair, it all began with a visit to Little Italy’s Mercato — more for a Saturday morning downtown than the possibility of what we might …

Tamales with Pibil-Style Pork and Guajillo Sauce

Tamales with Pibil-Style Pork and Guajillo Sauce

Have you ever made tamales?  No, not tamale pie.  My mother used to make that and as much as I enjoyed her cooking, tamale pie would not have been one of my favorites.  From what I can remember, it was noticeably sweet, and comprised of …

Pork Meatball Banh Mi

Pork Meatball Banh Mi

I think I’m the last person on the planet who has had the Vietnamese sandwich, banh mi, added to her food radar. The first time I saw anything about them was in one of my food magazines about a year ago. Anything with bright veggies …