Kalbsschnitzel in Currysosse: German veal cutlets browned and served in a creamy curry sauce with lemon juice, tomato paste, evaporated milk, and a splash of cognac.
Crystal-clear chicken consomme reduced to a quarter of its volume, garnished with steamed julienned vegetables and enoki mushrooms. A refined French-Italian soup with intense concentrated flavor.
Carbonnade flamande, the Belgian beef-and-beer stew: chunks of beef simmered low in dark stout with caramelized onions, brown sugar, vinegar, and a Dijon-smeared piece of stale bread that thickens the gravy.
Chiang Mai steaks feature pan-fried beef tenderloin in a rich peanut butter curry coconut sauce, garnished with kiwi and toasted coconut. Thai-inspired and ready in 40 minutes.
Rich winter vegetable stock made with squash, celeriac, leeks, lentils, and fresh herbs, stewed then simmered for deep seasonal flavor. A vegan soup base.
Pan-seared chicken breasts crusted with cracked peppercorns, thyme, and bay leaf, finished with a white wine pan sauce. Bold flavor from a simple herb-pepper blend.
Billi Bi, the classic French cream of mussel soup with white wine, shallots, heavy cream, egg yolk, and hollandaise. An elegant, velvety bisque served hot or chilled.
Italian chicken escarole soup with homemade broth simmered from chicken pieces, onion, celery, and parsley, strained clear, then finished with chopped escarole and grated cheese.
Quebec poached salmon steaks gently cooked in a lemon court bouillon, chilled, then cloaked in a vivid green herb mayonnaise of spinach, parsley, scallion, and pepper. An elegant make-ahead cold salmon platter.
Tender duck breast meets creamy avocado and bright orange segments in this elegant no-cook salad. Topped with toasted pecans and citrus mayo, it's a showstopper appetizer.
Master chicken stock simmered low for hours with a whole fowl, leeks, carrots and a classic bouquet of herbs. Skim it well, strain it clear, then chill and lift off the fat for a clean, golden base for any soup or sauce.
Grilled beef tenderloin steaks with a roasted garlic red wine reduction, pressed into a pistachio and sunflower seed crust. Restaurant-quality steak at home.
Diner-style macaroni and cheese with sharp cheddar cheese spread, shredded cheddar, sauteed onions, and green bell pepper, baked until bubbly. No roux needed for this creamy classic.
Tournedos of lotte (monkfish) with lobster, sauteed monkfish medallions plated with lobster meat in a silky Cognac-cream sauce enriched with homemade lobster butter. An elegant French restaurant classic for special occasions.
Stuffed green bell peppers filled with brown rice, chopped nuts, and herbs simmered in tomato juice. A vegetarian main dish baked with the pepper lids on.
Indian chicken pies with flaky lard-and-margarine pastry wrapped around garam masala-spiced chicken, mushrooms, and corn. Handheld curry-pot pies worth the weekend effort.
Chilled cream of vegetable soup with spinach, carrots, celery, and green pepper, pureed and enriched with egg yolks and half-and-half. Served cold with sour cream and fresh herbs.
Creamy garlic soup simmers a whole bulb of garlic with herbs, then thickens with an egg yolk and olive oil liaison for rich, velvety body. Served with toasted baguette rounds and grated Swiss cheese.
Roasted bell pepper rolls stuffed with tuna, capers, and parsley in a lemon-garlic olive oil marinade. An elegant Italian appetizer that can be assembled a day ahead.
Mediterranean mushrooms simmered in a garlicky tomato and olive oil broth with lemon juice, bay leaf, and fresh parsley. A low-calorie vegetarian side dish or appetizer bursting with bright, clean flavors.
Southern chicken and okra gumbo with salt pork, fresh tomatoes, and hot pepper, served over fluffy white rice. A slow-simmered Plains-style gumbo with deep, smoky flavor.
Salmon corncakes flake poached salmon with sweet corn, shallots, peppers, and cilantro into pan-fried cracker-crumbed patties. Pacific Northwest meets Southwestern in one crispy bite.
Lobster with curry sauce from Bon Appetit: poached lobster medallions served over a silky reduction of tomato, Calvados, white wine, and warm curry spices. A dinner-party centerpiece with French technique.
Soupe de saumon a la creme is a French salmon cream soup made with a homemade fish stock, diced salmon, and whipped cream finished with fresh dill. An elegant, light first course for a dinner party.
White veal stock, the classic clear, pale fond blanc made by blanching veal and chicken bones, then simmering low with aromatics for hours. A neutral, gelatin-rich base for fine sauces and soups.
Savoury mushroom sauce is a rich vegan gravy made from dried porcini extract, tamari, maple syrup, and arrowroot. A gluten-free, dairy-free topping for rice, potatoes, or pasta.
Clam risotto with red chile powder, Roma tomatoes, and bell peppers finished with Parmigiano-Reggiano. Arborio rice cooked in homemade clam broth for deep seafood flavor.
Chicken with forty cloves of garlic braised in olive oil, vermouth, and tarragon under a sealed lid. A classic French dish where the garlic turns soft and buttery enough to spread on bread.
Classic mushroom bisque with sauteed mushrooms in a butter-cream roux with dry mustard, chives, and a splash of sherry. Rich, velvety, and ready in 25 minutes.
Classic court bouillon for poaching fish with aromatics, fennel seed, coriander, white vinegar, and fresh herbs. Simmers in 30 minutes, freezes for months, transforms any poached seafood.
Spicy beef lettuce cups loaded with sirloin stir-fried in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and Chinese five spice. A crispy, low-carb appetizer that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ancho chile, red pepper, and tomato soup: a silky Mexican-inspired pureed soup with rehydrated anchos, cabbage, and tomato, finished with creme fraiche and cilantro. Vegetarian and naturally gluten-free.
San Joaquin Glamour Salad stuffs a hollowed cabbage shell with ground cabbage, stewed figs, carrot, pineapple, and whipped cream dressing. A retro Central Valley showstopper from California's fig country.
Creamy potato cheese soup brightened with a generous full cup of fresh dill and finished with sharp cheddar. A warming bowl with golden carrots, soft potatoes, and a pop of fresh herb.
Poached chicken breasts cooked gently in an aromatic broth with carrot, onion, celery, and peppercorns, then left to cool in the pot for juicy, sliceable meat. The base for chicken salad, sandwiches, and casseroles.
Yellow pepper soup blends sweet roasted yellow peppers, raw cashews and shallots into a silky golden vegan soup. Dairy-free creaminess without any milk or cream.
This soup can be served hot or cold. It is important not to cook the avocado for any length of time because it can develop a bitter flavour.
Spatchcocked roast lemon chicken with white wine pan gravy, basted until deep golden brown. A classic whole chicken dinner with homemade gravy from the drippings.
Tomato rarebit with mature cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne on toast with sliced tomato, grilled until golden and bubbling. A 10-minute British classic.
Pimiento-wrapped sausage links baked in a creamy nutmeg-cheese sauce. A retro casserole dish with browned sausage, American cheese bechamel, and sweet pimiento peppers.
Pecan-stuffed deviled eggs with chopped pecans, mayonnaise, dry mustard, and a kick of grated onion. The Southern twist on the classic appetizer.
No need to simmer for hours to create a flavorful homemade chicken broth.
Rich homemade chicken stock built from gizzards and necks simmered for over 2 hours with onion, carrot, garlic, and peppercorns. Yields 2 quarts of liquid gold for soups, sauces, and braises.
A slow-simmered lamb chili with black beans, fresh ginger, allspice, and Zinfandel wine. Beans cook with lamb bones for deep flavor. Best made a day ahead for the richest taste.
Friday night pot roast marinated overnight in red wine, apple juice, and aromatics, then braised low and slow for 4 hours. A make-ahead roast with a reduced wine sauce, served chilled and reheated.
Oysters Thomas bakes fresh oysters on the half shell topped with lump crab meat, bearnaise sauce, and cream sauce under golden bread crumbs. An elegant appetizer.
Garden-fresh vegetable soup with Roma tomatoes, new potatoes, corn cut from the cob, and a bouquet garni of oregano, parsley, and lemon zest. Ready in 30 minutes.
Classic French vegetable garnish with glazed carrots, buttered turnips, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and peas arranged around a beef platter. Serve with Hollandaise for an elegant presentation.