Thanksgiving Day tofu: a savory tofu loaf wrapped around classic sage-and-bread stuffing, then baked into a sliceable vegan holiday centerpiece. A homemade tofurkey that gives plant-based eaters their own showpiece.
Indonesian stir-fried noodles with pork, shrimp, ham, and crisp vegetables in sweet soy sauce. This wok-tossed bahmi goreng is loaded with protein and ready in under an hour.
Copycat Popeye's red beans and rice with canned kidney beans mashed into a creamy, buttery, peppery base seasoned with white pepper and garlic, served over garlic butter rice.
Cantonese chicken and snow peas stir-fry: chicken velveted for silky tenderness, then tossed with snow peas, bamboo shoots, and shiitake in a glossy oyster sauce. Restaurant-style stir-fry, easily made gluten-free.
Shell-on shrimp stuffed with herb-loaded Creole compound butter made from garlic, shallots, oregano, thyme, and three peppers, then grilled until pink and sizzling. New Orleans flavor in 30 minutes.
Elegant abalone steaks pounded thin, dipped in egg and flour, pan-fried in butter, then rolled around creamy crabmeat stuffing with shallots, lemon, mustard, and white sauce.
A copycat of the popular spice mix. This version has less salt than the store bought mix which I find way too salty.
Creamy lemon lobster rolls with chunks of cooked lobster meat in lemon-mayo dressing with celery, red onion, and parsley. Buttered, toasted buns. Maine-style classic.
Scallop and green bean terrine is a French mousse of pureed scallops and creme fraiche folded with blanched green beans, baked in a water bath and served with tomato coulis.
Cajun-style fish seared in a fiery pecan butter sauce with three kinds of pepper, garlic, and hot sauce. Inspired by K-Paul's in New Orleans, this works best with firm fish like swordfish, tuna, or sturgeon.
Roasted langoustines on mesquite-charred bell peppers with wilted arugula, blanched French green beans and aged balsamic. Quick-seared shellfish that hits the plate in 60 seconds total.
Rabbit chasseur with a pound of mushrooms, tomatoes, and white wine braised in the oven, finished with a beurre manie-thickened hunter's sauce. Classic French technique.
Classic flounder meuniere pan-fried in browned butter with lemon juice and fresh parsley. A simple French technique for delicate white fish fillets.
Herbed horseradish sauce for fish made with yogurt, fresh cilantro or dill, grated horseradish, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. No cooking, ready in 5 minutes, served cold.
Pureed sweet potato soup with nutmeg and white pepper, served with a dollop of cranberry sauce and sour cream in each bowl. A silky, elegant soup for fall and holiday tables.
Authentic General Tso's chicken with dark meat deep-fried in cornstarch batter, tossed in a sweet-sour-spicy sauce with dried chili peppers. Restaurant-quality Chinese takeout at home.