Episode 301

“Winter Comfort Food,” Episode 301 of Sara’s Weeknight Meals… starts airing this week around the country. I’ll be making Smoky Fish Chowder and Root Vegetable Latkes, after a visit to Stone Barns Center, a sustainable farm  in Pocantico Hills, New York, with my nephew Peter. This episode is my salute to root vegetables and satisfying winter meals.  I make a one-size-fits-all latke and serve it with a good old-fashioned fish chowder, only this one is double-smoked. For the recipes click here. more »

Makes about 12 latkes, 4 servings Hands-on time: 25 minutes Total preparation time: 25 minutes         Ingredients… 1 pound assorted root vegetables, such as turnips, beets, parsnips, and carrots 1/2 pound boiling potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or Red Bliss 1 small onion 1 large egg 1/3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 to 6 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/4 to 1/2 cup sour cream 1. Preheat the oven to 250ºF. Peel more »

Makes about 9 cups, 4 servings Hands-on time: 20 minutes Total preparation time: 30 minutes         Ingredients… 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter ½ pound Canadian bacon 1 medium onion 2 medium stalks celery 1 pound boiling potatoes such as Yukon Gold or Red Bliss 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 1/4 teaspoons dried 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 1/2 cups Homemade Chicken Stock (see below) or canned broth 3 cups whole milk more »