X

News

Several years ago my husband wrote a story for Smithsonian Magazine celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release of Kurtis Blow’s “Christmas Rappin’.” More here.

Back in the Eighties, The Husband was the director of publicity for Def Jam Recordings and Rush Artist Management.  Several years ago he wrote a story for Smithsonian Magazine celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release of Kurtis Blow’s “Christmas Rappin’.”  In 2020 Music Arkives published an expanded version of…

More


Nacho Pie

  Makes 6 servings Hands on time: 10 minutes Total preparation time: 40 minutes 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 1/2 cups sliced green bell pepper 1 1/2 cups sliced onion 1 16-ounce jar chipotle salsa 1 10-ounce package frozen corn One 15 1/2-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed 1…

More


Chicken Vaca Frita

For the mojo: 10 garlic cloves, peeled 2 teaspoons salt ½ teaspoon black peppercorns ½ cup fresh orange juice ¾ cup fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil For the chicken 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 large white…

More


Duck Tacos with Quick Refried Beans

Makes 6 servings For the spice blend: ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon oregano, crumbled ½ teaspoon chili powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon cayenne For the filling & toppings: 1 half, cooked rotisserie duck (for a mail order source, please go here) 1 tablespoon vegetable…

More


Chianti Tortelli

(Recipe courtesy of Allesio Bagnoli based on the family recipes of Veronica d’Entreves) Makes: 6 to 8 Servings Hands on time: 45 minutes Total preparation time: 3 ½ hours For the pasta dough: 3 ½ cups semolina flour 3 large eggs 2 to 2 ½ cups of Chianti Wine For…

More


Chianti Tortelli Filled With Asparagus and Goat Cheese

(Recipe courtesy of Allesio Bagnoli based on the family recipes of Veronica d’Entreves) Makes: 6 to 8 Servings Hands on time: 45 minutes Total preparation time: 3 ½ hours For the pasta dough: 3 ½ cups semolina flour 3 large eggs 2 to 2 ½ cups of Chianti Wine For…

More


Sushi: California and Cucumber Rolls

Serves 4 Hands-On Time: 45 minutes Total Preparation Time: 1 1/2 hours For The Sushi Rice: 2 ½ cups Calrose medium grain rice 2 ½ cups water 1/3 cup rice vinegar 1 ½ tablespoons Kosher salt 1 ½ tablespoons sugar For The Sushi Roll Fillings: 1 seedless English Cucumber 1…

More


Sushi “Burgers”

Serves 4 Rough note for inspiration: Matthew took the liberty of coming up with a Sushi Burger, using the the same rice as we did – with the vinegar seasoning and used the same toppings Billy and I used in the sushi rolls. That said, his creative use of creating…

More


Shrimp Tikka Masala with Mango Chutney

Adapted from Gourmet Magazine 2008 (developed by Melissa Jones) Makes 6 servings Hands On Time: 45 min Total Time: 1 hour For shrimp: 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 (1-inch) piece fresh jalapeño, chopped (about 2 teaspoons) 1 (1-inch) piece peeled ginger, chopped 1 large garlic…

More


Watermelon Screwdrivers

  Serves 4 to 6 Hands-on time: 20 minutes Total preparation time: 4 1/2 hours (Due to freezing) 1 pound cubed watermelon flesh, about 5 cups 1 quart orange juice, preferably fresh 3/4 cup vodka or to taste Remove all the seeds from the watermelon and place in a blender.…

More