Skillet naan
Nothing beats a hot, fresh loaf of homemade bread, but nothing else seems quite as intimidating on a weeknight. Three separate rises, with folds in between? Oven preheating and a long baking time to get that crust just right? I…
September updates
The first month I did an update post, I jetted off across the country, took the most time off work I have since I graduated college, and got a new job. I think I may have sent expectations too high….
Kidney bean poisoning
You hear about poisonous mushrooms and berries and all that jazz, but kidney beans? Yes, as it turns out. Raw kidney beans contain very high levels of phytohaemagglutinin, a protein that wreaks havoc on cell walls and cell metabolism. But…
Slow cooker dal makhani (Indian lentils)
I have a very vivid memory of eating at an Indian restaurant in Amsterdam with my family. The night was dark and rainy so our warm, bright table by the window felt like a cheerful refuge from the dreary outside…
Parmesan gnocchi with shaved carrots and basil
I won’t lie to you: gnocchi are a little tricky. They need some time and some love, and approximately every bowl in your kitchen. But for all of their intimidating reputation, these fat little potato pillows were actually pretty fun…
Browned butter chocolate chip cookies
My childhood home had a built-in stepstool in the kitchen that pulled out like a drawer, which was, of course, directly in front of the mixer. I’m not sure if my parents were encouraging independence or resigned to the fact…
Butter: browned, clarified, and ghee
This one is for my dad, who makes fun of me for carrying McGee with me whenever I travel and then peppers me with food science questions that I need to look up (immediately) in my reference book of choice….
Science of fizz
There’s something about fizz that just makes any drink more fun. Champagne feels so much more exciting than regular old wine, and I don’t know anyone who wants to drink a flat soda. Bubbles feel like magic. So how do…
Sparkling ginger lemonade
I’m a big fan of the neighborhood coffee shop. I think I get it from my dad, who’s such a connoisseur of cafes in the Portland area that my sisters and I will call to give him our location and…
Peach mascarpone pie
I’m not sure if we’ve been over this before, but you should know: I’m dating a mathematician. He’s decided he wants to go by JS on here because his favorite math blog refers to people by their initials. Yes, he…
