Smoked Paprika and Saffron Mussels at Anthology, Spaghetti and Meatballs and a Fantastic Choucroute at the New York Times

These are a few of my favorite things. Plump mussels shipped to me overnight by my friend (an oyster, salmon, and seafood expert) Jon Rowley. A richly fragrant broth in which to serve them. Conveniently morsels of crusty bread to sop up every drop. And, friends gathered close to revel in just how plump and juicy mussels can be, when they are harvested from clean waters at just. the. right. time.

I could make a list a mile long of favorite things, no doubt. But this is a good start. And the meal was so good. If you choose to make this savory, juicy dish, please follow back and tell me how much you loved it! See the full story and recipe at Anthology.

Many things have come to print since my last post here, so I'll use this as an opportunity to share the wonderful work I've done most recently for the New York Times, out on Wednesday.

This super no-fuss meatballs and spaghetti story, by my no-nonsense favorite, Mark Bittman -

That's me!

Also from that story, a much more labor intensive - but worth every moment - choucroute preparation -

This was so good I've made it twice since. SO good.

The pork shoulder is pasture-raised heritage Berkshire/Tamworth breed, by my friend Farmer Brad at Mountain Song Farm, and the wonderfully tangy sauerkraut is from my farmer friends Lindsay, Pete, and Benford at Harvest Roots Farm and Ferment. Support your local farmers and eat well.

Here is a wonderful spin on pan-fried fish, served with an asian ragout that offers both crunchy and velvety notes -

the red snapper I used for the story

There's more. But I am being stared at by the next to-dos on my lists. Those left undone stare at me, and whether or not I've crossed a bunch off in a day, those which remain bore holes I cannot bear…. Some of those to-dos include tasks to prepare for a trip: I am traveling to Norway next week!!!

If you have recommendations of places to go and things to do, please tell me in the comments. Thank you!

It will be splendid. I know I cannot conceive to what extent. But I am certain this travel will provide much inspiration. I plan to tuck real and experiential pieces into my bag to bring back and share with you all…. For in-the-moment beauty on this adventure and everyday, follow me on Instagram.

Garden & Gun, a Story About Me, Lots of Fun at New York Times, and the Summer Disappeared

This past springtime, the flurry of activity really took hold. I went so far as to map out each day from start to end so that I could keep track of timing: the dizzying myriad projects underway, along with new ones, all clamoring for space. The time has come where many fruits of that labor have ripened, in and amidst my steady work with the fine people at Anthology and The New York Times.

Where Women Cook, a Southern quarterly, asked to feature me. It tickled me so! Not just to produce recipes that I thought would translate into beauty on the page (and of course be dynamite tasting), but to have those recipes be my own creation; what I deemed relevant and lovely. All that, accompanied with my story. Talk about humbling.

I love the results. The newest issue can be found at Barnes and Noble. Pick up a copy and tell me what you think!

portrait by the wonderful Jim Lafferty

Here are some of the photographs featured, and some favorite outtakes -

beetroot cure ingredients that comprised the above finished dish

Grinding nuts into a powder to incorporate

 

This crumb-topped apple crostada is certifiably amazing

During that same time frame, my editor at Garden & Gun had an ambitious story she needed turned around in record time, and of course I said 'no problem!' The idea: the best southern breakfasts. One could write volumes I imagine. So off I went to Oxford Mississippi to capture breakfasts done big by none other than Chef John Currance, at the original Big Bad Breakfast. Needless to say there were grits involved, and lots of bacon-related elements…here's the online version - check out the full story in the magazine, out now.

Other fun and colorful stories of note, The New York Times has been using my skills at cooking, styling, and shooting on the regular. This great piece was printed last month and took up most of the front page - wahoooo!!! (Online story, here.)

Not only did my piece grace Page One, but I was right beside an equally great story about none other than Betty Fussell. She's been writing up a storm - and of the no-nonsense variety - for the last five decades. Betty is also an amazing human. I am blessed to call her a friend, and I even interviewed her here a while back, for my Luminary series. Available online, both articles are worth having a good look at.

In other NYTimes news, there's this indulgent sweet corn risotto. Insanely yummy.

Also, a story about Basque recipes for the under-appreciated green pepper, like this Piperade. Savory and a delight (but I still prefer red or orange peppers most any day…)

Did you see this yummy piece about these brown butter and coconut financiers? Holy moly they were good.

Whew.

This comprises work that's out in print right now. More g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s stories soon to debut! I hope these will keep you sated, at least for the time being. ;)