From James's kitchen
Tested, annotated, and worth returning to. Browse dependable recipes for everyday cooking, relaxed weekends, and occasions worth sharing.
From home · 375 recipes
Clear filter
97This is a simple, hearty, delicious vegetable soup. Reminiscent of a Tuscan bean soup, it’s packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying. To keep it vegetarian, just omit the pancetta, and use vegetable stock. I like to stir in a little brown rice into the…
Read recipe
98Roasting broccoli is probably my favorite method – it’s quick and easy to prepare. High heat roasting enhances the natural sweet and nutty flavor while creating a beautiful brown, caramelized exterior. People seem to either love or hate broccoli, which is a…
Read recipe
99There are many stories regarding the history of Hot Cross Buns. One interesting one comes from Alan Davidson's "The Oxford Companion to Food". He says that the Saxon invaders in Britain chomped on buns adorned with impressions of crosses in honor of the pag…
Read recipe
100Many recipes for brown rice can require special equipment (like a rice cooker) or time consuming stovetop methods that are not always foolproof. This recipe for baked brown rice is perfect every time and eliminates the risk of poorly cooked rice. While whit…
Read recipe
101Corn muffins are so versatile, but many can turn out dry and tasteless. The sour cream in this recipe keeps them moist and tender every time. They’re perfect in the morning with some homemade jam, or serve them at dinner with Chili Con Carne or Chicken Tort…
Read recipe
102Mince pie seems to have fallen out of favor in the U.S., although it was once the quintessential American pie - much more popular than apple or cherry, and in the 19th century Americans ate mince pies all through the year - for breakfast, lunch and dinner.…
Read recipe
103When I growing up my Dad often had a bag of Keebler’s Pecan Sandies stashed away in an upper cupboard, reserved for when he was craving a crunchy cookie with hot cup of coffee. Unfortunately for him, the kids usually managed to find the bag and polish off w…
Read recipe
104Roast Chicken is one of the simplest things to make, and when done correctly, becomes an all time home comfort food favorite. I find that Kosher chickens are the most flavorful and juicy, particularly Empire Kosher Chickens ( http://www.empirekosher.com/ ).…
Read recipe
105It’s hard to believe summer is nearly behind us, and as apple picking season approaches, I’m reminded of this all-time family favorite cake. My sister Ann has been making a version of this cake for as long as I can remember. It’s often referred to as “Jewis…
Read recipe
106This is a great way to use up zucchini from your garden and is an easy recipe for vegetarians. I made it recently for lunch, but it would also make a great first course for dinner. This will serve two as a main course, or four as an appetizer. You can easil…
Read recipe
107It’s hard to believe that we’re already approaching Labor Day weekend – the summer just flew by. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), Labor Day is one of the most popular holidays for barbecuing - after 4th of July and Memorial Day.…
Read recipe
108This is delicious summertime pasta and works well on its own, or with your favorite Barbecued Chicken or Grilled Fish. I’ve got tons of basil growing in the garden and this is a great way to use it. The addition of mayonnaise helps keep the pesto from separ…
Read recipe
109This is a fantastic recipe that makes great use of fresh summer peaches. Cobbler is a classic summer dessert and just about as American as Apple Pie. The clever folks at Cook’s Country have mastered a method that prevents the cobbler from sitting in too muc…
Read recipe
110Mojitos make a great summer cocktail – refreshing citrus and mint hit the spot on a hot summer day. I always have a ton of mint growing in pots (it spreads like crazy), and this is a perfect way to use it up. The best version involves a little advance prep…
Read recipe
111Summer barbecues just aren’t complete without this classic side dish. Everyone has a favorite version, and when I’m looking for an authentic home cooked version, this is my recipe of choice. As a kid, I was pretty fussy about what was in it, and my mother w…
Read recipe
112This is a classic moist fudgy brownie enhanced with Amaretto and almonds, but you could also make them with hazelnuts and substitute Frangelico for the Amaretto. They work best in a 9” square pan so make sure to check the size of your pan. Perfect to take t…
Read recipe
113Nothing beats fresh tomato sauce made with your own (or someone else’s) garden tomatoes. The few simple ingredients combine to make a truly delicious and authentic pasta sauce. This recipe can easily be doubled if you have an abundance of tomatoes, and it f…
Read recipe
114If you’re looking for a more sophisticated dessert for your next dinner party, try this Austrian classic. America’s Test Kitchen updated the recipe and it’s pretty easy to do. I made it recently for a small dinner party and was able to prepare it in the mor…
Read recipe
115Devil’s Food Cake is one of the most popular cakes in the United States and has its own day, May 19, which celebrates National Devil’s Food Cake Day. “Devil’s Food” cake is rich, decadent chocolate cake that is generally darker in color than most chocolate…
Read recipe
116Although they’re often a favorite side dish staple, sometimes mashed potatoes need a little inspiration. Root vegetables make a perfect addition to potatoes, and I particularly like the sweet flavor of carrots in this recipe, but parsnips, rutabagas, turnip…
Read recipe
117Apparently the origin of this meringue-based dessert is somewhat unclear, but seems to have been created in honor of Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova’s visit to New Zealand and Australia. The nationality of its creator has been a source of argument betwee…
Read recipe
118Red Velvet is popular around Christmas but in the south you will usually find it served all year long. The bright red cake and white creamy frosting make it perfect for Valentine’s Day. Americans spend around $655 million each Valentine's Day on candy, maki…
Read recipe
119This is one of the simplest recipes but always a crowd pleaser. Everything can be picked up at the grocery store – unless you’re in the mood to roast your own peppers – and assembled quickly at home. The recipe can easily be increased to make as many servin…
Read recipe
120Homemade vinaigrettes just taste better and it's really worth the extra few minutes it takes to shake up a batch in jar. I like to use this recipe during the winter, when there are lots of great citrus fruits to choose from in the grovery store. Blood orang…
Read recipe