Category: Tips & Tricks

Visiting the Asian Market

I found myself in the Asian district the other day, which worked out great for me because it meant I got to pop into the really big Asian supermarket.  I wish I could say I were an expert on Asian cuisines and that I venture into the market to  find specific amazing international ingredients for… Continue reading Visiting the Asian Market

Easy Meal: Pasta Carbonara!

Okay so, I know I haven’t been around much and I have to sincerely apologize — between house guests, yard work, a clown, caretaker and character of a bulldog, and lots and lots of the kind of work that actually pays me, I’ve been kind of swamped!  I felt it only right that one of… Continue reading Easy Meal: Pasta Carbonara!

Purple Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

I come from a pretty long line of German and Polish cooks.  I really love to embrace the food, recipes and traditions of that heritage.  I get so busy trying new things, it seems, that I wander away from the food of “my people,” but this week I had a hankering for some potato pancakes.… Continue reading Purple Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

Braised Beef: Pot Roast, Short Rib, Oxtail

A dear friend came to visit last week, and I couldn’t remember the last time I’d made him a meal, if ever.  Since he’s a bachelor and a guest, I asked him to let me make a nice home-cooked dinner.  He’s fond of pot roast, and as such, tonight at Casa Sass it is a… Continue reading Braised Beef: Pot Roast, Short Rib, Oxtail

Carnitas! (Fried Mexican Pork)

I have a soft spot in my heart for Mexican food.  To me, Mexican food can be sort of the perfect comfort food. Once you get past really Americanized Mexican food and Tex-Mex (all of which have their place, and I dig on all of them), you find authentic Mexican food is an amazing mix… Continue reading Carnitas! (Fried Mexican Pork)

Southern Fried Chicken

At one time or another in the last three weeks, we’ve had 3-5 house guests at a time.  John is a high school teacher, and has been “off work” for the summer, and we have spent a lot of that time being social with friends and family.  I love having folks over, because it means… Continue reading Southern Fried Chicken

Pork Fat Rules: Making Lard

Lard.  I said it, I said that four-letter “L” word.  STAY WITH ME, don’t be scared! If you make it through today’s blog, you’re going to learn all the things I’ve learned in the last month or two, and you might even come away inspired!  Come, friend, let us travel to the land of porky… Continue reading Pork Fat Rules: Making Lard