Monkfish Stew with Potatoes and Dill

This Monkfish Stew with Potatoes and Dill has been one of my favorite weeknight dinners this Winter. But all Winter long, I’ve been waiting to post it because I think it’s perfect as we (finally) transition from Winter into Spring. It’s light, bright and healthy, as well as easy, which is the winning combination, no? I love having dishes that I can prep really quickly but still are guest worthy. With guests in mind, Monkfish Stew with Potatoes and Dill is a great excuse to stop by the really good bakery on the way home and pick up a loaf of fresh bread, because it’s perfect with some tangy, crunchy sourdough. If you want to make enough for the whole week, just reserve the fish and add it raw to the soup as you reheat. It only needs to cook for a few minutes but it tastes better freshly cooked as opposed to reheated. Of course lots of different fishes would be great in this stew, but I love the flavor and texture of monkfish. The firm texture holds up to the broth without breaking apart and the almost lobster-like tasted is delicious. This Monkfish Stew with Potatoes and Dill … Continue reading

Artichoke and Preserved Lemon Soup

I love artichokes. A lot. But I do not make them often because Marc despises them. We’re talking mortal enemies. He can sense from two days out if I steamed an artichoke while he was away for the weekend, so clearly, I only serve this Artichoke and Preserved Lemon Soup when he’s not around. The funny part is that of the two of us, artichokes should be my mortal enemy. The great artichoke debacle of 2007 occurred due to the perfect storm of Marc at a conference in Chicago, an overabundance of fresh baby artichokes and too many late night episodes on the food network. Feeling inspired by a delicious looking plate of fried artichoke hearts and the fact that I had all the ingredients on hand, I decided that late night frying was the most natural path to a delicious midnight snack. I was a very inexperienced fryer at the time but recently had great success with fried chicken. I had my big bottle of frying oil and filled my fancy schmancy stock pot with oil, turned it on and carried the artichokes out to the living room where I could clean them from the comfort of my couch … Continue reading

Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Glaze

I really love citrus in the winter when it’s at its peak. Fortunately, my dear friend Elena and her mother try to keep me in citrus in the winter. I already have been gifted a big bag of limes and more recently some Meyer lemons, which her mom ships to us in Philly from her trees in Arizona. This cake is one of Marc’s favorite winter desserts and since it has a strong lemon flavor, it makes me happy too. It doesn’t seem sweet between the lemon and the molasses and the hint of spice from the ginger adds some intrigue. I made it a day ahead, so it would be ready for us after a long day out in the cold. It goes great with a dollop of crème fraîche or whipped cream and a cup of tea.  We had both while we watched the Rose Bowl and enjoyed a cozy fire. ½ cup butter (room temperature helps it along, but it will be fine if you start straight from the refrigerator) ⅔ cup hot water 1 cup dark molasses ¼ cup dark brown sugar 1 large egg 2 ½ cups flour 2 tablespoons cake enhancer 1 teaspoon baking … Continue reading