Taste With The Eyes

Black Cod over Black Rice

Miso Glazed Black Cod over Black Rice
Shredded Carrot Salad, Peas, Pea Shoots
Lemon Soy Emulsion

Black cod, also known as sablefish, is brushed with a miso glaze that complements the fish’s luscious buttery flavor and silky melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Black rice, with its nutty flavor, chewy texture, and striking dark purple-black color, is paired with peas for a colorful and classic combination. A zesty carrot salad adds brightness and crunch, while a lemon soy emulsion brings vibrant, salty, umami notes.

The combination of rich miso-glazed black cod, contrasting black rice, fresh carrot salad, and sweet green peas, results in a visually stunning, Asian-influenced dish that’s both simple and impressive. And fresh local pea shoots add mild spring pea flavor and make the whole dish pop!

Black Cod over Black Rice

Black Cod over Black Rice Recipe

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Gochujang Lamb Shanks, Polenta, Fresh Greens, Hot Mustard Sauce

Gochujang Lamb Shanks
Creamy Parmesan Polenta
Fresh Wild Arugula, Mint, Scallions
Hot Mustard Sesame Garlic Sauce

Gochujang brings a fiery kick, while daikon radish provides a crisp, peppery contrast to the creamy polenta. A bold hot mustard sauce balances beautifully with the rich succulent meat. These lamb shanks are slow-braised in a tangy, sweet, and savory blend of pomegranate juice and figs, then finished under the broiler for a crispy exterior and meltingly tender, flavorful interior.

With its sweet heat and deep, fermented umami notes, gochujang—Korean red chili paste—offers a balanced fruitiness, a hint of smokiness, and layers of flavor from sun-dried Korean red peppers. It complements the meat and pomegranate-fig sauce perfectly, resulting in a dish bursting with vibrant flavors, contrasting textures, bold aromas, and a wild presentation.

Gochujang Lamb Shanks, Polenta, Fresh Greens, Hot Mustard Sauce

Gochujang Lamb Shanks Recipe

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Fagioli al Caviale (White Beans with Caviar)

Fagioli al Caviale (White Beans with Caviar)
Inspired by Sophia Loren

“At first glance, the pairing of caviar with beans might seem sinful. But remember the Cinderella story, and the splendid prince who falls in love with the humble, poor-as-a-church-mouse Cinderella. Well, marrying beans with caviar has the same charm,” says Sophia Loren, in her book Recipes & Memories published by GT Publishing Corporation 1998.

Pairing caviar with beans is an excellent choice for the holidays because it blends sophistication with simplicity, creating a dish that feels both special and approachable.

Caviar brings a touch of luxury, making the dish feel celebratory and indulgent—perfect for holiday gatherings. Cannellini beans, on the other hand, offer a creamy, comforting base, which resonates with the warmth and coziness of the season.

Sophia Loren - A scene from Scandal in Sorrento 1955. — Sophia Loren – A scene from Scandal in Sorrento 1955. Photo from her cookbook.

Fagioli al Caviale Recipe

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Leftover Turkey Soup with Dumplings

It’s that time of year again. Time for the Annual Leftover Turkey Soup. For 2024 we have a hearty, cozy, comforting turkey soup with plenty of vegetables and big fluffy dumplings.

And this year, every single ingredient in the recipe is leftover from cooking the Thanksgiving meal. No need to run out to the market! This is a true LEFTOVER SOUP, everything is on hand from the turkey, to the vegetables, to the herbs and spices, flour and diary!

Leftover Turkey Soup with Dumplings

Turkey Soup with Dumplings Recipe

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My “Do Nothing” Turkey Recipe Again, Plus My “Add Nothing” Gravy

My "Do Nothing" Turkey Again, Plus "Add Nothing" Gravy

My “Do Nothing” Turkey Recipe Again
Plus “Add Nothing” Turkey Gravy

Back by popular demand again, and to make it easier to find on this site – here is my “Do Nothing” Turkey Recipe. The recipe results in a perfectly cooked bird year after year. I bought my turkey at Costco (as opposed to Whole Foods) for 99 cents a pound. For 2024 everyone said it was the juiciest bird ever!

And while we’re at it, I’m including my super-easy recipe for natural turkey gravy. Nothing is added to the delicious pan dripping stock but flour and cornstarch. And every home cook knows that the gravy is a pain to make at the end, just before service…but this method is truly a breeze!

Just like the “Stuffing Everyone Loves,” the “Add Nothing” Gravy Recipe is homey and simple, just like you remember from your childhood. With no white wine, no cognac or sherry, no herbs, no garlic, no giblets – it is a smooth, tasty authentic turkey gravy with never any lumps that appeals to young and old.