Tag: Taste With The Eyes

Fagioli al Caviale (White Beans with Caviar)

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

Leftover Turkey Soup with Dumplings

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.

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

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Extra Smoky Eggplant Dip (Baba Ganoush)

Extra Smoky Eggplant Dip (Baba Ganoush)

🍆 Extra Smoky Eggplant Dip 🍆
Baba Ganoush

Baba ganoush is a beloved Middle Eastern dip that celebrates the smoky, earthy flavors of roasted eggplant.

At its core, baba ganoush is made from charred or roasted eggplant, which is blended with tahini (sesame seed paste), garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The result is a creamy, slightly tangy, and nutty dip with a hint of smokiness, thanks to the roasted eggplant.

Here, the traditional ingredients are used but for extra smokiness a few drops of natural hickory liquid smoke are added. Fans of smoky foods will swoon over this recipe.

Served with pita, cucumber, radish, and gluten-free crackers, this is a terrific vegan appetizer to serve before Thanksgiving (or any) big dinner. With wide appeal, it has tons of flavor, color, and crunch and won’t fill up your guests before the main event.

Extra Smoky Eggplant Dip Recipe

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Sockeye Salmon Hot Pot

Sockeye Salmon Hot Pot

Sockeye Salmon Hot Pot

Corn, Cabbage, Shiitake, Carrot, Potato, Daikon, Tofu
Miso Bonito Broth with Butter

Ishikari Nabe is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish from Hokkaido, named after the Ishikari River region. It features fresh salmon, a staple of the area.

Nabe, which means “pot” in Japanese, refers to a traditional Japanese hot pot dish. It’s both the name of the cooking vessel and the dish itself. Nabe involves simmering a variety of ingredients in a flavorful broth, typically served communally at the dining table, making it a social and comforting meal.

Sockeye salmon is an excellent choice for a Hokkaido-style Salmon Hot Pot due to its robust flavor, firm texture, and nutritional richness.

Its deep, rich taste complements the umami-packed miso broth, while its sturdy flesh holds up well during simmering, maintaining its shape and adding satisfying bites to the dish featuring an array of fresh vegetables, tofu, and potatoes.

While sockeye salmon is not native to Japan’s northernmost island, it has been introduced to Japanese waters, including areas around Hokkaido. The texture and full flavor make it the perfect species to shine in this delicious salmon hot pot.

Sockeye Salmon Hot Pot Recipe

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