I’m a snacker. I could easily eat snacks all day and skip breakfast (my least favorite meal), lunch, and dinner. So, I love it when a new food fad shows up — in this case, chili crisp! I’m trying to make up for my late coming to the party on this yummy condiment, so I…
Author: cafebarber
Turkish Crick Crack (Crackers)
I first had these last year and have been dreaming of them ever since. I looked for a recipe for a long time, and check out Middle Eastern bakeries whenever I could. They are beyond addictive, so the recipe serves 6-8 as a bar snack, or 1 if you have no self-control, which pretty much…
House Seasoning
There’s a jar of this seasoning that hangs out next to my stove, and the seasoning goes in most savory dishes I make–it’s all about flavor, right? Sure, you can use just plain old salt and pepper, but this is so easy to put together, why wouldn’t you amp up a recipe? Ingredients 1/4 c….
Ina’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers
Since I know Ina won’t be inviting me any time soon to one of her soirees, I had to borrow one of her delicious appetizer recipes, pour a glass of bubbly and pretend that instead of looking at the sajuaros on our property, I would be luxuriating in her beautiful gardens. What I most love…
Summer Corn, Pancetta and Sage Pasta
Between this recipe adapted from Zuni Cafe in San Francisco and my Summer Pasta recipe, I can easily make it through the summer with just the teensiest amount of time in front of the stove. Both recipes are easily modified, and you can add and subtract ingredients to your own taste — don’t have pancetta?…
Jose Andres’ Mussels and Potatoes
I came to appreciate (love!) mussels pretty late in life, and I’m still trying to figure out if I love the mussel itself, or the many delicious sauces they come with. I’ve gone down the white wine, lemon and garlic road, and then addicted myself to in romesco sauce. Fra Diavolo? Done! Red curry sauce…
My Favorite Stir Fry Sauce
Just add noodles, veg, and your choice (or not) of protein. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and reserve until you’re ready to cook! I usually make 5X the recipe, and keep it in my fridge for a spur of the moment meal.
Salsa Macha
Slightly sweet, you can control the heat, completely delicious, and you make it in the blender. We first ate this at Cocina Chiwas in Phoenix — my favorite Mexican restaurant these days. Remove the stems and and most of the seeds from the chiles morita. You can also substitute anchos, guajillos or chiles de arbol or…
Crispy Potatoes with Avocado Salsa
I seriously think that my generation’s meals were ruined by the constant message that salt was dangerous to our health. I only just recently came to this conclusion, when I went to our local farmer’s market in Carefree AZ and bought the most delicious salsa that was absolutely perfectly delicious because salt was so obvious…
Cranberry Streusel Shortbread Bars
Simple, delicious, and pretty on a cookie platter! It’s March. I cleaned out my fridge the other day, and way in back, I found a package of fresh (not so much anymore) cranberries that were still firm. Who says cranberries are only for the holiday season! For the crust and streusel:10 1/2 oz. (1 cup…
Ground Pork and Ramen Stir Fry
I am most definitely a noodle girl. I’m working on a spice blend right now to replace those high salt packets in ramen packages. I think I almost have it. Meanwhile, this is a quick and delicious noodle meal — one of my faves! Ingredients two 3 1/2 oz Ramen packets (get ride of the…
Piñon Brittle
The best part of going to a restaurant for me is not having to do dishes at the end of the evening. The second best thing is looking at the cheffy tricks that are used in plating. I am only just now realizing that I so much look forward to seeing what those tricks are, and…
Cafe Barber 