I started my addiction for those 29 cent ramen packets a lonnnnnnng time ago. I tossed the seasoning packet out because of the salt, and started cooking the noodles in chicken broth. Here’s the latest iteration. Best news? Addie shares my Ramen addiction . . . 3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil 2 cups (1-inch)…
Author: cafebarber
Sweet and Spicy Nuts
I don’t think there is a day that ends without my eating pecans, wasabi almonds, salted peanuts . . . or some type of nut. I change the kinds of nuts almost every time I make these — I almost always add pepitas/pumpkin seeds, and when I’m feeling extravagant, I buy macadamia nuts at Trader…
Potato Fondants
If I could only ever eat just one food for the rest of my life, it would be a really tough decision between carnitas tacos and these potatoes. Flavorful, crispy, tender . . . mouth-watering. Must. Make. Immediately! 2 lb. baby Yukon Gold or Red Bliss potatoes (20 to 25 potatoes, 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 inches…
Riad’s Shortribs
The only way I can imagine eating at Balthazar is by cooking their food out here in the West. These are such delicious ribs, wine infused, tender, and rich. I could mainline the sauce! Ingredients Serves 6 to 8 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 6 pounds short ribs Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper 2 carrots,…
Parmesan Manchego Dip/Salsa/Slather
This is a Michael Chiarello recipe with a couple of minor changes, and it’s a total Trader Joe’s recipe, AND it’s one of the best appetizers I know how to make. You THINK you’ll just have a taste, and then the bowl disappears! I used to call it a dip, but you definitely don’t…
Unbelievably Delicious Churro Cookies
I have been a diehard Milkbar Chocolate Chip cookie fan for . . . well . . . as long as Christina Tosi was kind enough to post her recipe. My friends completely love them — best cookies they ever had. BUT!!! I’m painfully sorry to say this — I think I found the ULTIMATE…
Orzo with Everything
This is possibly one of five recipes that has been on repeat through most of my adult life. I play with the “Everything” part so much so that the recipe is never the same twice. Pasta — with a vinaigrette — and lots of stuff in it is my idea of a great time! Ingredients…
Carrot Red Lentil Soup with Asian Spices
This is from one of my favorite cookbooks — The Union Square Cafe. Easy to make and incredibly delicious. Ingredients:2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1-1/2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger1/4 teaspoon cayenne1/4 teaspoon allspice1/4 teaspoon ground cumin1/2 teaspoon curry powder1/2 teaspoon ground coriander3/4 cup sliced onions3/4 cup peeled and sliced parsnips4 cups peeled and sliced carrots1/2 cup…
Anne Burrell’s Lasagne
It doesn’t get much better than this. The cool trick here is laying out the lasagne noodles in two different directions which gives more stability to the lasagne. I’ve made a couple of edits to her original recipe that worked better for me. For the sauce: 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 pound pancetta, diced…
Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
Mark’s friend Gail from Sonoma brought these to his going away party, and I thought I was going to die — they were THAT good! Seriously delicious, easy to make — these are your answer to holiday potlucks, quick meals, and the ultimate appetizer! Ingredients Two package of 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, sliced in half…
Apricot Torte Bars
Ingredients Filling:3 cups ground walnuts1 ½ tsp cinnamon¾ cups sugarPastry:3 sticks butter (12 ounces)¼ cup water4 cups flour4 eggs yolks1 tsp yeast¼ cup canned milk Apricot Filling:2 Jars apricot filling(or use 1/2lb dried apricots. Wash the dried apricots and then boil them until they are soft. Drain.Place the cooked apricots in the Cuisinart to puree,…
Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette
My very, very, very, very favorite salad dressing!! A Chipotle knockoff! MMMMMMmmmhmmHMMMMM!!! INGREDIENTS 6 tablespoons red wine vinegar 3 tablespoons honey 3/4 cup vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1-1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 2 small garlic cloves, roughly chopped INSTRUCTIONS Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or mini food processor and…
Cafe Barber 