My Madison Bistro

We got our first measurable snowfall yesterday – only a couple of inches, so it was a nice way to start off December. Nicer, still, because I didn’t have to go anywhere. You won’t see me fighting the crowds at the mall or swearing at the driver who cut me off, in an attempt to get a parking space I wasn’t even interested in.

Instead, I was able to hang out in my pajamas for a little longer than normal, my cat curled up on my lap, a cup of coffee by my side, and enjoying a phone conversation with an old friend. I watched the snowflakes fall, knowing I was in no rush to go outside to brush the snow off my car.

Continue reading “Peppermint Hot Chocolate”

Tags: chocolate, comfort food, mint, peppermint

I love Anne Willan’s book The Country Cooking of France because besides traditional recipes, it’s rich in both explanations and history. For instance, Anne says, “Parisians have tried to hijack French onion soup, but Lyonnais cooks can plausibly claim title to this bistro classic.”

She goes on to say there are two keys to good French onion soup: using pungent yellow onions, and caramelize them to the point that they are almost burned, to achieve more depth of flavor; she added her own personal tip of charring an onion and adding that to contribute even more complex flavor.

Continue reading “French Onion Soup”

When I was growing up, my parents made steak fondue every New Year’s Eve. It really was the perfect night: a relaxed dinner, followed by games and watching Dick Clark (at least, when my brother and I were able stay up that late). At any rate, we loved it much more than going out in the cold to a nice restaurant.

Thanks to the resurgence of fondue restaurants, I’ve been reminded of this simple dish and am enjoying fondue again. I even once threw a fondue party for my mom’s birthday. Let me tell you, when you do the preparation for cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, plus steak, shrimp, ravioli, and make several dipping sauces, you realize it’s worth every penny to go out to a restaurant for a multi-course fondue!

Continue reading “Cheese Fondue”

Tags: apples, bread, Carrots, cauliflower, Cheese, fruit, Vegetables

To everyone celebrating Thanksgiving today, I hope you and your families and friends have a safe and happy holiday.

If you’re wondering what to do with some of that leftover turkey, may I suggest a few ideas?

Pot Pies are loved by (almost) all.

Turkey, Brie, and Cranberry Sandwiches can easily be adapted by using leftover cranberry sauce in place of the applesauce.

Swap turkey for chicken in Sesame Chicken Pasta and enjoy leftovers several times over.

Toss some turkey in with Mushroom and Garlic Pasta. It’s one of my favorite fast go-to meals – it will fill you up after a long day of shopping.

And of course, don’t forget to make turkey stock!

Enjoy!