Food writing

Cooking notes, kitchen know-how and a few wine picks. The bylined pieces are Fran Claro’s.

1. The Italian Pantry by Fran ClaroWhen I want quick meals I turn to Italian—usually pasta. For as exotic as some Italian food seems, pasta dishes are quick to fix, satisfying, and flavorful. And your kids…
2. Pizza Rustica by Fran ClaroWhen I was growing up, preparations for Easter brought us all together around the kitchen table for the assembly of what we called pizza chiena, or “full pie” (now served…
3. Good Greens by Fran ClaroGreens, or verdure. I find it’s easy to make a meal of greens, especially when I team them with pasta or make them a part of a savory soup main…
4. Quick and Easy Appetizers by Fran ClaroAs a rule of thumb, I keep a pretty good supply of almost-made appetizers on hand. Key is my having a loaf of thinly sliced French or Italian bread-a baguette-in…
5. Egg Biscuits by Fran ClaroI treat Sunday dinners as great get-together times, filled with antipasto, pasta, a second course, salad, fruit, and cheese. Then, of course, I still serve a light sweet—with milk for…
6. Fantastic Fish by Fran ClaroFor a wonderfully quick and deliciously tasty fish dish that kids—even those who say “I hate fish” —of all ages will enjoy, try the following:
7. Hearty Fare by Fran ClaroNothing is cozier on better on a windy autumn afternoon than to start the oven going, settle the kids around the kitchen table to do their homework, and prepare a…
8. Kids Love to Cook by Fran Claro“Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I’ll understand.” —Chinese proverb
9. EggsEggs are the perfect all-purpose food. On their own, they’re ideal for everyone from toddlers to teenagers to parents. If I’m in a rush—a big rush—and I need to fix…
10. Chocolate SouffléA delicious and yet surprisingly easy dessert to prepare, chocolate soufflé will surely impress your dinner guests and excite their palete. A little preparation in advance can make this dish…
11. The Pines of Rome: Pine nutsYou can almost feel the wind and smell the rosemary-like scent of the trees when you listen to Ottorino Respighi’s work “The Pines of Rome.” The grace and grandeur of…
12. BakingHere is a list of baking tools and tips. You’ll find hints on how to create everything from pies to chocolate brownies. Essentials for the Baking Pantry: Flours: All-Pupose Cake…
13. Kitchen ToolsCooking is a practical art and all cooks are artisans, users of tools specific to executing a slice, a shard, a blend. The more you cook and gain familiarity with…
14. Celebrate the Holidays with BubblyNow that the holiday season is upon us, it’s time to take a look at a few bottles of bubbly to share with family and friends to ring in the…
15. Pink WinesThe “quaffable” wines are hitting the shelves again just in time for summer. Pink wines have been around as long as winemakers have been stomping on grapes. But trends come…
16. The Cookbook LibraryA cookbook can easily become lost in the overcrowded shelves of a secondhand bookstore for lack of love and attention. Here is a collection of books that needs to be…

Recipes

Weeknight dinners, holiday baking and a couple of things to make with kids.

1. Garlic Rosemary Roast ChickenIs the perfect roast chicken the true measure of a great cook? There are those who would say that mastering a roast bird is a true sign of greatness. And…
2. Steak au PoivreSteak au poivre is a classic French bistro dish often served with crispy fries, salad, and a glass of red wine – a cabernet sauvignon or pinot noir. Choose whatever…
3. Dijon Chicken QuichePreheat the oven to 425°F.
4. Ham for the Holiday
5. Basic Pasta Dough
6. Irish Soda BreadIf you’re looking to explore your Irish roots, or just wanting to make an easy delicious bread, try throwing together a traditional Irish dish that is good any time of…
7. Profiteroles with Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce
8. Mini Cherry Cheese TartsIf you’re looking for a simple and delicious dessert to throw together at the last minute, these mini cheese tarts are a delicious party treat or a way to satisfy…
9. Buckeye BallsA pop in your mouth chocolate covered peanut butter treat that is easy to make.
10. Peanut Butter and Jelly Club SandwichesHere’s a twist on a classic sandwich. Kids love assembling their own version this club-style sandwich starting with peanut butter and jelly as a base. They can build their own…

Crafts

Small projects for the house, the table and the holidays.

1. Seasonal FlowersThere’s no better way to brighten your home than by filling it with fresh flowers. Springs and summer are by far the ultimate flora seasons for, but wonderful varieties are…
2. Table TalkMake a striking, original tablecloth. First, measure the length and width of your dining table. Add at least 12 inches to the length measurement to allow for an overhang of…
3. Wine Cork CorkboardHere’s a simple craft to turn discarded corks into a useful corkboard. You can collect the corks yourself or you can buy them from a craft supply store.
4. Make Your Own Wedding InvitationsWho says wedding invitations have to have embossing, vellum, ribbons, and that extra what’s-it-for-anyway envelope? Want classy invitations that let the real you shine through—at a fraction of the price?…
5. For the Kids: Holiday Ornament ActivitiesThe holidays are a great opportunity for making crafts with kids. As long as you have a few simple materials you can gather folks around the table and get ready…