I muttered this question to myself as I clicked through reviews of nearby restaurants and markets in my little neighborhood of Fox Point, Providence. There are a lot of places boasting authentic Portuguese cuisine, along with bread and pastry or a wide variety of madeira. While I miss so much about living in Washington, D.C., Providence has surpassed my expectations related to food offerings. One of the greatest surprises has been getting to know Portuguese cuisine, and seeing how embedded this culture is within the area. Immigrants from Portugal heavily settled Fox Point at the beginning of the 20th century, drawn here for manufacturing and waterfront employment opportunities. I recently learned that thirty-two percent of residents claim Portuguese ancestry in our neighborhood.

April 1, 2021April 6, 2021 by KD

ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN: What’s the Best Easter Candy?

SPOILER: It’s not Peeps.

March 12, 2021April 6, 2021 by KD

What’s in Season: March Edition

The vernal equinox is almost here! Have you seen a few early flowers poking up above ground? Some tendrils of bright, young green peaking through the winter ground covering? If not, look out for these signs of spring because it’s just around the corner. Check out what produce is in season this time of year, at least in the Mid-Atlantic region:
Read more “What’s in Season: March Edition” →

February 20, 2021April 6, 2021 by KD

All About Spices & Dried Herbs

Have you ever seen a recipe with an ingredient list that includes a bajillion dried herbs and spices? It can send some people running the other way screaming. Spices and herbs are expensive, and finding them (as well as storing them) can be overwhelming without any guidance. It doesn’t have to be this way, I tell ya! Today, let’s boost both your spice rack and kitchen confidence by talking about dried herbs and spices.

February 6, 2021March 12, 2021 by KD

What’s in Season: February Edition

Ah, we are slowly inching towards spring, but in the meantime we have to make it through the gloomiest month of the year. It’s just as difficult as last month (if not harder) to find a bounty of seasonal produce. Difficult but still possible! Especially when equipped with a killer recipe or two, making use of those pantry staples and frozen sauces from the summer months. Whatever you’re working with, here’s what you can find in season in the mid-Atlantic: Read more “What’s in Season: February Edition” →

January 4, 2021February 7, 2021 by KD

What’s in Season: January Edition

You might think January is a difficult month to eat fresh and local produce on the U.S. East Coast; there just isn’t a whole lot that grows in the dead of winter! However, if you learn to love your root vegetables and get creative with some soup, you can easily keep that New Year’s resolution to eat healthier, less-processed foods. Here is what’s in season in the Mid-Atlantic region:
Read more “What’s in Season: January Edition” →

December 12, 2020December 12, 2020 by KD

Misadventures in Baking: Chocolate Peanut Clusters

The holidays offer a chance to cook for a crowd, hosting those big bashes and making everyone’s favorite dishes. But after the finger foods, the sides and glorious main course are cleared from the table, what do you serve for dessert? And if you want to partake in a cookie exchange, or a holiday potluck or to give as presents, do you have a no-fail dessert recipe that will still impress?

December 2, 2020January 7, 2021 by KD

What’s in Season: December Edition

December is already here. Amidst our altered end-of-the-year routines, perhaps less busy and more lonely than usual, the least we can do is nourish ourselves with good food. With that in mind, what’s in season!? What’s local?! What in the world does one do with a turnip? All of your burning questions, answered:
Read more “What’s in Season: December Edition” →

December 1, 2020December 12, 2020 by KD

Garlic Soup

Garlic gets a bad rap sometimes. I’ve seen tons of tricks lately for mellowing its bite or getting the smell off of your fingers, and it makes me feel sorry for garlic. It rarely gets the positive attention it deserves, so let’s remedy that. If you’ve ever enjoyed the flavor garlic–even slightly–then you’ll love this luxurious and nourishing recipe for garlic soup. It’s so… French.

Split Pea Soup

Easter has come and gone, but I bet you have a bit of leftover ham. What better way to use it that to make this delicious soup that’ll keep you warm on these blustery April days?

Hey, Guess What? It’s November.

Certain foods and dishes are commonly associated with November, due to that little holiday called Thanksgiving. Turkey, stuffing, pie… but there are plenty of delicious vegetables too! Whether you’re practicing a side-dish for Turkey Day or preparing dinner as usual, incorporate some of this seasonal produce and celebrate the bounty of November.

the cursory cook.

What Is Portuguese Cuisine?