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.

February 24, 2017February 4, 2018 by KD

It’s Tea Time!

The winter drags on. Our only solace is found in a cup of tea. But you know… tea isn’t just for when we’re feeling cold, sick, or tired. There are as many different occasions for tea as there are varieties to explore! Today, we’re going to take a look at the history of this ancient beverage, and discuss types of tea as well as proper tea-brewing procedures.

Ginger-Anise Chicken Stew

Are you bored of generic chicken or beef stews? Do add-ins like potatoes and carrots make you yawn? Well, here is the remedy to all your woes: a dish so tantalizing in scent and flavor it will bewitch you guests, and your neighbors! Ginger and star anise are center stage in this stew, supporting earthy-sweet daikon radish and butternut squash.

Read more “Ginger-Anise Chicken Stew” →

February 17, 2017May 3, 2017 by KD

The Assembly of a Happy Pantry

How is your pantry looking lately? Chock full, a little cluttered? Barren except for some packets of soy sauce? While we’ve discussed the merits of making magic out of leftover meals and ingredients in the past, the foundation for such a practice is an organized, well-stocked pantry. Today I’m going to run down a few ideas of how to stock your pantry, shelf by shelf. We’ll also talk about why you want to keep certain items around, and what to do with them in a pinch.

February 15, 2017March 6, 2017 by KD

Endive Delights

Some meals are like gateways into whole afternoons of vivid nostalgia. Endives wrapped in ham and gruyere is a dish that brings back some wonderful memories for me, and it’s a treasure to relive them again and again since learning to make it myself. The recipe below showcases endives, a unique vegetable that flourishes in its second crop during this winter season.

Put Some Hummus On It

Is your sandwich missing something? Boring grain bowl got ya down? Well, there is only one thing to do: put some hummus on it. You could call it a dip or a condiment, but I call it good with everything. So you’ve seen those $4 plastic rounds of hummus at the deli, right? You can spend about 75 cents and make something even more fresh and delicious. Today I am going to tell you how to make hummus in your own kitchen, and never have an underwhelming wrap or plate of veggies again. Read more “Put Some Hummus On It” →

February 10, 2017March 6, 2017 by KD

Salt-Encrusted Potatoes

Let’s say you’re making a luxurious main dish for dinner. You might decide to make a “plain” or “simple” side, but what do you do when that side proceeds to steal the show?! That is just what’ll happen with these salt-encrusted potatoes, a dish so tasty– crisp on the outside, warm and creamy on the inside– that it’s sure to become a permanent scene-stealer in your meal rotation.

Read more “Salt-Encrusted Potatoes” →

February 8, 2017March 6, 2017 by KD

Mustardy Chicken with Red Peppers and Tomatoes

“What is that smell?” This question may or may not lead to a compliment, depending on the context. If the context is that you’re making this mustardy chicken with red peppers and tomato, rest assured, you’re about to be praised.

February 6, 2017May 2, 2017 by KD

How to Poach an Egg

Poaching an egg can seem like an intimidating task. A technique like this is hard to master when people tell you a million different ways to do it. But it doesn’t have to be that way; in fact, poaching eggs can be incredibly easy. If you follow this simple guide, you’ll be topping your salads and ramen with delicate poached eggs in no time.

Roasted Fennel Over Couscous

One thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is “sad desk lunch”. This is a phenomenon in which you’re forced to rifle through the condiments drawer in the office kitchen for food or get a bag of potato chips for lunch the third day in a row. With a bit of planning, you can prepare this flavorful couscous and roasted fennel salad, and have impressive, commute-proof lunches at the ready.

January 30, 2017May 2, 2017 by KD

Vinaigrette Vignette

Let me tell you a story about salad dressing. The kind that makes your mouth water and complements a freshly tossed salad perfectly. Here it is: Once upon a time, I mixed a few things together in a jar and never bought a vinaigrette dressing from the store again. The end.

Read more “Vinaigrette Vignette” →

the cursory cook.

What Is Portuguese Cuisine?