Jane’s way: get busy with eggplant

The Cookery welcomes our trusted vegetarian guide Jane Manaster back with this guest post of fresh ideas on eggplant. Thanks, Jane, and help us get busy. Jane: How to cope with 50 pounds of eggplant? Although happily not my problem, the bounty was a goodly portion of our community gardens’ harvest and destined for the […]

Show off kale in chilled soup

Kale Cucumber Soup My transition to Hudson Valley gardening resulted in limited success this summer, as my cucumber crop disappointed (friends came to the rescue to share their bounty), but kale grew easily and tomatoes resulted in beautiful fruit. After gardening in steamy central Texas for the last several summers, here’s hoping I’m back on […]

Tomato Craze

Tomatoes are on their way! Here in the Hudson Valley, it’s been a season of getting reacquainted with gardening in the New York region. I’m on guard in the garden this summer, and looking forward to sweet rewards. Enjoy the tomato craze wherever you are with these easy tomato based recipes. Tomato Toss Gazpacho

Cinnamon gives this crumb cake its kick

Here’s an excuse to serve up a little sweetness at breakfast, or brunch or any time. Add this cinnamon crumb cake to your repertoire. Cinnamon Crumb Cake 2 sticks salted butter 3 cups flour 2 ¼ cups sugar 3 tablespoons cinnamon 2 ¼ teaspoons baking soda 2 eggs 1½ cups buttermilk Preheat oven to 325 […]

Patricia shares secret sandwich recipe

You may recognize this tea time temptation as a variation of Victoria’s Sandwich, Vicky’s Secret, or Victoria’s Surprise. It’s Patricia’s Sandwich here at The Cookery, and it’s no secret that Patricia wouldn’t think of sharing a slice of this if it didn’t deserve your attention. Bake this cake and tuck a secret layer of your favorite jam […]

Get crackin’ with this sweet bread recipe

Bakers of all ages love to make this Portuguese sweet bread because there’s plenty of egg cracking to go around. With a dozen eggs in this recipe, everyone gets to perfect their skills with carefree cracking. Add a little baking to your weekend gathering and break out the eggs. Try Mike’s sweet bread recipe, a rich and […]

Conduct your own nutrient analysis during National School Breakfast Week

It’s National School Breakfast Week, and though you may not venture anywhere near school cafeterias, it’s as good a time as any to conduct your own nutrient analysis. Take your breakfast inventory and change it up this week. Baked apples for breakfast? Warm up with this easy variation on baked apples. Easy Baked Oven Apples […]

Spice the rice

Putting a favorable meal together gets easier when the ingredients matter. When it comes to The Cookery’s rice and spice dish, go with a traditional basmati if you can work it into the food budget. It’s certain that basmati adds up more quickly than alternatives, but you’ll appreciate the results.  Rice and spice 1 cup basmati rice 2 cups water 1 pound ground […]

93-year-old grandma cooks up happy holiday gram

We won’t mention any names, lest we spoil the surprise of those who may find one of these recipe grams in their Christmas stockings this year. The Cookery likes this gift idea created by a 93-year-old grandmother who boasts dozens of grandchildren and great-grands. She’s sure to bring out the spirit of giving with this personal gift. […]