Want to Bake Something Irish This Week? How About Irish Soda Bread? (Actually It\’s Called “Spotted Dog” in Ireland) By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Associate on Cooking for Two I don\’t have to go back very far to find my Irish heritage as both of my maternal grandparents were Irish. Every year for St. Patrick\’s Day I bake Irish Soda Bread. Though a word about the name: Just as the French don\’t make French Toast — they call it “Pain Perdu,” (or “lost bread,”) so the Irish don\’t call this delightful quick bread Irish Soda... Read More

Chicken Marsala By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert If you are planning a special dinner for two, a sautéed chicken breast surrounded with a Marsala wine spiked sauce is easy and fast. Marsala, a fortified Italian wine, is available in three styles: dry, semidry and sweet. I keep an inexpensive bottle in my pantry so I can prepare this often, but you can substitute chicken broth or sherry in this recipe Shallots have a subtle flavor that is a combination of garlic and onion but mellower and are found with the garlic at the supermarket. Serve with egg noodles and steamed broccoli... Read More

Cincinnati Chili Makes a “Super” Winter Supper By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert Outside of the state of Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio is the most chili-crazed city in the United States. In fact, the community prides itself on being a true chili capital, boasting more than 180 chili parlors, proudly serving “Cincy Chili.” In recent years, Cincinnati-style chili has developed a cult-like popularity. If you\’re not familiar with it, the first thing you need to know is that it is very different from its more familiar Texas cousin. The people of Cincinnati... Read More

h1>Scottish Shortbread- Classic and Easy! By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert The holiday season is my favorite time of year. Although, the days are very short, the lights on Christmas trees and fronts of houses brighten the darkness. There are many times that I\’m standing in a hot kitchen in the summer, alone, while other are out enjoying the day. But this time of year, almost everyone does some baking. Do you try to add one new cookie every year or go back to all your tried and true recipes. Here\’s a recipe for Scottish Shortbread from Baking Basics and Beyond... Read More

Lemon Thyme Roasted Cornish Hen By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert If there are only two at your Thanksgiving table this year, start a new tradition and roast a Cornish hen instead of a turkey. Cornish hens are the perfect size for two. Coarsely ground peppercorns and chopped thyme add flavor and color. Complete the meal with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Kitchen twine can be used to tie the legs together but I\’ve discovered silicone cords that lock together and make it easier. After roasting the hen, remove the cords and wash them in the dishwasher and then you... Read More

Meringues with Summer Fruit By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert The meringue shells for this light summery dessert can be baked a day ahead and stored at room temperature, loosely covered, if you only want to serve two at a time. Use summer fruits at their peak of freshness and arrange over the yogurt. You can also substitute sweetened whipped cream for the yogurt for a special occasion but I like the flavor contrast between the sweet meringue and the tangy yogurt. Greek-style yogurt is strained removing some whey making it creamier and thicker. It contains twice as much protein... Read More

Chopped Cobb Salad with Crab or Chicken By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert Salads make great dinners because there are so many variations. Just include your favorite ingredients. Adding crabmeat to this classic salad makes it a dish for a special occasion. Use 1 to 2 cups of  a high quality canned crab or fresh crabmeat from the fish counter. You can also use 1 to 2 cups cubed cooked chicken instead of crab. If you want to use diced chicken instead of crab, cook two extra boneless chicken breasts the next time you grill. All this main dish salad needs to make a meal is warm... Read More

Savor the Flavors of Spring: Ham and Asparagus Linguini By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert The fresh bright flavors of spring pop from this quick and easy entrée. Crisp pale green stalks of asparagus are appearing in the supermarket, a sure sign of spring. For this dish, I select thinner stalks because I find it easier to cook them quickly. Use ham leftover from an Easter celebration or omit it and try cooked shrimp or chicken instead. Goat cheese forms the basis for the sauce but doesn’t use a whole package. Crumble any remaining cheese over salads. Makes 2 servings 4 ounces... Read More

Delicious Spring Dessert for Two — Lime Panna Cotta By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert Whether you are planning an Easter brunch or dinner for two, this light dessert is tangy finale. Panna cotta is Italian for “cooked cream” and light and refreshing. I like to serve it in wine glasses or small dessert dishes topped with fresh berries. You can also make it in lightly greased ramekins or custard cups and unmold it. Unfortunately locally grown fresh berries won\’t be available for a while but the strawberries in the supermarkets have been sweet, and you could... Read More

Scandinavian Classic Baking Author: Pat Sinclair http://pelicanpub.com/proddetail.asp?prod=9781589808973 Reviewed by: Anne Holmes for the NABBW Scandinavians are known for their warm hospitality, welcoming family and friends into their homes with coffee and baked goods. Drinking coffee is almost the national pastime, and delicious breads and cookies are always served alongside the coffee. In Scandinavia, “Coffee tables” are a popular means of celebration, loaded with hearty breads, delicate sweets like Desert Sand Cookies, and whipped cream cakes such as Strawberries and Cream Cake.... Read More