Happy Sunday. I hope youโre all having a wonderful weekend. My parents came down to Baltimore for their 39th wedding anniversary, and we had a really fun dinner at Fogo de Chรฃo.
I cook so much that itโs a very nice break going out to eat occasionally, especially when youโre guaranteed to find something to like at Fogo de Chรฃo since thereโs so much to choose from.


Yesterday, I made Melissa Clarkโs coq au vin, well, mostly. I did skip a few steps because I was hungry and didnโt feel like breaking out a second skillet. Despite the omissions I madeโI skipped the lardons, didnโt fry the onions separately, and skipped the croutonsโit was still a wonderful meal. Next time, when I have more time, Iโll make a more faithful version of the recipe; Iโm sure it will be even better than my riff!
I also had an idea for a potato dish; sort of like a gratin without the cream and cheese. I have these cute vintage French terrine dishes that I finally decided to break out. I thinly sliced potatoes on a mandoline, then I fried mushrooms and leeks in brandy. I added flour, vegetable broth, and mustard and made a lovely little sauce.
I prepared the dish by alternating layers of potatoes, mushrooms, and cabbage leaves, and then I baked it. I was hoping it would be done to serve with my coq au vin, but it wasnโt so I had to boil up some egg noodles instead. Tonight, Iโm going to see how the potato cabbage concoction turned out. Wish me luck!
New recipes
Iโm back in action and catching up on new recipes. I have a gorgeous chicken and yellow split pea stew and a tomato-caper chicken orzo. I also have a few reader favorites to share with you.
Chicken and Yellow Split Pea Stew
If you need a stick-to-your-ribs stew recipe, this one is a must. The split peas become creamy and thick as they cook. Paired with a homemade chicken broth and plenty of aromatics like leeks and fennel, itโs a dish that brings so much flavor and richness. Itโs really perfect for a cold night.
Tomato-Caper Chicken Orzo
This little number is a perfect weeknight wonder. Itโs easy to throw together, but the sauce still has lots of oomph thanks to balsamic vinegar, briny capers, and plenty of crushed red pepper.
Reader Favorites
Here are a few recipes that people are loving right now.
Spicy Beans with Mashed Celeriac
Gotta love getting a review as enthusiastic as this ;) I love these spicy beans with mashed celeriac just as much as S does, so I get the hype! If youโre looking for a new bean recipe to add to the rotation, this one is a winner.
Seared Duck Breast with Cipollini Onions
Love this comment from Ash! This dish really is impressive for any special occasion. Itโs one of my favorite ways to eat duck breast. The sweet potatoes pair perfectly with the beautiful sautรฉed onions.
Potato-Leek Soup with Sage
One week, this recipe wonโt make the list of reader favorites, but not this week.๐ Iโm so happy to develop recipes that show up again, again, and again on the menu for readers. Thank you, Jenny!
Thatโs all for today! I hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead filled with lots of tasty food. Byeeeeee! ๐
-kylie