Pantry

Japanese Seven-Spice Mixture

Ingredients 1 tablespoon ground sansho pepper 1 tsp nori, finely crumbled 1 tablespoon dried orange peel, minced 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds 2 tablespoons minced garlic Directions Combine all the ingredients and reserve until needed.

Pantry, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Mascarpone Cheese

Makes 2 cups Ingredients 2 quarts high-quality heavy cream 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar Directions In a heavy bottomed pot over moderate heat, heat the cream to 180°F, stirring often to prevent scorching. Remove from the heat. Add the tartaric acid and let the cream coagulate into a curd. Line […]

Pantry, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Mayonnaise

Makes 2 cups mayonnaise We love making mayonnaise the old fashioned way (for special occasions!), but you can also make it in a blender. Follow the directions, plus instead of a bowl, combine the yolks, water, vinegar, mustard, and sugar in a blender, and steam in the oil while it’s […]

Pantry

Mozzarella Cheese

Makes 2 pounds Ingredients 6 oz salt 1 gallon water 2 lb mozzarella cheese curd, cut into 1/2-inch cubes Directions Add the salt to the water and bring to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat. Place the cheese curd in a bowl and pour enough water around the […]

Pantry, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Pickled Carrots

Makes about 3 cups This pickled carrot mix is shredded and prepared like a relish, for use on sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls, or as a filling for rice paper-wrapped summer rolls. Ingredients 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut […]

Pantry

Sushi Rice

Makes about 5 cups cooked rice Ingredients 2 cups Japanese short-grain white rice 2 tablespoons sake 2 cups water, preferably bottled 1 (4- by 6-inch) piece kombu 1/4 cup Japanese rice vinegar (not seasoned) 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar Directions Wash the rice: Place rice into medium heavy-bottomed pot […]

Pantry, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Tahini Soy Dressing

Makes about 2/3 cup This dressing is great on salads and as a dipping sauce, but it also tastes exceptionally good on a pasta salad as well. Ingredients 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce 1/4 cup sherry vinegar 2 teaspoons minced ginger 1 shallot, minced 2 teaspoons brown sugar 2 […]

Pantry

Thanksgiving Turkey Brine

Makes enough for 1 large turkey; about 2 gallons This is a relatively simple brine, but it can also be a great starting point for your creative additions. Add sliced apples, fennel seed, rosemary, or virtually any flavoring that suits your Thanksgiving dinner.

Pantry, Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Tomato Ketchup

Yields 1 quart Ingredients 2 tablespoons brown sugar, plus more as needed 1/3 cup minced onion (from about 1/4 medium yellow onion) 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 1/2 tsp) Two 28-oz cans whole peeled plum tomatoes, seeded if desired 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers 1/2 cup red wine […]