Pamela, Author at Pamela Salzman

Dinner Planner: Week of October 31st

I will admit, I was a lazy bones about dinner last week. My husband was out of town the entire week, I had two birthday celebrations and I taught a class one evening. So, Mr. Picky ate a few leftovers and random dinners like pasta with meat sauce one night. But yesterday the South Korean exchange student we are hosting for the next three weeks arrived and I need to get back into the groove so I can make a good impression ;). And uphold my reputation because apparently he and his family watched my Youtube videos before he arrived LOL!

One-Pot Farro with Cauliflower and Golden Raisins Recipe

There was a recipe that went viral on Pinterest a few years back which involved putting dry pasta and a few ingredients like onions, garlic and tomatoes, in a pot and cooking everything together without draining, sautéing, etc. I thought it was going to be life-changing, but instead this “one pot pasta” dish turned out to be a huge disappointment. The sauce was thick and starchy and the whole dish was an overall mess.

Planning a Happy Thanksgiving 2016 – 4 Weeks and Counting!

This post has been edited from the original, which was published on October 27, 2011.

Can you believe what today is? It is the beginning of the countdown!! Thanksgiving is 4 weeks from today! No need to panic, friends. We’re going to have some fun over the next month! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love the traditions, the food, the Macy’s parade on television while I am making my pies, the football games. I love moving the family room furniture after the last football game is over to extend the dining room table. I love hearing everyone share why he or she is grateful. I have cooked every Thanksgiving for the last 20 years, as well as dozens of Thanksgiving-themed cooking classes. I have made lots of mistakes and in the process learned a thing or two about how to execute and enjoy a very happy Thanksgiving. The key is being organized. Every Thursday from today until the big day, I will share my best tips, strategies and a few good recipes to set you up for a successful holiday. Let’s get started!

Stir-Fried Ginger Beef with Shiitake Mushrooms Recipe

Admittedly, these images aren’t the best, because I took these after the sun set and everyone was rushing me to eat. “OMG. Can you puh-leeease take the picture already? I’m starving!”

“Puh-lease yourself. You just ate 2 hours ago and 4 hours before that. Fine, I’m almost done. Can you just get out of my light a little?”

“Ugh!” Sorta happens a lot around here. 😉

Dinner Planner: Week of October 24th

I had a great 2 days visiting my daughters in Dallas and I was also able to teach a class at my friend Lisa’s house for her and her lovely friends. So fun! I’m off to Palm Springs today to meet my husband and Mr. Picky for Modernism Preview Weekend. It’s just a quickie in PS since I have get back to teaching classes in LA on Monday. LA fall has finally arrived, as opposed to normal fall which is actually cool weather. LA fall means you may need a sweater when you walk out the door in the morning or when the sun goes down, but it’s still 72 (or warmer) and sunny the rest of the day. It’s all I need to start making soups!

Pumpkin Magic Bars Recipe

I know sweets aren’t good for me or you or anyone. And believe me, I have tried to break up with them many times over. But then it’s a special occasion or a friend’s dessert cookbook launch party or it’s Friday, and I just can’t help myself. So you know what? Whatever. Sweets can hang out with me, but on my terms and not too much.

Cranberry Bean (aka Borlotti Bean) Soup Recipe

Let me get right to it — this soup is made with “Cranberry Beans,” not cranberries and beans. This came up a lot when I taught this soup last fall in my cooking classes. The lovely and tasty cranberry bean is also known as a “Borlotti bean,” and might be my favorite bean ever, which says a lot since I am legume crazy! All beans are not created equally, amongst varieties and brands. Cranberry, aka Borlotti, beans are rich and flavorful with a soft and creamy interior. They make the best soups.

Dinner Planner: Week of October 17th

I am feeling a little holiday-ed out today, and I am grateful for a short break before Halloween comes around. Do you have your costume yet? I just put mine together. Stay tuned!

I am going to Dallas this week to teach a class and the bonus is I get to see my daughters, too. My eating the last few weeks has not been what I like it to be so I will try to refrain from hitting the typical BBQ joints while I’m there. 😉 Have great week!