Michael Ruhlman's Blog, page 87

From the Archives:It's a Wonderful Life

This was my very first rant, originally published 7/6/06 here on megnut.com (Meg is back to blogging if you didn't know, welcome back, Meg!).  I sat down at my desk having read the Bruni agony that warm summer morning and it just came out. Has anything changed…?

This continual talk about the ethics of eating creatures [...:]

From the Archives:The Shame of the Chicken Caesar

Originally posted, 8/13/07 (alas, I have yet to rid America of this tragedy):

Does anyone know who first put cooked chicken breast on a Caesar salad and called it a Chicken Caesar?  I wish I did.  I've been upset about this at least for two years now because I remember railing to Todd English [...:]

From the Archives:The Shame of the Chicken Ceasar

Originally posted, 8/13/07 (alas, I have yet to rid America of this tragedy):

Does anyone know who first put cooked chicken breast on a Caesar salad and called it a Chicken Caesar?  I wish I did.  I've been upset about this at least for two years now because I remember railing to Todd English [...:]

America: Too Stupid To Cook, Part II

I tried not to read Kim Severson's New York Times article on the one-touch buttons on appliances at the International Home and Housewares show in Chicago.  You know the buttons that say "Cookies" on your toaster oven or the "Popcorn" button on your microwave that even ConAgra, maker of microwave popcorn, says you should not [...:]

Corned Beef with Braised Cabbageand Red Potatoes

This was dinner last night, moments before it was consumed.  Donna said, "This is the best cabbage I've ever had," and, back at the stove, looking for thirds on the corned beef, "This is all you made?" All in all, a success.  I've used this this particular preparation several times and it can't be beat, [...:]

Corned Beef: How To Cure Your Own

With the approach of St. Patty's day I got a brisket into the brine Friday, in time to make my half-Irish wife the corned beef she loves. And I realized I've never blogged about it.  Everyone who cooks should corn their own beef.  It's easy as brining a chicken. And when you make your own [...:]

Ratio Smart Phone App: Video Demo

At last, we've put together this basic video demonstration of Ratio: The Smart Phone Application (built by Will Turnage, designed by Leah McCombe) so that people can see what it does and how it works. I love the application because it's truly useful. If I'm making hamburgers or meatloaf, it will give me the amount of seasoning I need depending on how much meat I have. If I only want a few cookies, not two dozen, it will create the recipe for me. If I find I only have one egg, but still w...

Scottish Shortbread

Seventeen years ago, my friend Stephanie began a Burns' night celebration, in honor of her Scottish heritage, and we carry it on still, an occasion to gather a group, once all in Cleveland but now half dispersed.  We tour the highlands, as it were, and I address the haggis—"Fair fa your honest soncie face/Great chieftan [...:]

Why I Cook, Part IIThe Cooking Imperative

I was honored to be asked to speak at our local TEDxCLE last Friday where I was allowed to try to explain why I think cooking is important.  There's a great book out now that argues that our ancestors became human only after we began cooking for ourselves and our families. I believe it's still [...:]

Gremolata(with Wine-Braised Beef Short Rib)

I've had braised beef short ribs on my mind for the past couple weeks, working on a preparation for the current book, another for an OpenSky promotion, and also because we've got ten people coming for dinner on Saturday, and short ribs are the wintertime choice for entertaining! It's bleak and cold and wintery here, [...:]