The on-going chronicle of all things related to the George and Laura Roediger House (c. 1905) in the historic Holly Avenue Neighborhood of downtown Winston-Salem, NC. More info and pictures can be found at RoedigerHouse.com. [Mobile users: CLICK TO SEARCH the blog.]
I'm back to problematic weigh-ins and so last Saturday night I was determined to make it a salad supper. This featured a healthy pile of spring mix, well-dressed with fresh-made creamy Caesar, adorned with a scattering of roasted sunflower seeds, and topped with spiced chicken tenders. It met the need and left me pleased.
Based on "Easy Lemon Caesar Salad Dressing," by Kim Hardesty of lowcarbmaven.com.
Since my last meal report, spring officially arrived, as of Thursday a week ago. But it came in on such a chilly note that it put me in the mind of soup for last Friday, with ultimate cream of tomato being the selection that satisfied. Ah, but I also do love to have a tasty grilled cheese sandwich with it, which is always better when I can use slices of homemade peasant bread. This was a terrific supper that night.
The final day of winter was a glorious and sunny and warm Wednesday, with temps approaching 80°F. But then in rolled a cold front, and it's almost as if the final day of winter and the first day of spring got mixed up about their time slots.
The skies around Winston-Salem got pretty menacing.
My joy at spring's arrival was necessarily tempered with this unwelcome chill. It seemed to be just fine with Sumner to hang out upstairs as that Friday got started:
A lazy day proved inviting to both pups:
And it was also an inviting day for the first of my struggling tulips to appear, another step into the better weather after our unkind winter.
"Ultimate Cream of Tomato Soup," from Cook's Illustrated, November 1999. Recipe can also be found online at Cookography.com.
"Easy No-Knead Peasant Bread," by Melanie Gunnell of Mel's Kitchen Cafe. [Published 01 November 2021]
After buying a slab of salmon last week, and cooking it whole to help with one night's dinner, the leftover portions were perfect for the following night's Hump Day fare: fresh-patted salmon croquettes. The incredible garlic-chili-lime aioli was spot-on yet again, with such a simple recipe. Herbed asparagus spears were ideal to complete the menu. Our supper threesome seemed well sated by meal's end.
Adapted from "Salmon Burgers" (p. 396) and "Herb Sauce" (p. 395), from Denise Austin, Shrink Your Female Fat Zones, Rodale Books (2003).
"Chili-Lime Aïoli," from David Wald of Princeton, NJ, May 2009.
Back on Tuesday of last week, following the salmon supper, I thought we ought to try out a new recipe for white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. And I'm sure glad we did, because it was a pretty awesome recipe for 'em. For the dinner crew, it was especially nice to enjoy them warm from the oven. But, the next day, when I had another fine experience working with interns from the High Point University ed leadership masters program at a middle school in Greensboro, they seemed to think they were still pretty tasty.
"THE BEST White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies," from Christina Marsigliese of ScientificallySweet.com. [Published 19 February 2025]
A quiet evening gathering of three offered a chance to exploit a salmon sale at Sam's Club, so I brought home a whole fillet and spiced and roasted it to then serve jagged slices from at suppertime. My faithful ridealong of roasted herbed broccoli completed the plates.
As we headed into the conclusion of a delightful latest visit with one another, my UNC buddy Kelly and I partook of a simple dessert offering: lemon loaf cake, in the style of what one might get at Starbucks. Freshly baked, properly lemoned, and sufficiently tamed so as not to be cloyingly sweet, this was a suitable palate pleaser to wrap up this latest terrific evening together.
"The Best Lemon Loaf (Better-Than-Starbucks Copycat)," from Averie Sunshine of AverieCooks.com. [Published 15 March 2019 / Updated 16 May 2023]
Last Monday night was St. Patrick's Day, but the celebration at the Roediger House was focused primarily on St. Kelly, a fellow alumnus of the University of North Carolina and a long-standing friend of fine stature. He was making his third visit to the Roediger House over the last several months, since we reconnected after too long a separation, and it was another marvelous evening. On this occasion, I made the house favorite of beef and broccoli strudel. To go with it I had roasted cumin-coriander cauliflower, and a healthy dollop of homemade garlic-herb cooking creme sauce abated the extra heat I'd built into the main fare.
It was a lovely day, albeit a bit cool and breezy. I was glad for where I'd positioned a collective of camelia bushes, visible when I worked at the kitchen sink. Here are a couple of shots as their full blooms were adorning the small strip of back yard.
Adapted to puff pastry from "Savory Garlic Beef & Broccoli Turnovers," by Kirsten Renee Shabaz of Minneapolis, MN. Taste of Home, November 2011, p. 31. (Go to food.com for a copy of the original recipe.)
Strudel version inspired by "Chicken Mushroom Strudel," from Chef John Mitzewich of FoodWishes.com and AllRecipes.com. [Published 28 October 2022[
Adapted from "Make Your Own Cooking Creme," from CKolden and once available on epicurious.com. [Published 24 September 2015]. Other versions can be found at:
On March 14, because it was 3.14, I not only made an espresso chocolate pecan pie for our birthday dinner gathering that Friday evening, but I made a second pie for the following night: chocolate meringue pie. A sentimental favorite that has always been entirely too tempting for me, richly chocolated and quickly consumed, I was just glad to not screw up the par-baked crust this time around. The meringue could have fluffed up a bit more but it's certainly not going to be denied its entry onto the playing fields of my tastebuds once dessert time has commenced.
"Chocolate Meringue Pie," based on a classic and common recipe.
Saturday afternoon's rushed hunger-tackle for mealtime was satisfied with fluffy buttermilk pancakes, as good as they've ever been, overwhelmed with almost enough maple syrup, washed down with cold water, and easily cleaned up so that the quiet day could proceed as not planned.
"Best Tips for Making Pancakes: Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes," by Joanne Ozug on the Pioneer Woman website. [Published 10 May 2017]
Last Friday was March 14, and also the night we celebrated dear friend Amy's birthday. And since it was 3.14, there was pie: espresso chocolate pecan pie, to be specific. I'd made this once before and it was quite a hit. This time I did it in more of a tart dish, and I was pleasantly surprised when the pie crust cooperated a little better. The end result: it might have been a bit overcooked but also still very tasty.
Adapted from "Espresso Chocolate Pecan Pie," from Christina Marsigliese of ScientificallySweet.com. [Published 02 November 2023 / Modified 08 November 2024]
It has been a long-standing joyful tradition to celebrate another trip round the sun for Roediger House favorite Amy. The six-strong crew of regulars was here last Friday night and we sat down to a dinner of pork medallions with a ginger-soy-shiitake cream sauce. The much-loved and entirely suitable starch to go with it was company mashed potatoes; I also returned again to Brussels sprouts gratin, just because they always seem to be good—and a touch special. We had a delightful time around the table, and then the gang headed upstairs for a movie night. As the film played, I brought up our dessert, which will be chronicled in tomorrow's blog post.
There was a mishap: I'd nudged my marvelous kosher salt cellar too close, and turned just the right way, to the retractable downdraft exhaust fan at the back of the cooktop. It descended and then tried to take it with it, and what a mess right before guests arrived! But hey: the gorgeous and adorable Scarlett was too precious not to photograph that morning:
Based on "Pan-Seared Tuna with Ginger-Shiitake Cream Sauce," from The Bon Appétit Cookbook by Barbara Fairchild, 2006, p. 398-399.
"Company Mashed Potatoes," a Jones Family favorite.
"Brussels Sprouts Gratin," by Alison Roman. From Cooking on newyorktimes.com.
I cannot believe it has been over two months since I last made roasted spiced salmon, but early in January was the last occasion. This drought was ended last Thursday evening, and it turned out just stupendous. The accompanying roasted broccoli florets also came out as good as they've ever been. The only problem? It was all gone all too soon.
It was three at the table last Wednesday evening, when a postponed trip to DC allowed me to be home instead of back on the road. I thought I'd try a fun new recipe: homemade hamburger helper, with beef and macaroni in a flavor-filled cheesy sauce. It was really pretty good, and just a tad nostalgic. A small side salad with homemade Thousand Island dressing and fresh-toasted croutons completed the plates.
It was close to 80°F that day, under sunny skies and with bare breezes. The pups loved the outside time, and so did I. Some of it was spent sitting out on the driveway, but I also managed to do a lot of early springtime weeding. That evening, the not-yet-full moon was pretty glorious as it rose in the waning light of the adjusted evening, now that daylight saving time has begun.
This week started with a full day down in Sampson County, followed by the drive straight up I-95 to Richmond, where I spent Tuesday in another middle school, initiating new work with the administrative team there. It was fortuitously scheduled: I got to Richmond in time to head to First Baptist Church to hear a talk by Robert P. Jones, author of White Too Long. I'd read that book last year, appreciating its insights, sobered by what it revealed, and all the more certain that our nation is unlikely to ever discover its better angels while it works so hard to hide from and ignore all its many kept devils.
"Hamburger Helper," by Holly Erickson & Natalie Mortimer of The Modern Proper. [Updated 02 October 2024]
Thousand Island Dressing was an adaptation of "Beef & Cheddar Melts Sauce," a Roediger House creation.
"Croutons," by Marg CaymanDesigns on GeniusKitchen.com.
It's been almost two years since I made a batch of cinnamon-chai oatmeal cookies, packed with cinnamon morsels that I stock up on when they are seasonally available. Last Sunday evening, as I turned to a larger-sized scoop, they were generously proportioned and lovely to behold. I was bringing out the last pans when that evening offered a supremely awesome bonus: a long catch-up conversation with my University of Virginia compatriot Alicia, with whom I hadn't spoken since she headed home to California over 25 years ago. It was better than any cookie! Still, those baked beauties slid nicely into small snack baggies so that I could take a supply with me for my school visits to start this past week. The large pile-on-a-plate approach from past work trips has been modified by the pandemic trauma and all the flu that's rampaging this winter as well...I think we all feel better when extra food safety precautions are in play!
Based on: "Caramel-Chai Oatmeal Cookies," in Cuisine at Home, September/October 2013, p. 47.
It was cooler again and still a bit breezy last Sunday, but enough warmth tumbled down from the flashes of sunshine that I could picture myself at the gas grill. Burger patties were prepped and mushrooms lovingly sautéed in butter and Marsala; buns were buttered to be toasted alongside; ample thick slices of Swiss were at the ready. When it was time to serve this delicious meal, I knew I'd hit the mark just about perfectly.
Adapted from "Grilled Juicy Burgers," originally from Pillsbury Classic Cookbooks recipe magazine, July 2003, p. 52-53. After Pillsbury was purchased in 2001 by General Mills, home of Betty Crocker (founded in 1921, mind you!), it basically ceased to exist as a company and lives on just as a brand. I guess that's why a Pillsbury cookbook recipe from 2003 is now only found on the Betty Crocker website.
Morning weigh-in shock set in on Saturday and salad was the only solution. Homemade creamy Caesar dressing, a simple mix of spring greens, and spiced chicken thighs cooked in the sous vide: it was still filling and satisfying following a mostly pleasant sunny day in downtown Winston-Salem, where the bright clear morning showed spring to be imminent:
I wonder if that's what put the house pooches in an even better mood, with a constant pleading silence that showed how much they wanted to get right back outside instead of staying cooped up in the house:
When former neighbor Ryan was here for dinner last Thursday, I felt like a dessert was called for. Thanks to its pleasing results combined with its ease of preparation, I went with a lemon meringue pie. We found it to be light and scrumptious, and I'm pretty sure I did not cut the pieces quite large enough. I guess that's why I had another piece after clean-up, when no one was around to catch me in the act.
"Lemon Meringue Pie," based on a classic and common recipe.
A delightful and overdue dinner gathering brought former neighbor Ryan to the house last Thursday night. His girlfriend Lydia wasn't able to join us because of a late work meeting, but we still made the best of the night. The menu included Filipino chicken adobo with brown rice (something we've loved here since 2012!), as well as roasted broccoli florets. There was ample conversation across all kinds of topics, a house tour, and a bit of time perusing my observation notes from his alma mater high school! It was a great evening, eased along with the fine bottle of wine he brought, and we'll be looking forward to another occasion like this to occur very soon.
"Introducing Chicken Adobo," by Bryan Roof. In Cook's Illustrated, March & April 2012, p. 6-7.
Devoid of any fresh ideas for dinner and mindful of the abundance of vegetables I had on hand last Tuesday night, it was a vegetable plate supper for the Roediger House. Roasted spiced potatoes, roasted broccoli florets, and Brussels sprouts gratin were available in abundance to fill the plate, and it was all cleaned expeditiously to the general satisfaction of the household.
"Brussels Sprouts Gratin," by Alison Roman. From Cooking on newyorktimes.com.
When I'm stuck on a meal idea, when the larder is a bit skimpy, when it's getting too close to the dinner hour: I might just have to reach into the "easy ideas" drawer and pull out something like last Monday night's supper. Some chuck roast I'd made a while back offered ample leftovers to seal and store in the freezer; I always seem to have tortilla chips and Mexican cheese and an onion to chop up. Making a fresh batch of shredded beef sheet pan nachos took care of the Monday menu, with the marvelous benefit of deliciousness.
The evening before, while I was working in my old man's chair by the fireplace hearth, my watch alerted me to motion on the north fence camera, and I spotted a young man in a hoodie walk across the gravel lot outside the kitchen windows. When he got to the end of the stone wall next to Fourth Street, he knelt down, shook his arm up and down a couple of times, and then applied graffiti in two places.
With phone in hand, camera app pulled up, I waited to see which direction he went and then dashed out in hopes I might get a better picture of him, somehow. But he had disappeared. What hung still quite strong in the air by that brick wall was the smell of that spray paint.
I cannot stand these hooligans but—at the same time—I'm glad they mostly leave my walls and house alone. It's just not a pasttime that I can make sense of, but I also don't understand the wanton destruction of other people's property.
Mardi Gras was only a couple of days away when my mind returned last Sunday night to a recipe originally intended to receive the appropriate coloring so as to earn the holiday's moniker in its name: Mardi Gras sugar cookies. They really are a perfect sugar cookie, at least so far as this household is concerned, and I'm always pleased with how amazing they are fresh out of the oven, and also tickled with how they fare into the next day (which is about as long as they'll last). Of course, I also liked having some in baggies to take with me to a meeting at the administrative center of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools on Monday. Might as well make friends wherever I can.
Based on "Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies," from Kelly who once blogged at the now-defunct website AmericanCupcakeAbroad.com. [Published 20 February 2012]
The central feature last Sunday night at suppertime was a perfectly-cooked filet mignon, thanks to the sous vide and a final searing in a pan on the cooktop. But that wasn't all that made this an excellent meal.
In a whole 'nother era of the Roediger House, I commonly set up the deep fat fryer on a table on the outside of the kitchen and would time the grilling of steaks to coincide with the perfect crisping of that bag of frozen fries from the grocery store. After making a significant change in my diet and eating back in 2018, it is now rare to have fries, and also rare to fry things. My approximation of that terrific meal component was to cut potatoes into fat sticks, shake 'em up with sunflower oil, and season them with plenty of kosher salt before spreading them out on a sheet pan to roast for over an hour. They came out crispy and delicious, and I didn't miss the fry oil at all.
It was a welcome sight to awake Sunday to bright sunshine after the exceptionally rare night of nine hours’ sleep. We were back in the upper 20s after the previous afternoon’s soothing sunshine, and we kept it chilly with only mid-40s highs. A day of rest was okay with me following a busy and intense start to the weekend.
If winter says she is not done with us, then I gladly partook of one of her small compensations: the pleasure of a roaring fire in the kitchen space. This was Fire No. 99, as the counting here continues.
The preceding Friday night had found me on the unbeloved campus of Wake Forest University to lend a hand to the initiation activities of my fraternity’s WFU chapter.
Saturday followed with an intense but excellent day with the newest cohort of aspiring administrators from High Point University. I love being with these amazing people, and they are terrific at responding to the challenges and provocations that come at them throughout the session. Although I can't rule out that some of them might have been occasionally and secretly looking at me like this:
And let's go ahead and note what was showing in the yard as of February 27th:
Those mini daffodils were the first appearance of all those varieties I've got near the high front wall, and nearby is the lone crocus that still seems active:
And I'll be counting down the days until the Bradford pear puts on its grand show announcing the imminent arrival of springtime:
