The Tasty Dish

Khalil celebrates National Blueberry Month.

By Khalil Hymore

Oops! I just got crumbs on the keyboard. As I write this I am finishing a blueberry muffin. Not a fabulous, gourmet, homemade Martha muffin, but one of those hulking, cloyingly sweet ones from the grocery store bakery. It's basically a cupcake without the frosting. I chose it in honor of July being National Blueberry Month, although I am suspicion that it even contained any real blueberries at all.

Continue reading "Summer Fruit: Blueberries" »

What's more American than fried chicken?

by Khalil Hymore

It is often said that very patriotic people or items are "As American as apple pie", but we might want to consider changing the the phrase to "As American as fried chicken." I mean, what is more American than pieces of chicken fried to a crisp, golden brown? It truly is one of the ultimate comfort foods.

Continue reading "Buttermilk Fried Chicken" »

Khalil shares tips and advice for hosting a fabulous picnic this Independence Day!

By Khalil Hymore

For most folks, the 4th of July is synonymous with barbecue, but for all of you without a big backyard, or any backyard, the 4th of July is also prime time for picnics (you know how much I do love a good picnic!). For the ultimate 4th of July picnic you'll need:

Continue reading "Fourth of July Picnic" »

The classic summer lemonade, with a twist.

By Ashley Hymore

With the days getting longer, and temperatures on the rise, it's clear summer is here! Barbecues and picnics allow the hottest season to be full of easy entertaining, so I wanted to share my recipe for the perfect al fresco beverage. It's the classic summer lemonade, but with a little twist! I love this recipe because it has the right balance of tart and sweet, and the mint adds a refreshing quality.

Continue reading "Easy Mint Lemonade " »

Khalil shares a recipe that any hungry man would gladly sink his teeth into.

By Khalil Hymore

These our dad doesn't indulge in red meat too often, favoring more healthful options like fresh fish and hearty vegetables. But on special occasions he still loves a good steak, and what could be finer than a nice dry-aged T-bone or porterhouse? Even though it might seem like an extravagant cut, I think dad is definitely worth it!

Continue reading "Recipe: The Perfect Steak (for Dad!)" »

Party food doesn't get easier than this.

By Khalil Hymore

Hummus and salsa are definitely old party standby dips, and while you can almost always find both in my fridge, I have to say that I am getting a little bit bored serving them (unless they're homemade). I whipped up this ridiculously easy white bean dip in less than 5 minutes from items that always keep on hand--canned beans, lemons, parsley, and garlic. Just don't forget to pick up and baguette and hunk of Parmesan cheese on your way home.

Continue reading "White Bean Bruschetta" »

Summer get togethers don't have to be elaborate affairs. Sometimes, it's best to keep it to simple snacks and cocktails. This week, Khalil shares his favorite summer entertaining staples.

By Khalil Hymore

Summer is finally here--HALLELUJAH! After a cold winter and a VERY rainy Spring, it's nice to finally bust out the shorts and flip-flops. I don't know about you, but I also find that summer is the time for last minute, impromptu get togethers.

Continue reading "Summer Entertaining Essentials" »

Ashley shares her favorite ideas for relaxed entertaining that's sure to impress any guest.

By Ashley Hymore

As a lot of you know from reading my brother's blog, we come from a family of great hosts.  Our mother and her sisters are all great bakers and cooks who love planning and throwing parties, and my brother and I enjoy carrying on the torch.  But what do you do when a guest drops by unexpectedly and you have no time to prepare?  No need to be caught off guard, and no need to resort to canned juices and sugar-filled soft drinks.  Here are a few tricks I always use for fresh, easy, and impressive entertaining.

Continue reading "Summer Thirst Quenchers" »

Khalil debunks age-old stereotypes about men in kitchens, and shares some tips for throwing a memorable Father's Day.

By Khalil Hymore

Ashley and I often credit our mom for much of our culinary prowess, but our dad is no slouch in the kitchen either. He especially loves making Middle Eastern specialties like kibbeh, Lebanese stuffed grape leaves, and and lubiyeh (tomato and green bean stew). He also taught us to make some of his favorites comfort foods too--cornbread, salmon cakes, and our grandma's gingerbread cookies. Recreating dishes that he grew up eating and sharing them with everyone who walks through the door is one of his greatest pleasures. I guess the apples don't fall far from the tree!

Continue reading "Real Men Cook" »

One of the secrets to being a great host is knowing where to shop for ingredients, which is why Ashley and Khalil often rely on ethnic markets and grocery stores when they entertain.

By Khalil Hymore

The great thing about living in a city like New York is experiencing all of the different ethnic neighborhoods teeming with people and culture from all over the globe--and best of all, they've brought their food with them! In addition to the Greek markets in my old neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, I love stocking up on Middle Eastern ingredients at Sahadi's in Brooklyn and Italian staples at Di Palo in Little Italy. Recently, though, my sister Ashley and I ventured to Chinatown, in lower Manhattan, for a little culinary inspiration.

Continue reading "A Trip to Chinatown" »