Recipes and Ruminations

This recipe calls for ginger beer ? a carbonated, usually non-alcoholic beverage similar to ginger ale, but with more "bite". Its spiciness is due to a substantial amount of ginger. Find ginger beer alongside other drink mixers (such as club soda) at specialty food stores and some grocery stores....

Sweet corn is a great vehicle for soup making. It goes well with so many ingredients and yet never loses its distinct flavor ? even with chiles. Using poblanos in the corn chowder adds a spicy richness unique to the chile. If you can't find poblanos at your grocery store, check out a local Mexican market or farmers market....

The recipe trail isn't always clearly marked. There are some foods that look really appealing uncooked, yet appear less than appetizing when cooked. This is especially true for large portobello mushrooms ? they just don't live up to their uncooked natural good looks. But this recipe can change that. Part of a portobello's appeal is size ? big and thick. This makes it a "no-brainer" for stuffing with colorful vegetables. Grilling it really enhances its meaty flavor. ..

Chicken breasts get a summer makeover in this simple, outdoor dish. Great for parties, but easy enough for weeknights....