Recipe: James Beard's Favorite Hamburger

by jbfauthor on July 02, 2009

When you light your grill this holiday weekend, throw on James Beard’s version of the classic hamburger. In American Cookery (1972) he wrote, "I learned this recipe years ago from a magnificent cook named Jeanne Owen, who wrote deliciously about food and cooked even better than she wrote."

Comments (0)

Recipe: James Beard's Galette Pérougienne

by jbfauthor on June 25, 2009

Try this “wonderfully good” yeast dough-based dessert as the finale to an outdoor summer luncheon. James Beard felt it had “all the virtues of French country cooking – it is simple, inexpensive, and makes thoroughly delicious eating.” Enjoy it with crème fraîche and a combination of summer berries.

Comments (0)

Recipe: James Beard's Cold Minted Pea Soup

by jbfauthor on June 23, 2009

This wonderful soup highlights the fresh combination of peas and mint. It can be made with yogurt instead of cream if you prefer a tarter soup with fewer calories. Many people are surprised that the recipe calls for frozen peas, a convenience during the months when fresh peas are not available. It’s not unusual, though, when you recall that James Beard was a spokesperson for the Jolly Green Giant brand.

Comments (0)

Recipe: James Beard's Huckleberry Cake

by jbfauthor on May 22, 2009

An Oregon native, James Beard was fond of the many types of wild berries that dot the Pacific Northwestern landscape. In Delights and Prejudices he recounts the springtime berry-picking excursions he took as a child with his family, searching for fruits to use in baked goods and jams. The holy grail of these outings was the huckleberry, which typically grows on mountain slopes and is difficult to reach. When the Beards had the good fortune to stumble upon an elusive patch, they gathered huckleberries to put in pies, clafoutis, or this simple but fantastic cake, a recipe from a family friend. Huckleberry cultivation is rare, so you usually won't see them at grocery stores or farmers' markets. Blueberries, which are similar in flavor and will be available soon, are an excellent substitute.

Comments (0)