Challenge Oranges
We’ve had a busy month. Nick traveled to New York for work while I polished off a pan of brownies. We visited my brother before... Read more
Category: Iron Chef Battles
Poached Pears with Vanilla
I can always count on Mark Bittman. In How to Cook Everything, Bittman recommends poaching pears with sugar and vanilla bean for a simple, light... Read more
Pear Ravioli with Pecorino and Mascarpone
Next up for Challenge Pears: the main course. We had pizza as our appetizer, so I decided to stick with the Italian theme. And I... Read more
Pear Pizza with Gorgonzola and Caramelized Onions
When Nick revealed the seasonal ingredient of our first Challenge, I immediately thought of pizza. Not pepperoni or mushroom or Margherita, but … pear pizza!... Read more
The Secret Ingredient Is
Way back in 2007, Nick and I initiated our first Iron Chef Battle. During that fall, we challenged ourselves to concoct meals using the following... Read more
Spring Dinner Party
A successful dinner party begins with a well-planned menu. And so on the occasion of our first dinner party in our new home, we spent... Read more
Monster Cookies
This is not your typical chocolate chip cookie. It’s soft, dense, chewy, and chocolatey. In other words, it’s dangerous. Sister-in-law Megan introduced us to these... Read more
Battle Apples
We spiced things up this week and asked Mrs. Megan Wiley to choose the secret ingredient. She chose a seasonal item: apples! The Culinary Couple... Read more
Battle Peanuts
My turn on the chopping block. This week, Nick chose “peanuts” as the secret ingredient, and I produced a most delectable meal of Asian influence.... Read more
Battle Limes
The inaugural Iron Chef Battle was Emily’s attempt to test my creativity with limes. I kicked-off the meal with blue corn tortilla chips served aside... Read more