This dish is a great example of Cooking Forward, one of my favorite techniques in which a component of last night’s meal gets transformed into something entirely different today (now that’s make ahead!).  In this case we’re taking the Espresso Gelato from yesterday’s post and turning it into this classic retro dessert.   So go ahead and make some Espresso Gelato and then come back to this post.  We’ll wait. (OK if you don’t want to make ice cream you can se store bought and still make this dish).… Read more

Sometimes when I think about cooking for the freezer, I forget about the obvious things like ice cream (I don’t know why, it’s my favorite food on earth).  So here’s a good recipe to remedy that.  This dish is a great example of Cooking Forward, one of my favorite techniques in which a component of tonight’s meal gets transformed into something entirely different tomorrow (now that’s make ahead!).  Read more about Cooking Forward here.

Of course this rich espresso gelato — no wimpy instant coffee here, I use … Read more

This dish is a great example of Cooking Forward, one of my favorite techniques in which a component of tonight’s meal gets transformed into something entirely different tomorrow (now that’s make ahead!).  Read more about Cooking Forward here.

This recipe makes a fantastic grilled corn side dish.  Prepared Mexican style with mayonnaise and cheese, this corn needs no butter, just take it off the grill and eat!  While Parmesan may not be most authentic cheese to use, it works perfectly well, tastes delicious, and is easy for most … Read more

Whether feeding a hungry crowd at a party, or as a quick anytime snack at home, these potato skins are always a hit.  Make them anytime you find an extra good deal on potatoes and keep your freezer frugally stocked.  For traditional skins use bacon, but save calories by using turkey bacon or make them vegetarian with vegetarian bacon.

A lot of restaurant potato skins are fried.  These are baked, but no less satisfying.  The secret is to rub the outside of the potatoes with oil before baking the first … Read more

This recipe is a great example of Cooking Forward, one of my favorite techniques in which tonight’s meal gets transformed into something entirely different tomorrow.  Since this recipe is Part II, it’s tomorrow (meaning you will have already have to have made Part I, Carnitas, before you will be able to make this soup from the leftover cooking liquid.  Go ahead, click on the Carnitas link and make that first, we’ll wait.  Then come back here to make this wonderful hearty soup!  (Read more about Cooking Forward in … Read more

This recipe is a great example of Cooking Forward, one of my favorite techniques in which tonight’s meal gets transformed into something entirely different tomorrow.  Read more about Cooking Forward here.

This recipe for Mexican style pulled pork is a great utility one, in that you can use the pork to make so many things: sandwiches, tacos burritos, enchiladas, etc — so it has built in Cooking Forward potential.  The cooked pork is also freezer friendly, providing you freeze it in some of the broth.

But that’s not … Read more

Cooking Forward:  Cook Once, Eat Two, Three, Four or More Times!

Today I want to introduce you to one of my favorite “semi-make ahead” cooking techniques that we will be exploring in detail in many upcoming recipes here at Cheri On  Ice.  I call it “Cooking Forward” and it’s the ultimate culinary multi-tasking technique that will help you make the most out of your time in the kitchen.

Here’s how it works:  you make more food than what you need, then turn the leftovers (I prefer to call it “Forward … Read more

Note: This recipe is an example of Cooking Forward — transforming one dish into an entirely new recipe.  Before you can make these sandwiches, you will need to make some easy Carrot and Daikon Pickles and also have some cooked meat or tofu on hand (details in the post below).

These sandwiches are amazing.  They have everything going for them: tantalizing complex flavors, wonderful textures — chewy and crunchy, and even a combination of hot and cold temperatures.

I have lead an eclectic, adventurous, well traveled life, but somehow Vietnamese … Read more