Soak 1/2 cup dried red corn in water overnight. Next day, put the corn and water into a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, until the kernels are tender and have “bloomed”. Check on them periodically and…

A standby for summertime barbecues. People will thank you for not bringing another two dozen Kirkland chocolate chip cookies. Or bring those, too. Finely chop 1 shallot, 1 celery stick, and 2 long red chili peppers. These peppers have a little heat—not too much—but if you can’t find them then use half a red bell…

A chewy, chocolaty cookie for Christmas. Orange and Chinese 5-spice powder give them an element of familiarity while making them just a bit unusual, but delicious none-the-less. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine until just blended With the mixer running, add 2 egg whites and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. When the dough…

If the double meaning of “an old fashioned life” isn’t clear, allow me to spell it out. While my thinking is quite progressive–I’m a queer person living in Brooklyn, after all–my behavior and hobbies can sometimes be out-of-sync with the times. From making preserves in the summertime to re-wiring a lamp when it stops working;…