Pandemic Cooking: Month 6

September 29, 2020

It's been six months of living the pandemic life and honestly, I've almost forgotten what it's like to eat in a restaurant or hang out in a bar with friends. I can't wait for the day when we can do both those activities again! 

Food-wise, I'm still enjoying my trips to the farmers market and have loved getting to know which produce is in season. I started September with my kitchen overflowing with eggplant and now have moved on to fall squash. I'll miss the beautiful tomatoes, corn and zucchini from the summer months but am excited to explore leeks, different varieties of squash and apples. 

Highlights from Pandemic Cooking: Month 6

Olive Oil Chicken Confit from Alison Roman used farmers market carrots with the greens and it somehow reminded me of the beautiful catered meal Mrs. Doubtfire passed off as her own cooking. This was a super tender chicken and a pretty easy meal to put together that could fool anyone into thinking you spent way more time preparing it (ahem, Mrs. Doubtfire). Just make sure to remove the seeds from the lemon slices--prevents any bitterness in the dish.

Baked Orzo with Eggplant and Mozzarella from Smitten Kitchen was a resurrected old favorite from years ago, which was a perfect way to use up eggplant and tomatoes from the farmers market. Even though this is a baked pasta with cheese, it always seems not too heavy because of the brightness from the lemon zest. 

Pasta and Zucchini Salad from Yotam Ottolenghi was tangy and filled with veggies. Simple and delicious. 

Pasta Salad from the Kitchn is a basic yet super tasty pasta salad, which also was perfect for an outdoor, socially distanced dinner party. 

Classic Panzanella Salad from Serious Eats helped me use tomatoes from a friend's garden and homemade sourdough from another friend to make this tasty summery salad. 


Skillet Cinnamon Sugar Upside Down Peach Cake from Half Baked Harvest was a delicious first foray for me in baking with peaches just as peach season was ending earlier this month. This peach cake in pictures does not do it justice. It is visually stunning with the arranged peach slices on the top and bottom of the cake. Wonderfully spiced and not-too-sweet. 

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