The Chopping Block Cooking Blog

Rigatoni Pie Alla Vodka: a Terrifying Challenge Conquered

I love taking on challenges in the kitchen, and they usually involve baking. But for at least two years I’ve been curious about the process of making a Rigatoni Pie.

A Grown-Up Version of a Childhood Favorite: Buttered Noodles

Like many of you, I sometimes struggle to cook at home. It's easier to order out or heat up a frozen meal. But cooking for yourself can be just as convenient as ordering Postmates for the fifth night ...

A Farewell to the Sweet Corn of Summer

I love reading recipes. I’ve researched and downloaded so many of them that I’ll never be able to cook even half of them. But the fun and enjoyment for me has always been the process of researching ...

End of Summer Bounty: Easy Tomato Sauce

Tomatoes bursting on the vine? Herbs going to flower? Is overabundance wreaking havoc in your garden? Whip up an incredibly simple tomato sauce and hold onto Summer’s bounty for a little longer.

Family Cooking isn't Always Pretty, but it can be Delicious

With a family of six, my oldest sister cooks about four times a week. While her cooking ranges from challenging to easy, I liked one of her recent meals because it was delicious, the kids were able ...

One Pot of Bolognese = Five Different Dishes

My late husband never ate leftovers growing up. His mom prepared exactly enough food for that dinner each night and that was that. He told me that he never even heard the word leftover until he went ...

The Childe Harold

Combing through the upcoming list of cooking classes being offered by The Chopping Block, I came across our Pasta Workshop. The class description says that I will learn how to make fresh pasta ...

Le Creuset Mini-Cocotte Recipe: Gruyere Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon

Last September, I wrote about the colorful round mini-cocottes from Le Creuset that we carry at The Chopping Block. Like ramekins, mini-cocottes are perfect for cooking individual portions, but you ...

What are You Cooking for Valentine's Day?

February is the month of love, and the pressure is on for the perfect Valentine’s Day for you and your love. Or just you. Or you and your Galentines. Or you and your cats. We’re not here to judge – ...

Pumpkin Puree isn't Just for Pie - Try it in Fresh Pasta

By now you’ve probably been inundated with pumpkin this and pumpkin that, but I'm not done embracing the delicious and versatile nature of this seasonal fruit, so I hope you'll bear with me and ...