Good-enough goulash

Our family has been battling the sickness lately—influenza type B for those curious. Apparently it’s been going around lately and this just happened to be one of those times it got us …
Kim's Kitchen
Rich Castagna knows beer. He ought to. He’s been brewing craft beers most of his life. And he and his family—wife Lisa, along with daughters Hailey, Sammy and Mia—have been …
Nine Cakes Bakery is introducing a line of jams.

Nine Cakes to launch jams

Tuesday, February 20
HUDSON, NY — Nine Cakes Bakery is launching a line of mouthwatering jams this spring. On March 10, Nine Cakes will hold a tasting …
What's going on in cabbage science?

Cabbage board to meet

Wednesday, January 31
GENEVA, NY — In compliance with the Open Meetings Law, the Cabbage Research and Development Program Advisory Board gives notice that …
Rotini holds a nice thick sauce like no other.

Chicken Alfredo

Wednesday, January 24
My wife makes a lovely Alfredo sauce from scratch that is truly a delight whenever it graces our dinner table. That being said, for …
Gummy beer

Make this Hector’s Inn gummy beer

Tuesday, January 23
It’s late in July 1969 when farmer Max Yasgur, 49, agrees to allow the Aquarian Exposition—better known as the Woodstock Music and …
Cups of tomato basil soup with grated Parmesan

Good eats, bad boyfriend

Sunday, January 21
Good eats, bad boyfriend By JUDE WATERSTON Some years ago, I had a boyfriend named Gene. Once we were dating, I realized he was an odd …

There’s a special cookie for any self-respecting baker out there. One that means a little more to them because of where they first learned to bake it or who they baked it with.  …

Food stories from around the web

(Family Features) The foundation of healthy eating may include nutritious breakfasts, lunches and dinners, but just as important are the snacks in-between meals.

(Family Features) Holiday hams and deviled eggs may take center stage at Easter gatherings, but edible crafts offer a reminder of the magic of the season that's found in moments spent together.
“Hey! Would you consider doing a Sip and Paint class over at Pelkey’s Tavern?”  The question came from Shannon, a friend of mine who regularly attends my Sip and Paint …
I went to the High School of Art and Design, a few blocks from Central Park in mid-town Manhattan. It was the ‘70s, and some of the best years of my life.  As far as I’m …
Way back yonder in the month of October—you know, a century ago—my wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary.  As per natural courtship rituals, it was upon my shoulders as …
I’m pretty sure that everyone in the world loves music in some way, shape or form. I know I do. Early on in my life, I wanted to play the drums. But my father, being of a certain age from …
This coming fall will be our 10th visit to Mexico. My sister Janet and I have been to Mexico City, Puebla and Oaxaca; Oaxaca is our longest stay in one place.  We eat out a lot. Not all …
Thanksgiving is a cherished time when families come together and the kitchen becomes the heart of the home. Let's have a look at some traditions with these classic Thanksgiving foods that have stood …
Why I love pork

I fondly remember my mom’s thick, juicy, bone-in pork chops. The bit of fat clinging to the edges would get crisp and crunchy. We always had her homemade applesauce with the chops. That meal …

Make these chocolate leftover Halloween candy cookies

By the time you read this, another Halloween will be lurking in the shadows right around the corner. And chances are, you’ll have some time and/or money invested in preparing for it, because, …

So if you read my outdoor article last month titled “Fundamental Foraging,” you would know my boys and I recently came into a good supply of mushrooms harvested from a tree near our …
HONESDALE, PA — Local home bakers recently competed in the baking contests at the Wayne County Fair. The winners of the Homemade Chocolate Cake Contest were: First place—Stephanie Powers …
CALLICOON, NY — Have you always wanted to know more about fermentation? On Sunday, September 24 at the Callicoon Farmers Market, you can visit the Farm Arts Collective tent to get a hands-on …
Roscoe Beer Co. draws visitors from all over with its refreshing beer and delicious food offerings. The brewery celebrated its tenth anniversary over Labor Day Weekend with house brews, live music, …
Veggie pizza

Given that we’re veggie farmers, it’s been on my mind to develop a greater appreciation for eating vegetables.  After all, who trusts a banker who doesn’t have a savings …

Catskill Brewery wins gold and bronze at state craft beer competition

ALBANY, NY — Catskill Brewery has medaled in two categories at the 2023 New York State Craft Beer Competition. The competition is presented by the New York State Brewers Association and is …

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The River Reporter is always looking for ways to improve our newspaper. That's why we're asking you to take a short survey about your reading preferences in our monthly Food section. Your feedback …
kim’s kitchen

Make these peanut butter chocolate cake morsels

“How did you get on TV?” It’s a question I’m asked a lot. The fact is, I was tapped to be on my first competitive Food Network TV show—Sugardome—practically …
the food out here

In a kitchen far far away

I try very hard not to burn anything when I’m cooking, unless it’s a rare circumstance where that is actually desired for some reason. But for the most part, I’m not one of those …
jude’s culinary journey

The glory of garnishing

To a large degree, it is true we eat with our eyes. The visual appeal of what is placed before us at a meal has a major impact on our appetites. Plating and presentation are practiced arts, used …
the food out here

Pasta bake, for heaven’s sake

We’ve been trapped in a house of sick kids and a spouse for the last few weeks, and there were a few functions that we would have otherwise been all too thrilled to attend.  Despite our …
kim’s kitchen

Make this candy surprise bunny

Make this candy surprise bunny  Anybody who knows me knows that I love animals.  True, a few of them don’t love me—I have really bad allergies to most dogs. And …

I have a singular memory from many years ago: one morning, I left my apartment near Washington Square Park, and headed toward Bleecker Street to get some crusty, freshly baked bread at the …

“Pizza is not a dinner food,” my father, Jack I. Simons, decreed. “Pizza is a snack!” As anyone who knew my father can tell you, he was an honorable man—and one of …
I like corn. It’s about as American a staple as I can think of when it comes to U.S.-produced food. With as much sweet corn as we go through each summer, it’s something we always have an …

When the raw food movement gained popularity a couple of decades ago, I was not sold. Who finds comfort in the midst of a bitter-cold winter eating uncooked kale? We had a friend who plunged …

I’m often asked how I got into making cakes and competing on TV. The short answer is that, back in about 2010, I was watching a cake show and thought, “I can do that!” I abused …
I’ve had meatloaf for many of my birthdays over the years. When I was a kid, it was one of the best things my mom made me, thus it was requested several times. When I got older and got hitched …

Over the years, I have picked up and adhere to some worthwhile cooking tips. I’ve already admonished those who refrigerate tomatoes, which strips them of flavor and makes the texture mealy, so …

My mother was born on Christmas Day, which is why her name is Carol. But to hear her tell it, that wasn’t necessarily a great thing—at least for her. She was the youngest of four in a …
Nothing pleases all crowds, young and old, quite so much as a good old-fashioned hot chocolate. However, not every cup of hot chocolate need be old-fashioned. When my wife first mentioned hot …