Behind the Bites

Feast Your Eyes


  • The Popper Frittata

    Printable version A frittata is an Italian omelet with ingredients mixed into the eggs as opposed to the French omelet that is folded around the ingredients. A frittata is more like an egg pie cooked slower and usually finished under a broiler, while the French omelet acts as a wrap…

    Read more: The Popper Frittata
  • Jalapeño Popper Pizza

    Printable version Jalapeño poppers got their name from the marketing of the frozen snacks. The term “Popper” has been used for the last 30 years to market a variety of treats and appetizers, not just the cheese stuffed chiles though. There are many who believe the jalapeño popper is an…

    Read more: Jalapeño Popper Pizza
  • Creole Chicken and Spicy Slaw Tacos

    Printable version I made Creole seasoning last week that contained the peppery heat found in the cooking associated with New Orleans and the surrounding Bayou. I added cumin and chili powder also, giving it a hint of Southwest. I used it to season chicken tenders that were intended for tacos.…

    Read more: Creole Chicken and Spicy Slaw Tacos
  • Homemade Creole Seasoning

    Printable version I made this rub to season chicken tenders as part of a meal I catered for 60 people last Sunday. Most creole seasoning will include dried thyme or basil, or what I think of as Italian or European type of spices. I mix it up a little here…

    Read more: Homemade Creole Seasoning
  • Pork Fried Rice

    Printable version The Thai Pavilion in Astoria, Queens has the best pork fried rice I have ever eaten. I used to eat buckets of the stuff at their 30th Avenue location which is now closed and moved to another spot in the neighborhood. Whenever I eat pork fried rice I…

    Read more: Pork Fried Rice
  • Creole Jambalaya

    Printable version This is the second time I have made Jambalaya for for my print column “Busco Bites.” The first time I made a “dry” or “brown” version, this time I’m making the “wet” or “red” version. The difference between the two is in the tomatoes. The dry version features…

    Read more: Creole Jambalaya
  • Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

    Printable version The eating of mushrooms and other fungus can be traced back to prehistoric times. According to Alan Davidson, Author of “Food.” There are ancient lake dwellings in Germany, Austria and Switzerland where evidence of puffballs being consumed by humans has been found. Rare and expensive mushrooms like the…

    Read more: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Chipotle Mac and Pepper Jack Cheese

    Printable version When I was 11, I used to love mac and cheese with sliced hot dogs, to me it was like gourmet sauce and pasta mixed with filet mignon. I could gobble down a bowl and ride my bike for miles through trails in the woods or go play…

    Read more: Chipotle Mac and Pepper Jack Cheese