kellymcc's Profile

Joined: April 3rd, 2010


Latest review:

May 27th, 2010

Buttermilk Fried Chicken from Ad Hoc at Home

It's stunning. I actually didn't find it particularly hard either. You always have to marinate good fried chicken - the only extra step was heating the brine to boiling and then letting it steep and cool.... read more >


recipe reviews (21)
book reviews (3)
useful review votes (18)

kellymcc's Reviews


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21 recipes reviewed. Showing 1 to 21Sort by: Book Title | Date | Rating | Recipe Title

Ad Hoc at Home

By Thomas Keller
Artisan - 2009

I have to admit - I cheated. I had my butcher grind the meats together for me. On top of that I used a Marcella Hazan recipe for a very simple tomato sauce. Regardless, these were delicious. The consistency and spices are great. Just what you would expect from Mr. Keller!

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It's stunning. I actually didn't find it particularly hard either. You always have to marinate good fried chicken - the only extra step was heating the brine to boiling and then letting it steep and cool. Well, worth the effort. I had a tough time keeping the oil at the right temperature but all turned out fine. Oh, and I ignored the direction to cook each piece separate. Just cooked the white and dark on their own and didn't overcrowd the pot.

useful (3)  


All About Braising: The Art of Uncomplicated Cooking

By Molly Stevens
W.W. Norton & Co. - 2004

1st May 2010 (edited: 1st May 2010)

Monkfish Braised with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

I found this recipe incredibly easy. While it might not have been the most spectacular thing I've ever made - I found it extremely enjoyable and great for a weeknight meal. I made it just as written.

useful (1)  


Barefoot Contessa at Home: Everyday Recipes You'll Make Over and Over Again

By Ina Garten
Clarkson Potter - 2006

This wasn't our favorite. I added some heat, extra lemon juice and a bit of vinegar to even it out but it still just felt to be missing something. Likely would skip this one next time.

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The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

By Ina Garten, Martha Stewart
Clarkson Potter - 1999

3rd April 2010

Pan-fried onion dip

I've made this so many times, I don't even need the recipe anymore. It's delicious and you'll certainly find your guests asking for more. Serve with gourmet potato chips.

useful (1)  


Cookwise: The Secrets of Cooking Revealed

By Shirley O. Corriher
William Morrow Cookbooks - 1997

Mine just never seemed to be pulling together but I persevered and ended up getting them in the pan. They were amazing. Next time, I just need to not be afraid when I have a goopy mess!

useful (1)  


The Craft of Baking: Cakes, Cookies, and Other Sweets with Ideas for Inventing Your Own

By Karen DeMasco, Mindy Fox
Clarkson Potter - 2009

A stunningly good recipe, as all are in this book. These muffins have a great crumb and have become a favorite. The streusel is a nice compliment to the delicious light and airy muffin. Bake for 25 min if making mini muffins.

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3rd April 2010

Pumpkin Spice Bread

While there is no shortage of pumpkin bread recipes, this one has a lovely spice that accompanies the pumpkin flavor. A fantastic recipe.

useful (1)  


Not as spectacular as some of the other recipes in this book. While they taste delicious, they have a tendency to get over browned. I do love that you can put them together so quickly!

useful (1)  


These are really delicious. They are perfect with a cup of tea or for a nice snack when you have houseguests. Not to mention, they come together really quickly.

useful (1)  


These are even better than the similar Martha Stewart recipe. Absolutely perfect in every way. I would likely add more raspberry next time I make them but I can't say enough about the streusel.

useful (2)  


I made this as part of the caramel pie and it was delicious. I took the honeycomb option and would likely add in even more soda for more levity in the chemical makeup next time. It's delicious on its own. One note, mine always cooks for less than 10 minutes.

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3rd April 2010

Spicy Caramel Popcorn

I can't even keep this in the house or we'll eat the whole thing. As long as you're not too nervous to work with molten sugar, this is definitely worth a try.

useful (1)  


3rd April 2010

Cornmeal Tart Dough

A fantastic dough recipe that could be used for just about anything.

useful (1)  


Stunningly good. The dough serves as a very nice counterbalance to the sweet berries. The only thing to watch is that your dough has no cracks in it or the filling will leak and burn.

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3rd April 2010

Brown Butter Pecan Pie

Worth the cost of the book alone. This will be a recipe that I use forever. I served it on Thanksgiving to a number of pecan pie experts and all thought that this recipe was the best they had ever had. The brown butter really adds depth and cuts the sweetness. An excellent recipe.

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Slightly bland but still quite nice. Sets up like pudding more than a buttermilk pie would. Don't skip making the Honeycomb Brittle, it really gives the pie the counter contrast that it needs.

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Didn't really love these. Perhaps it was the flavor profile or just personal taste. Likely would skip this one again.

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3rd April 2010

Pumpkin Ice Cream

A very nice flavor but mine came out a bit icy. Perhaps I'll add a bit of vodka in next time to keep it more creamy.

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3rd April 2010

Spiced Caramel Sauce

I cannot say enough good things about this. It's just absolutely delicious. The addition of the spices really give in a lovely taste and it's just amazing over ice cream.

useful (1)  


The Union Square Cafe Cookbook: 160 Favorite Recipes from New York's Acclaimed Restaurant

By Danny Meyer, Michael Romano
William Morrow Cookbooks - 1994

3rd April 2010

Bar Nuts

I'm a huge fan of this recipe. It's only rivaled by the Barefoot Contessa Roasted Cashews recipe which has become a standard in our house.

useful (2)