A Man & His Kitchen

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A Man & His Kitchen is like an invitation to Matt’s storied country retreat, the Wm Brown Farm in upstate New York, to learn how to cook the hundred-plus recipes he considers his greatest hits—simple, straightforward, and, most of all, delicious dishes to feed yourself, your family, and your friends. There’s nothing precious here, nothing trendy, just really good classic food that, at the end of the day, is all anyone wants to eat: Lobster Rolls, Vinegar-Braised Short Ribs, Roast Chicken with Potatoes, Gravlax, Chopped Radicchio Salad with Anchovy Vinaigrette, Moules Marinières, Paccheri with Shrimp, American Diner–Style Omelet, Porcini Risotto, and that steak—two, actually, Grilled Rib-Eye Steak for One and a Steak au Poivre with Parsley Salad. And just enough desserts to have in your back pocket, including Berry Galette, Flourless Chocolate Cake, and notes on the importance of keeping a stash of Klondike bars in the freezer.

Along the way, Hranek shares everything: what he keeps in his pantry, how he outfits his kitchen, shopping strategies (never come home from a trip without a few local ingredients; look for classic cookware at flea markets and tag sales), his no-waste philosophy for trimmings and leftovers, and dozens and dozens of pro tips (leave the skin on potatoes for better-tasting home fries; mix salad dressing in a jar and shake like hell for perfect emulsification; scissors are the easiest way to cut homemade pizza and focaccia).