Maybe what the world needs is a single currency. Like jars of this sweet, rich, intense bacon jam that makes everything better.
- 15 M
- 1 H, 45 M
- 92
Helen Doberstein, Recipe Tester
A list of all the recipes Helen Doberstein has tested.
Helen was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and has lived in the “GTA” (Greater Toronto Area) all of her life. Her earliest memories of food were typical of the English/Irish cooking of the day, which in Helen’s words meant “gray vegetables, potatoes, and well-done meats, sometimes with a token salad.” Fancy wasn’t on the menu growing up. Helen’s mom had taught her the basics so she wouldn’t starve, but the kitchen was always her mother’s domain. Intruders were welcome—to do the dishes.
As newlyweds, Helen and her husband became involved in round-robin dinner parties, which encouraged Helen to expand her cooking skills. Her most memorable dinner party involved a chocolate fondue that had so much kirsch in it she had to make coffee as everyone waited for cabs so they could get home safely. No one was given a choice to drive home after that dessert. (Helen deemed the night a huge success.) Not long after that, she started watching Julia Child and Jacques Pépin. In terms of cooking,she was hooked. Around the same time, Helen started collecting cookbooks and trying more and more new recipes and techniques in the kitchen. Soon everything was fair game.
Fortunately, when it comes to food, Helen’s family and friends are happy to try most anything that she’s prepared. The Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Stuffed Squash wowed her husband. Helen’s mother is extremely fond of the Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. The guys at the curling club loved the Duck Prosciutto and Bacon Jam. And Helen? She’ll tell you that her favorite recipe is the Braised Duck Legs with Leeks and Green Olives. No, it’s the Sunday Roast Beef. Hmmm, it’s probably the Chilaquiles. Actually, like most of us, she’s not able to choose just one.
Helen and her husband now live in Bradford, Ontario, which she will tell you, has the distinction of being the “Vegetable Capital of Canada”. They have three grown children, and one adorable granddaughter. Helen has worked for three of the major Canadian banks, as well as with her husband at his business in Toronto, and is currently office administrator for the Lisbon Group in Bradford. She’s also spent many years teaching ceramics in the evenings, practicing archery, and making jewelry. She previously tested recipes for America’s Test Kitchen, and when her tenure there was done, she discovered Leite’s. “I can’t imagine doing this for anyone else now,” she says. “I love the sense of community here and look forward to many more years of happy testing.”
How to Freeze Herbs
When life hands you an abundance of herbal loveliness, pull out your ice cube tray, add some olive oil, and save the loveliness for another day.
- Quick Glance
- 5 M
- 6 H
- 0
Thai Grilled Pork | Moo Yang
We can certainly understand why street food has catapulted into trendiness. Assuming, that is, it all tastes as soulful as these skewers that are hawked on seemingly every street in Thailand.
- Quick Glance
- 10 M
- 1 H, 40 M
- 13
Grilled Rack of Lamb
Intoxicating. Easy. Perfect. Gratifying. That’s what folks are saying about this unexpected but uncommonly good grilling recipe that’ll elevate any meal to magnificent.
- Quick Glance
- 15 M
- 45 M
- 0
Authentic Carnitas
This Mexican carnitas recipe is authentic braised and fried pork that’s fall-apart-tender pork goodness ready for tacos.
- 20 M
- 2 H
- 102
Blueberry Mascarpone Tart
Quite possibly the best mingling of blueberries, lemon, mascarpone cheese, and pastry to ever grace a dessert table. We swear it’s going to make you a legend among friends.
- Quick Glance
- 15 M
- 2 H
- 0
Mixed Green Salad With Prosciutto and Cherries
Just whisk, chop, toss, and behold! A simple, stunning, sumptuous, summery weeknight winner of a repast.
- Quick Glance
- 10 M
- 10 M
- 4
Salt and Pepper Rib Eye Steak
Rib eye steak. Salt. Pepper. Flame. And this technique. That’s all it takes to create one of the most superlative suppers known to man.
- 40 M
- 1 H, 50 M
- 14
The Best Hot Dog
Grilling. Boiling. Microwaving. Roasting. Steaming. We’ve got the best ways to cook wieners right here, folks.
- 5 M
- 5 M
- 10
Bluebarb Pie
Tart rhubarb collides with sweet blueberries to create some serious summer pie envy among strawberry rhubarb loyalists.
- Quick Glance
- 30 M
- 3 H
- 8
How to Grill Asparagus
Never again curse as your pricey spears of asparagus fall between the grill rack into oblivion. All you need is this simple trick.
- Quick Glance
- 10 M
- 20 M
- 0
Mango Frozen Yogurt
Fro yo never tasted quite so sweet or seemed quite so simple as this lovely little rendition that calls for 3 ingredients and 10 minutes.
- Quick Glance
- 10 M
- 10 M
- 0
Grilled Flank Steak
If you can master this über basic recipe, you can grill a steak waaaaay better than any of your friends. Promise.
- 30 M
- 1 H, 40 M
- 4
Best Potato Salad
Best potato salad ever. That’s what folks are saying about this easy and, dare we say, elegant spud salad.
- Quick Glance
- 20 M
- 2 H, 20 M
- 32