Ina Garten is my favorite high profile cook. I trust her. She is real, down to earth, uses great ingredients (some that are far beyond my scope or wallet, but most not) and simple techniques. One of the best things I have learned from her, through the several Barefoot Contessa cookbooks I own, is roasting. … Continue reading Roasted Winter Vegetables
Asher's MLK illustration a few years ago On Monday we will celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, junior. I don't recall knowing much about him until I was in social work graduate school and began to learn of the man of integrity that he was, and the dedicated fight he … Continue reading Honoring Dr. King
After indulging in all the baked goods and big holiday meals, I have been in pursuit of leafy greens in these January days. I saw a sign today at Whole Foods Market that says, "This year I want to eat more plants". I like that goal. I love goal-setting in January- I think I might add … Continue reading Your Very Own Vinaigrette
Who doesn’t love Chips and Salsa? It's one of our favorite food groups. I had tried, in the past, to make salsa that compared to restaurant salsa but was continually disappointed. Then in 2003 I was on a retreat with some women and my dear friend Catherine made this Salsa, and Eureka! …this was it! … Continue reading Salsa: How do we love you? Let us count the ways…
the cabin I have spent the Christmas weekend with my family at my parents’ cabin in the woods- it is picturesque and perfect for a holiday. It is rustic and has no internet, which provides a nice break, and yet, isn’t great for blog-posting. So now that we are home, I can send this post! … Continue reading Chocolate Fun-Do
Brownies. Classic. Simple. Yet not so simple. All brownies were NOT created equal! In fact, the variance between brownies, in quality and taste, can be vast, yet they all go by the same name of Brownie! I have realized in the past few years that I have a complex relationship with Brownies. They are, on one hand, a … Continue reading the Best Brownies Ever
One of my very favorite holiday treats is Peppermint Bark. Is it because it’s basically hunks of white chocolate with crunchy peppermint? Or because we only eat it in December, so it is novel? Or is it because it is so beautiful: in a jar, in a bowl, on a plate, in my hand, in … Continue reading Ode to Peppermint Bark
December is such an odd month in my kitchen and in my culinary-mind. I am a college professor, so December is a wild month with the end of classes, grading papers, administering exams and then more grading.. all while celebrating Advent and Christmas gift buying and celebrating my son’s birthday and baking and gift making! … Continue reading Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe
Last night we got our Christmas tree! The house is a wreck, as we just got home from traveling to see family for Thanksgiving, but in the midst of laundry and bags and piles, we pulled the tubs of Christmas decorations out of the attic and made a family outing to pick out a tree. I … Continue reading O Christmas Tree
‘Tis the season for traditions! I love them- some from my household growing up, some from generations past, and some that we have created in our home. Here are a couple I want to share with you. Old Tradition: Cheese Rolls Cheese Rolls have been a favorite in our family for years. For parties, holidays … Continue reading Traditions: Old and New
Community Table 