I did not sign up for triple digit spring weather. Nevertheless, I don’t feel so bad when I read that central Australia reaches 120 degrees on the regular. According to Bill Bryson in the delightfully entertaining travel book In a Sunburned Country, desert temps are not trifling. He wrote this book twenty years ago. I cannot imagine a Down Under desert trek in today’s climate. Continue reading
Spring salads lead to lighter eating for the upcoming summer season. It’s time to step away from heavy foods and crunch into bright, crispy seasonal fruits and vegetables. This Strawberry Sugar Snap Salad has plenty of color and crunch. Moreover, the heady Thai basil dressing and peanuts take this pretty salad in a more exotic direction. Continue reading
Seafood Chowder satisfies when nights are a little chilly. Pack your chowder with lots of vegetables and you’ll need only a small amount of smoked salmon for flavor. Continue reading
I dedicate this cake to my friend Jeannie Boisineau of Superior Creamery and Confections. Her weekly bake box recently included potato chip chocolate chip cookies, which combine the two most important food groups : potato and chocolate. Brilliant, and bravo, Jeannie. Continue reading
Meyer lemons are short in season, yet long in flavor. These thin skinned golden citrus fruits sport a floral aroma. They possess a lemony sweetness that is less astringent than the juice of regular lemons. Because their skin is so thin, one can eat the whole fruit sliced thinly in desserts and savory dishes. Continue reading
Be your own personal chef with this easy pasta bake. My clients tell me how wonderful it is to pull something from the fridge already made and ready to heat. I am thrilled when I can do the same. This easy turkey tomato marinara, goat cheese and brown rice pasta dish carried me through some busy winter weeks. Continue reading
Unfortunately, the “wearing of the green” for St. Patrick’s Day means that salad has fallen onto my shirt. I am a mutt, like most Americans, meaning there is Irish heritage muddled with the others. Alas, I’m not much for celebrating minor holidays like March 17 and donning apparel matching those holidays. But the food, I am all about the food. By food I mean potatoes and lots of them. Continue reading
Nearly all cocktail recipes in this collection of recipes may be enjoyed alcohol-free as mocktails. Today’s Clementine Cardamom Cocktail is no exception. This is a good thing, for kids and everyone else who avoids spirits. An attractive seasonal beverage, with or without spirits, is a reliable conversation starter and always welcome at the table. What made you think of these flavors? Very likely whatever is in season and paired with herbs and spices not used in past recipes. Continue reading
Imagine my disappointment when I learned that classic Tunnel of Fudge cake has no fudge. Sadly, there is only undercooked batter in the middle. I remedy that problem with this cake. There is real fudge baked in the center of this moist banana cake. Continue reading
Soup weather is finally here. In this case, soup is a hearty meal in a bowl with southwest flavors to melt the snow. Snow ice cream would make a fine dessert to accompany this thick soup. Continue reading