I’m homesick. We haven’t moved, but I’ve been on the move. To the tune of six times away from home in the last 5 weeks. I tend to tell myself, “You don’t have kids, so go and do as many things as you can.” I almost feel guilty if I pass up a great opportunity, because […]
Tags: Tomatoes
November 1, 2016
A few weeks ago I hosted my first dinner party. A plated four-course Harvest Meal, built around my favorite fall ingredients and some of my favorite people around the table. Some knew each other, some were meeting each for the first time. But what we all had in common was a love for sharing a meal […]

Tags: Apples, Cauliflower, Squash, Tomatoes
October 29, 2016
this … I’m calling this blackberry baked custard, but in all honesty, I’m not sure what it’s technical term should because it literally has a 3 pronged evolution. It changes (unexpectedly) from dutch baby, to claufoutis, to custard, depending on when you eat it. What I do know is that it’s incredibly delicious at any […]

October 17, 2016
I’m in the midst of a busy month of work travel. The days have been incredibly exciting and long at the same time, trying to complete projects while on and off the road. At the moment I’m home, thinking about the zillion things on my plate (which I did to myself) while sitting outside the CVS Minute […]

October 10, 2016
Oven roasted butternut squash and tomatoes are at the heart of this unique side dish. 3 years ago this time, I was writing a book all about squash. Every single page; 141 of them and 80 recipes. Bound into paperback, with a stock photo of butternut squash on the front. The twenty some photos inside […]

Tags: Tomatoes
October 3, 2016
Up until a few years ago, I didn’t have much confidence in canned food. Even plain vegetables were hard to see, or taste, the good in. From bland carrots, to mushy green beans, spongy sliced mushrooms, preservative-laden cream of chicken soup….. my nose was turned up in the air. But as I began to learn […]

Tags: Tomatoes, White Beans
September 27, 2016
An incredibly easy, naturally gluten-free almond cake, topped with fall figs and swoops of honey. The cake is as soft and moist as you could imagine, yet dense enough for the swipe of your fork. Almond flour has a magical touch like that. Also, a few thoughts on mercury retrograde, and a scattered brain as of late.

Tags: Almond Flour
September 16, 2016
The Best Way to Eat Burrata Cheese Remember those Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Garlic Preserved in Olive Oil? I’ve heard from so many of you who’ve made a batch, savoring summer a little longer. As simple as they are to make, they look and taste like something that comes out of a fancy Italian eatery. […]

September 13, 2016
What is tahini? Tahini is an incredibly important ingredient in Middle East and Mediterranean cooking. Made from just white sesame seeds, salt, and a few drops of oil, this savory seed paste is ground or blended until smoothy and silky. It adds creaminess and nuttiness to what you are making or eating. If you’ve noshed on my […]

September 6, 2016
I can’t get over the intoxicating smell as this Peach Baked Muesli is in the oven, the cinnamon and nutmeg mingling with the fruit, and the pecans toasting away. It comes out tender and sliceable, full of flavor despite the simplicity. And perhaps the biggest benefit is that it makes a large batch, perfect for baking on Sunday and eating throughout the week, warm or cold. Sometimes I top the squares with a dollop of yogurt, but always, always a drizzle of pure maple syrup and a splash of cream.

August 29, 2016
You know those sweltering, sun beating down, summer days……. where the wind just blows more hot air, and your clothes sticks to every inch that’s covered? And you’re so thirsty you just need something, anything to drink, stat. And what winds up in your hand is a glass of wine, cocktail, or beer, and it’s gone in […]

August 24, 2016
Sweet corn in the Midwest…. the golden child. It’s truly something special, and that’s not just a ploy to get you to move here. Between our rich soil, sun bathed days, and cool nights lies the sweetest, most tender crisp corn you’ll ever eat. Growing up in the Corn Belt, some of my fondest summer memories […]

August 23, 2016