If some people hanker for tearing into turkey on Thanksgiving, others contemplate the cacophony of porcelain stacked in a full sink and the empty table ready to receive a procession of desserts. The homely pumpkin pie doesn’t easily outshine pecan pie all gussied up in its garb of karo laced pecans. One thing is certain,… Continue reading A Commonplace Book of Pie
A Tribute to Charlie Trotter
It happens like this: We do not see the thing for what it is until it is no more. It can happen so quickly: News of another person’s death distills the color and lines of the small band of people who surround your life, bringing their clarity into focus. Perhaps you pull them closer to… Continue reading A Tribute to Charlie Trotter
24 Hours in Costa Mesa
Let’s talk about Orange County, the one which spawned such TV hits like “The O.C.” or “Real Wives of the O.C.” Given that we don’t have a television and happily qualify ourselves as Northern Californians, I’ve got a few reasons up my sleeve to want to head back to Costa Mesa again soon that do… Continue reading 24 Hours in Costa Mesa
Melt: The Art of Macaroni and Cheese
When Garrett McCord and Stephanie Stiavetti first started working on their cookbook, “Melt: The Art of Macaroni and Cheese,” I leapt at the opportunity to test some of their recipes knowing this would be a fun kitchen exercise that would also double as a bowl of creamy decadence my cheese-loving husband could sink his fork… Continue reading Melt: The Art of Macaroni and Cheese
Beecher’s Flagship Cheddar with Avocado, Lime and Shell Pasta (aka Guacamole Mac and Cheese)
Some people take a server at her word when she chirrups, “save room for dessert!” My husband is not one of those people. His lack of a sweet tooth when paired with my overly enthusiastic one sets us up for an end of meal conundrum that more often than not entails a response of “check,… Continue reading Beecher’s Flagship Cheddar with Avocado, Lime and Shell Pasta (aka Guacamole Mac and Cheese)
Sometimes you worry
This past weekend my cousin visited us from Texas. We loosely sketched out a weekend of walks, memorable meals with a few rogue rounds of the word game, bananagrams and multiple trips to local book houses to satisfy our bookworm tendencies. On Saturday morning, as we set off for Haight Street on foot, we happened… Continue reading Sometimes you worry
I am not a farmer
I am not a farmer. My alarm clock is a mobile phone that does not sound when the darkness is still clenched around the corners of ground like ropes holding tent pegs fast. My hands have not milked a goat or threshed wheat. They do not know the certain precision required for pulling a sugar… Continue reading I am not a farmer
Woodberry Kitchen – Restaurant Poetry
WOODBERRY KITCHEN The taxi sped off toward Hampden. Wind lashing my hair, the road narrowed, the air grew still, as we approached Woodberry Kitchen in the refurbished mill. Sometimes a person takes stock of their inner merits after surveying stacks of preserved food in jars and the bottling of housemade spirits. That night, Romance came… Continue reading Woodberry Kitchen – Restaurant Poetry
24 Hours in Baltimore
When you think about your favorite American town, does Baltimore come to mind? If you haven’t noticed I’m kind of sweet on Baltimore. I would submit Wit and Wisdom as a memorable meal, and stay tuned for a special write-up of my favorite restaurant in the U.S., perfect for when you have a bit more… Continue reading 24 Hours in Baltimore
A Message for the Sandwich Board
I will not write the word pumpkin. I will not see the word pumpkin. I will not smell it spiced with cinnamon or sage. No, I will close my eyes to the round, rippled orbs and ask more from the September sandwich board. I will ask it for patience and if it presses, time. I… Continue reading A Message for the Sandwich Board
Tomato Basil Baked Oatmeal Food Poetry
TOMATO BASIL BAKED OATMEAL FOOD POETRY get the recipe
Finding the Perfect Pet
No dogs allowed. A baritone crooned these three words as Snoopy read the sign outside the hospital that cordoned him from making a visit. It’s not everyday that a cartoon jingle has the kind of staying power to worm its way into everyday conversation, but this little ditty knew no bounds. When I was younger… Continue reading Finding the Perfect Pet