Imagine sitting at an outdoor cafe, in the jungle, alongside a river. It’s about 100º, and the humidity is oppressive. It’s a gamble to guess whether you or your water glass is dripping with more beads of sweat. Searching the menu for something refreshing, you land on Zucchini Carpaccio. It’s got sun-dried tomato, parmesan, chive, lemon zest and arugula. Perfect. Continue Reading →
When you bring home souvenirs from a trip, do you pick up a coffee mug? A refrigerator magnet? Maybe a t-shirt? To commemorate an incredible vacation in Idaho, I just carefully transported — in a cooler, for the 21-hour drive covering 4 states, a very precious memento. A small ziplock bag full of… huckleberries. Continue Reading →
This Chicken with Lemon-Leek Zucchini “Linguine” is a result of my neighbor Bonnie’s generosity. Continue Reading →
When one of my favorite people on earth received a surprise cancer diagnosis recently, I wanted to DO something. And not just say “Call me if you need anything” because they don’t call {mostly because they don’t know WHAT they need}.
Husband to me in front of guests: “Honey, why don’t you show everybody your spiralizer?” {Because who doesn’t want a demo of your new kitchen gadget when they’re invited to dinner?} Meanwhile, I secretly cringe, wondering if this question ranks right up there with “Honey, why don’t you pull up the video of Buffy’s dance recital so our friends can watch it?” Continue Reading →
I love the generosity of gardeners!
Take, for example, my new friend Peggy. Besides being an all-around wonderful gal, she’s a fabulous artist and a horse lover… she’s also a terrific gardener. In the short time we’ve been in Idaho, she’s delivered gorgeous onions, cucumbers, beets, purple potatoes and state-fair-worthy zucchini. {I’m not kidding, you could use them for batting practice, they’re so big!} Continue Reading →
When my friend Kasey served this Summer Squash & Red Quinoa Salad, it was a “get out the cell phone and take a picture” moment. Besides that, it was delicious!
I don’t know about you, but by this time in the summer, I’ve had enough potato- or 7-layer salad to last me awhile. I want something different! Mix it up a little! And how about something that’s healthy, fairly simple to throw together, and gorgeous? Is that too much to ask?
This bulgur salad is a great addition to your summer repertoire! I’ll make it on Monday morning, and enjoy it throughout the week for lunch, or as a great salad/side dish for dinner. And it travels well – say, to the office or a picnic. Continue Reading →
My favorite farmers’ market is finally in full swing, and there’s nothing better than spending a weekend morning, coffee in hand, strolling from booth to booth.
Sometimes I go with a plan, other times I go looking for inspiration. I always come home with what looks good that day – and it’s fun to see how the offerings change as the season progresses. No matter what I pick up, there’s a good chance it’s going on the grill!
Grilling vegetables brings out their natural sweetness. Other than a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper, they don’t need anything else. One of the great things about a platter of grilled veggies is that it’s an easy make-ahead buffet item or side dish that is wonderful served at room temperature. If I’m asked to bring a dish to a picnic or summer dinner with friends, this is it — I’m not taking up their oven space, and it’s ready when they are! And isn’t it gorgeous?!
The grilling can be done a few hours before, leaving the grill free for burgers, and you free to enjoy your guests.
Added bonus: a big batch of grilled veggies can be used in a number of other simple summer dishes.
Now would be a good time for global warming to make an appearance. Enough already with the cold and snow! I don’t know about you, but I’m so over the big pots of stew, and ready to hit the farmers’ market for lighter, fresher, warm-weather fare!
Right now, I’m planning a “turtleneck burning” party.
In the meantime though, my kitchen is still cranking out comfort food…
Continue Reading →
I'm glad you stopped by ... pull up a stool, grab your favorite beverage, and let's make something delicious!
