Hello, Spring!

After the snowiest March I can recall, I’m kind of pinching myself. It’s April, right? Many years the forsythia and daffodils and cherry blossoms have disappeared already. But this season, the asparagus, the chives, the kale and spinach in my garden are just getting going. I know I’m not alone when I say I couldn’tContinue reading “Hello, Spring!”

In-Season Veggie Pasta Salad

  When early spring begins to show her face and salads are again appealing, it’s time to throw together this dish. In summer, cherry tomatoes, banana peppers, cucumbers and green onions can easily be subbed for the veggies listed below. But just now, asparagus, kale and chives are all I’ve got growing, so olives and dried tomatoes orContinue reading “In-Season Veggie Pasta Salad”

Classic Chicken and Dumplings

I can only remember eating Chicken and Dumplings a few times as a child and my husband doesn’t think it was ever served at his table. But my kids love biscuits and this seemed a good variation on Chicken Noodle Soup. We typically roast a whole local chicken when poultry is on the menu. SoContinue reading “Classic Chicken and Dumplings”

Herby Orzo

I’ve made my share of risotto and herby pasta over the years, but this winter I fell in love with a new earth-y, broth-y, rice-like pasta dish that has the potential to taste even better as the first fresh herbs of spring shoot up and I’m looking for ways to eat them. I can’t say enough aboutContinue reading “Herby Orzo”

Fermented Carrots, Three Ways

Fermented food is getting its due these days, with more and more research showing the health benefits of eating probiotic and lacto-fermented foods. What does that mean, exactly? Well, that all your parents’ worries about keeping the food in the fridge and making sure mold never made an appearance in the kitchen were a miteContinue reading “Fermented Carrots, Three Ways”

Saying ‘No’ to Sugar

For the last three weeks — since Ash Wednesday, on February 14th — I have eaten almost no sugar. (And, man, have those three weeks felt like three years!) I gave up sugar for Lent because, for me, it’s a real sacrifice. While I’m not much of a candy girl, I do love my cookiesContinue reading “Saying ‘No’ to Sugar”

Stromboli Sandwiches

Mid-winter days are when a hearty bowl of soup or tray of comforting lasagna is what my body craves. While I’m trying to hit the Vitamin C and the leafy greens hard, I also think there’s something to be said for a filling meal to stave off the dark and chill. We eat our shareContinue reading “Stromboli Sandwiches”

Mini Chocolate Chip Cheesecakes

I’ve made plenty of cupcakes over the years, as well as my share of sheet cakes and cookie cakes. But mini cheesecakes just might take the cake as my favorite celebratory sweet. As Valentine’s Day and my birthday are just around the corner, seems like just the right moment to stir up a batch. MyContinue reading “Mini Chocolate Chip Cheesecakes”

How to Make More Local Food Choices

I have shared this graphic on social media and in my newsletter over the last few months. But the more I sit in meetings about how to connect eaters with local food growers and the more I write about why local food matters to me, the more I love what this graphic does: It quicklyContinue reading “How to Make More Local Food Choices”

All-Butter Pie Crust

  I’ve been working at improving my pie crusts for years. I’ve asked every baker I know for tips. (Flatten the dough slightly before rolling it out. Freeze the dough before working it.) I’ve written stories about pies. I’ve amassed a large body of knowledge about how to make a beautiful, tasty pie crust. I justContinue reading “All-Butter Pie Crust”