Tropical Green Smoothie

We have been on a bit of a smoothie kick ever since my husband ordered a new kitchen toy for Christmas. But with nutrient-rich ingredients like spinach, sprouts and ginger, and a delicious flavor to boot, who wouldn’t be stirring up smoothies? This blend of green and sweet will definitely have you revving up theContinue reading “Tropical Green Smoothie”

Layered Chocolate Cake

This super moist, incredibly delicious dessert has graced many a holiday table at our home over the years. My girls discovered it at the Two Peas & Their Pod website and have stirred it up over and over — for birthdays and Christmas and, yes, for Valentine’s Day, as well. So if you’re looking forContinue reading “Layered Chocolate Cake”

Put Down Your Phone

Book of personal essays transports readers to a happier time Rick Bailey is having a conversation with his wife. And striving to appreciate Beaujolais. And sightseeing with Italian friends. And washing gravestones alongside a widow. And we readers are grateful that he is. Because in each of Bailey’s 42 tightly-written, sure-to-make-you-smile personal essays, he extractsContinue reading “Put Down Your Phone”

Ham Roast With Blueberry Sauce

We often roast a cut of local pork for our holiday dinners. It feels festive but not fussy, and it leaves lots of room for sides. This ham-blueberry-honey dish has graced more than its share of celebratory tables, often alongside scalloped potatoes, mashed butternut squash, corn pudding and apple pie. But it works just asContinue reading “Ham Roast With Blueberry Sauce”

Molasses and Mustard Pork Ribs

Ribs are the ultimate in finger food — messy, tasty, chewy, lip-licking. This recipe is perfect for a summer meal on the patio or a winter dinner complete with baked potatoes and broccoli — the house will smell divine while they’re cooking. Double the recipe and invite some friends if you’re feeling social. Recipe inspiredContinue reading “Molasses and Mustard Pork Ribs”

Cuban Sandwiches

My son loves pork and he loves sandwiches and somewhere between food truck visits and repeated viewings of the movie Chef, the brilliant creation of the Cuban sandwich, or Cubano, came into our lives. We don’t always take the time to make a Cubano “right.” Sometimes we’ll turn ham roast leftovers into a sandwich withContinue reading “Cuban Sandwiches”

Reading Books Is Our Super Power

I was a confused and awkward middle schooler (weren’t we all?), who struggled to make friends and to understand the world outside my tiny experience of it. I was always saying the wrong words, doing the wrong things, ending up in places I didn’t want to be. Where I felt the most at home wasContinue reading “Reading Books Is Our Super Power”

Bacon Rosemary Corn Pudding

Corn is a popular side dish at our house, with corn soufflé, corn chowder, and cornbread all favorites. In choosing menus for holiday meals this year, we came across this gem, which we made, then promptly gobbled up, my mostly vegetarian youngest eating it as her main dish on more than one occasion (while pickingContinue reading “Bacon Rosemary Corn Pudding”

Balsamic-Glazed Salmon Filets

We opted for salmon rather than turkey for Thanksgiving this year and we considered choosing fish again for Christmas before settling on a locally raised ham roast. But as we turn the corner into January and our instincts to eat healthfully kick in full-force, this salmon recipe is one to reach for. You’ll want toContinue reading “Balsamic-Glazed Salmon Filets”

November 2020 Newsletter

More Positive Than My Pup It is a bright, warm day in my smallish backyard. The sun is shining, new grass has sprouted, squirrels and birds flit over and between bare tree branches. This is a wonderful place to while away a few hours — especially if you are a five-month-old puppy. There are sticks toContinue reading “November 2020 Newsletter”