On May 4th, my grandmother passed away. It does blunt the edge of my sadness a bit to realize (and be grateful) that she was a strong, vital presence in my life for over 30 years. She was not a vague idea of “grandmother,” but someone I knew and loved and respected. As happens after a death, there are details ... Read More »
“I’m going on pilgrimage in May.” The response I get to that statement tends to be a wavering look of indecision, a momentary pause, and something aimed at not really offending. Except, of course, when I tell my Spanish-junkie friends. Then the response is more like “That is on MY bucket list!” or “I wish I was going too!” or ... Read More »
I offer up Exhibit #1, the Avocado Tool. I saw it advertised in a cooking magazine, and, well… I like avocados. I am fortunate to be the only one in the house who likes avocados, so I don’t have to share. And they CAN be messy. And how to remove that slippery pit? A genius true avocado aficionado must ... Read More »
Break bread together The greatest thing since sliced bread They go together like bread and butter I have been gluten free for three months. It ain’t really that hard, especially for someone like me who thinks lunch is the most over-rated meal of the day. I hate sandwiches. That might harken back to my mother’s economizing attempts, when we were ... Read More »
I love set lunches. In Peru, they’re called menùs (if you remember, last year I wrote about how a menù can actually be too cheap – it’s kinda a red flag if they are less than $2). And in Costa Rica, they go by the name casado. For around $5 you can get a plate filled with rice, beans, a ... Read More »
My mother always pomegranates in the house – especially during the holidays. Now, there is rarely never actual food in her cupboards (I mean, there are tons of condiments and lots of crackers and dips, but not, you know, substantial stuff like chicken and beef). However, pomegranates are always at the ready. Because who doesn’t want to crack open the rough, dry ... Read More »
I cannot get out of ShopRite for under $100. I go for two or three items. I only bring in one recyclable bag. I get caught at the cheeses. I hail from Wegmans country, in the western part of New York State. Apparently, our Auburn Wegmans is the armpit of the Wegmans empire. Still and all, it was always worth ... Read More »
If there is a dessert sweeter and more elegant than the French macaroon, then I have not yet made its acquaintance. So what a very sweet treat to be given a box of these lovely confections by my friend Sarah, of the eponymous Cafe Sarah. Moderation is key when you have such delectables at hand. Otherwise the New Year’s resolution list ... Read More »
When I said “I do” nineteen years ago, it was with full knowledge that I was marrying a hunter. Stephen had two uncles in particular who loved fishing and hunting, and he accompanied them many times out onto lakes and into woods, usually at ungodly hours of the day, or in unpleasant weather conditions. Our second date may have been ... Read More »
I must confess to a whole bunch of whining in the past about Thanksgiving. It is not one of my favorite celebrations. The family time is great, but the meal… the meal… Much like my issues with ham, turkey just does not make me say “YUM!” We’ve had it deep fried (nearly set my parents’ 150 year old home on fire), ... Read More »
Sauced In New York Sometimes the food is in the sauce, sometimes we are