I long for an occasional rainy day in the summer. Sunshine and warm weather, enjoyable as they are, scatter friends at pools, lakes and beaches and hinder precious cooking together times. Throw in various vacation schedules and weeks go by in the summer where cooking with friends just doesn’t ...
The Contagious Effect
It was a sticky and rainy Monday, an indoor day. So instead of heading to a pool or lake, my friend Lynn brought her two kids to my house. Our older kids could hang out, the little ones could play and the moms? What else but cook. There’s too much time to just sit around and talk all day while the ...
Chronicles of a Postage Stamp Gardener: A Major Stumbling Block
Evidently, my garden was thriving while I was away. Neighbors helped out in preventing over-ripening — and got some nice veggies for their trouble. And before I left, we all enjoyed many salads, petit peas, string beans, fabulous kale, beets, cherry tomatoes and even carrots. I’d say my postage ...
Cutting Board Art
When I am given something to review, I am always a bit hesitant since I only end up writing about the products that I truly like. I suppose I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. So I’m always relieved when I get something in the mail that turns out to be something really great. So when my ...
Cherry Vanilla Yogurt Pops
These cherry vanilla pops are frozen yogurt on a stick. Made with non-fat Greek yogurt they are creamy while low in fat. Recipe source:cooking with friends kitchenIngredients1 ½ cups pitted cherries 2 heaping tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice ¾ cup plain non-fat Greek ...
On Our Bookshelf July 2011
By Fany Gerson Just reading this book and looking at the refreshing photos will begin to cool you off (or at least your spirits.) If you're looking for delicious ways to chill this summer, hop on the ice pop making wagon. Paletas is an inspirational companion to keep close as you experiment with ...
French Fry Names
No TV, no Ipods, no video games. . .books, board games, playing cards and lots of quality time. The kids don’t even ask about the wired, brain draining distractions that drive me up the wall back home. They know the deal and they actually look forward to it too. When my kids are bored, instead of ...
I can’t think of a better snack.
Almonds, picked with our own hands from our very own tree, sea salted and roasted with a drizzle of olive oil. Vacation should be full of fabulous culinary moments preparing and sharing unfamiliar foods from a faraway place. I’ve had many of these moments throughout my life, but there’s one that ...
Easing into Summer
When friends e-mail, call or text me with messages and pleas to cook together, it always makes me smile. It’s been a tough week in the cooking with friends department, with graduations, parties and year-end school events occupying every free moment. Sadly, I didn’t have a single cooking date this ...
On Our Bookshelf June 2011
By Linda Greenlaw and Martha Greenlaw Even if you've never stepped foot in Maine, you'll want this new cookbook for your summer entertaining. Each recipe, prepared with the freshest seasonal and local ingredients, will inspire you to cook and dine al fresco with friends and family. I particularly ...