Here’s a little moral about fennel. I’ve had a strong distaste for this crunchy-anise flavored herb for my whole adult life. I have a nebulous memory of eating a fish dish overpowered by fennel and since then, I’ve had an aversion to it -- as strong as when I loathed garlic during my first ...
Kitchen Chronicles
Walk of Shame
As I walked down Lou’s driveway, feet sloshing through a soggy mixture of splattered sauce, seeds and skins, I feel no pride. It was almost as if I was stealing the 20 quarts of tomato sauce and big bag filled with dozens of plum tomatoes I carried to my car. My pristine sundress, without a single ...
Picture Perfect Picnic at the Beach
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Sometimes it’s really nice to have the best picnic. Growing up, my parents would take me to the Washington Capitol for a sensational display of fireworks, the monuments providing a magnificent backdrop to a National symphony choreographing each burning ember. We’d bring a picnic, sure, but it always ...
Notes from Vacation: Orange Ice Cream
As we wind our way down the mountain road after a visit to Caldes de Monchique, the ancient Roman spa known for its healing powers, we’re reflecting on our climb through a gorge carved within the mountains, destined for cascading falls and hot springs. We envision the hopeful people who pilgrimaged ...
Notes from Vacation: Leftover bread
Freshly made bread has been a staple in the Portuguese household since wheat was introduced by the Romans more than two thousand years ago. Interestingly, most homes were built with outdoor clay ovens, with designated bread baking days for the family. I'm deducing it was (and may still be) a ...
Farewell Fettuccine
Lou’s invitation to a farewell lunch came by e-mail. He said I could pick the place, any of my favorite lunch spots in town. Instead of choosing a restaurant, I asked if we could eat Chez Lou’s, his house. With the best food, relaxed atmosphere and convenient location, it is the hands down winner in ...
Washing Cherries
While washing cherries, I’m thinking about the sweet and plump ones I’ll be eating tomorrow, a world away from home. Ruby red and farm fresh cherries picked fresh. I’m running around all day, doing last minute errands before we leave. There’s so much to get done and such a long journey ahead, yet ...
Thoroughly Modern Milkshakes: 100 Thick and Creamy Shakes You can Make at Home — REVIEW
Ahh. . . milkshakes. Who wouldn’t like an ice cold creamy treat in the sweltering summer? Well, milkshake lovers, it’s time to modernize the old fashioned parlor favorite and get creative at home with your own blenders. Thanks to Adam Reid, a columnist for the Sunday Boston Globe Magazine, we’ve got ...
The Smell Factor
My family is eager for our upcoming vacation to the western Algarve in Portugal contemplating everything from the food to the people we’ll soon see. But when I asked my oldest son Zack what he was most looking forward to, he said “the smell”. Now let me elaborate a bit, because although intangible, ...
Anticipation
In just two weeks I’ll be on the vacation I think about all year long, in a dreamlike place across the Atlantic Ocean, a world away from my busy routine of life. My last days, jam packed with end of year activities like school parties and graduation, leave little time to think (let alone write) ...