Food, Family, Faith, and Fun — all wrapped up in one!
Some people travel for work. I work, so that I can travel. So far, I have managed to see about 30 countries on four continents. But of course, some countries get visited over, and over, and over again. Sweden, I am talking to you! 😊 I try to not travel like a tourist, but prefer … Read more Icelandic Cioppino – a hearty international seafood chowder
My mom was the master of frugality. We lived on a shoestring during the year so that we could travel during the summer. We had amazing adventures on school teacher savings! Even though Mom did not enjoy cooking, and I grew up during the 60’s and 70’s when processed foods were pushed on families, we … Read more Mint Chip Meringues
Some times using recipes from generations ago result in simple delights. I have often heard that sugar cookies are the most uncomplicated and basic cookie, but I’ve only made them from scratch once. They were an epic failure — dry, crumbly, tasteless, and basically unappetizing. And using gluten free flour just made the disaster more … Read more Gluten Free Toffee Bars
This past summer my Swedish parents both turned 90 years old. They had “adopted” me 40 years ago while I was living in Sweden and attending graduate school. I return almost yearly to visit them, and count it a huge honor to be part of their family. In preparation for their birthday celebration, I was … Read more Lemon Curd
Living alone has it’s perks — — — the house is easier to keep clean, there is more freedom to travel and visit friends and family, the entire bed is mine, I have sole control over the remote, I can play piano any time of the day (or night), and I don’t have to serve … Read more Savory Sous Vide Egg Bites
There is something so comforting about a rich, simple, satisfying bowl of soup. Soup season could last year ’round in my mind, but I don’t always have time to watch over a pot on the stove. With a little morning prep time, this soup is perfect for family suppers, parties, and company. Since I eat … Read more Gluten Free Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
I have never enjoyed baking — too much measuring, math and accuracy is required, and it feels a little restrictive to me. Cooking is more free-form, while baking requires that I follow the rules in order to be successful. That’s where my rebellious nature kicks in:
“Don’t tell me what to do!”
One of the first gardens I planted was filled with every black flower I could find. This was somewhat of a fad during the Victorian era, which I find intriguing. Can you imagine elegant women in long, floofy dresses tending gardens? That might be as difficult as imagining ME working in flowerbeds. But I tried.
Have you ever been surprised by how prolific certain garden plants can be? In my flowerbeds, bleeding hearts and lilies of the valley have become borderline-invasive perennials. In my raised garden beds, tomato plants easily grow 8 feet tall (I need to learn the art of pruning!), and pepper plants can supply the needs of … Read more Habanero-Maple Pork Shoulder for Crockpot
Without history we are infants. Of all intellectual pursuits, history is the most supremely useful. That is why people crave it and need ever more of it.
– Simon Jenkins, “The London Times”