Food, Family, Faith, and Fun — all wrapped up in one!
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
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!”
Some times the simplest things go unnoticed, fly under the radar. Just think how pleasant a chair beside a lake is, or the smell of autumn leaves, or the sight of winter’s first snowflake. Pulled pork is so easy that it’s hard to find a recipe in any cookbook.
I’m so thankful some people are picky eaters! A few years ago we attended a wedding reception, and sat at table with several people we didn’t know. The first course of the dinner was a tiny bowl of lobster bisque. Some people don’t like seafood! Hooray! I got to eat their soup course, which totally made my evening.
Memories and traditions are powerful things, and for me, the sense of smell draws the most vivid memories:
The other day I was shopping in the bulk herb section of our small town health food cooperative. The woman next to me was scooping up copious amounts of marjoram, which peaked my curiousity. She described her recipe for herbed nuts, and within a few moments I begged her to email the recipe to me. And now I have a new addiction….
Some times I long for simpler days. I even get twinges of nostalgia for the pioneer times – neighbours had to work together, houses were small and easy to maintain, divorce was unheard of, children didn’t stare at an iPad all day long, and mealtime was a family affair.
There are very few veggie dishes that make me dance with delight. This is not only simple, but has incredible texture and flavour contrasts that will make your tongue sing some crazy song.
Sometimes it feels like egg bakes conjure up images of elegant bridal showers and dainty women’s teas. Think of flowers, lace, beautifully wrapped gifts, damask tablecloths, and egg bake. This one, however, is the exact opposite of delicate. It is for carnivores who love brunch, and are not afraid to eat it! Tossing hash browns … Read more Sausage Egg Bake with Bacon-Hashbrown Crust
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote in his journals: “It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.” Friendship is one of those most-precious gifts that should never be neglected. You know with full confidence which friends you trust most — those that will continue to love you … Read more Maple & Bourbon Glazed Ham
