I just attended my first Fancy Food Show in San Francisco. I’ve never seen so much cheese under one roof in my life. It was awesome. There were creams, blues, goat cheeses, cheddars, mozzarellas, Parmigiano Reggiano and cheeses rubbed with coffee, wine, and pepper (to name a few), so, of course, in the name of science, I had to try every one.…
I was in a funk most of November and December. I got my freelance work done, but didn’t have the drive to do anything except sit on the couch and watch every episode of The Gilmore Girls, while shoving food in my mouth. I didn’t want to decorate for Christmas or even bake Christmas cookies, which is like Mother Theresa not wanting to help the poor. I just had…
In Western Pennsylvania, there are traditions you just have to keep. One is pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day. I may not live there currently, but I’ll be damned if I’m giving up this tradition, it’s too good. It’s said to be good luck to eat pork on New Year’s Day because pigs root forward, so, your year will start in a positive direction, unless you’re a…
You can either live life, or write about it. This year for Christmas, I lived it. The great thing about living is you notice things like little Christmas miracles you might have overlooked. (The bad thing is your blog is late.) I lived it so well that I now have one mother of a head-cold that only responds to hot tea with lemon, honey and Rock n’Rye. I’m…
This post is for anyone stressing out over their house not being perfect for the holidays. Here’s what I know: I don’t ever remember thinking about what our tree looked like when I was very little, except that I liked to sit and watch the colored lights and play with the wise men and Jesus. I do remember our family being together around the table, talking for hours, and…
I just read an article in the LA Times about an Austrian chef who re-creates Christmas dinners like those in his homeland because he has such great memories. I loved that, instead of sinking into a depression over what he’s missing, he’s re-creating it with braised duck and roasted chestnuts. I remember forcing myself to do that the first year I spent Christmas Eve away from my large,…
I have the same battle with myself every day, sometimes several times a day. Last weekend it sounded like this: Conscience: What are you doing? You’re making Thanksgiving dinner for your kids and their friends, three days after Thanksgiving, when you should be working on that book you’re always talking about — or applying for jobs! What’s more important: work or making your daughter’s favorite corn casserole?…
I promised news of the victory in the Annual Cutthroat Tunno Pie Competition and I’m delivering it, but it’s not a surprise. Yes, my nephew Chris somehow pulled off another win. (If we find out he’s putting controlled substances in his pies to make everyone vote for him, he’s in big trouble.) But the big news is the First Runner Up. In second place, was my great-nephew Nate!…
It’s Black Friday at GettaSommaDis, my online store with tons of witty, clever, irreverent items you WILL NEVER find in any self-respecting retailer. Don’t follow the crowds, shop in your pajamas! But do it today because Black Friday comes but once a year. Mr.Whiskey was adamant that I take his photo wearing his new apron. It’s a little big for him, but he likes the comfort. 50% off…
Remember the nice story I wrote last week about my family loving each other because my mom was a great cook and so nurturing and wonderful? Most of the time that’s true, until it’s time for the cutthroat Annual Tunno Pumpkin Pie Contest. It commences right after Thanksgiving dinner, which is a good thing because we’re all too full to move, let alone hurt each other. I’ve only…