I had every intention of posting a picture on Match.com. Really I did. Then I looked at the pictures my daughter took of me yesterday when I was feeling brave, with a blow dryer and mascara wand standing by, and I have to tell you, it sobered me right up.…
I know, I know. I went on and on about how the lemon ricotta cookies were “the ones,” but I’ve found a new love; Toasted Panko. I feel bad being fickle, but the Panko toasted up so nicely and gave my broccoli such a nice crunch, I was helpless. This happened to my mother too. She went through many phases where she loved one thing and started using…
Dipping Sauces, Spreads, Marinades and Salad Dressings• Pasta, Polenta and Risotto• Vegan• Vegetables• Vegetarian
It's Polenta Time!
January 24, 2015
In Pennsylvania, in the depths of January, when it gets so cold you can see ice forming on the insides of windows — it’s time for polenta. Here in California, once it hits 60 or under, we shamelessly jump on the polenta bandwagon.…
Baking• Bread• Thoughts on Life• Vegetarian
A Zucchini Funk May Be Just What You Need
January 11, 2015
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…
Italian Mom Stories• Salads• Side Dishes• Vegan• Vegetables• Vegetarian
How My Italian Mom Weeded Out Prospective Suitors
August 8, 2014
It’s no surprise that I was 32 when I married. Frankly, I’m amazed I was that young because my mom had a way of winnowing out the weaker prospects pretty quickly. Any suitor who visited had to be warned about her because her childlike frankness left people stunned. To protect myself, I sat at the table with her, laughing too loud so whomever she was talking to knew…
Beef• Main Courses• Side Dishes• Vegan• Vegetables• Vegetarian
Seeing Blessings, Not Curses
January 27, 2014My friends, Bob and Debra had everything a year ago. A thriving business, a gorgeous new home, and tons of friends. They still have the friends, the business and the home, but Bob can only see it from a hospital bed now. ALS is ravaging him. In less than a year, he went from being healthy and vital, to looking gaunt. He’s unable to move and barely able…