Fall weather is here. And we enjoyed every moment of its arrival last weekend. Crunchy leaves, clear skies, crisp air. Market stands selling squash and pumpkin whoopie pies and hot apple cider. Football. Blue jeans and hoodies. And soup. This soup was inspired by the lentil and sausage soup I make every fall. I didn’t have the ingredients on hand... Read more
Last week I had the pleasure of attending Savor Pittsburgh to sample some of the city’s finest culinary creations. I arrived early (wearing heels and eyeliner for the first time in months) to meet the other judges and take instruction from the event planners. We would sample about a dozen appetizers, another dozen entrees, and five desserts. We were advised... Read more
This afternoon we took a break from housework and homework to enjoy a picnic at the park. Our little food monster ate all of his lunch plus part of ours. We chased Sam up the stairs, through the tunnel, and down the slide. And laughed together while swinging. As busy as life gets, we must remember to make time to... Read more
What’s better than a warm chocolate chip cookie? One topped with homemade vanilla bean ice cream, of course. Make this cookie cake if you’re serving a crowd. Mix it up and spread it into a foil pizza pan before your guests arrive. Then pop it into the oven to bake, and let it cool only slightly before slicing and serving.... Read more
I haven’t done a Tuesday Things post in quite awhile. But I can currently only think in list form, so I figured it was appropriate for today. 1. Birthday party planning is underway! There will be polka dots and cupcakes and family and friends from Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, and Massachusetts. 2. In addition to Sam’s 1st birthday, we’ll also... Read more
If you find yourself in my neck of the woods next week, come on over to SouthSide Works for the seventh annual Savor Pittsburgh event. I am so excited and honored to be part of a panel of judges whose task it is to taste food from the Steel City’s finest chefs and select the coveted “Dish of the Year.”... Read more
Dear Sweet Sam, Mommy is a few days late with this month’s post. But I promise it’s because we’ve been so busy and not because I’m trying to hang on to eleven months as long as possible. Though that part is also true. Have you really been here with us for almost an entire year? It feels like both forever... Read more
Three years ago I married my best friend. We stood in a garden on the banks of the Susquehanna River, surrounded by our dear family and friends. We promised to love each other in sunshine and in rain. And then we celebrated with pit-style pork and German sausages, beer from our favorite microbrewery, and a tower of cupcakes. We danced... Read more
This little blog may seem quiet, but our days have been busier than ever. Here’s to soaking up every last ray of summer sun! Read more
We love when Auntie visits! She snuggles Sam and chases him around the house. They swim and swing and stack blocks. And did I mention she’s a talented artist? You may recall the canvases she painted for Sam’s nursery. Well, her most recent project is hanging in his bathroom. As if that weren’t enough, she also spoils us with treats... Read more