A Tribute

Gourmet was the kind of food magazine that transcended recipes; it discussed politics and science. With lovely photography, I must add. I wasn’t a regular subscriber, but whenever I picked up an issue, I was transported to France or Kenya or Asia. Because what is a fondue or a chutney or a miso without the story of where and how... Read more

An Engaged Woman

One of my best friends became an engaged woman over the weekend! Eric surprised Kristen with a getaway to New Orleans where they listened to jazz on the streets, drank hurricanes, and ate catfish, frogs legs, gator, and gumbo. Of course, the highlight of the weekend was when he took her to Jackson Square on Friday night. He popped the... Read more

An Umbrella Tunnel and Our Chariot

After we greeted our last guest, we climbed the stairs and walked through the pool house to the lawn where everyone had gathered. It had started to rain again, and everyone had their umbrellas — everyone but the newlyweds! {Photo Credits to Guest} There were lots of hoots and hollers as we walked by our family and friends, and I... Read more

Ravioli with Apples and Pears

T-minus 12 days until The Culinary Couple begins cohabitation! Until then, we continue to cook separately during the week. Last Wednesday, after baking a scrumptious spiced apple cake and before enjoying a big slice, I adapted a ravioli recipe from the latest issue of Real Simple. It combines some of my favorite fall flavors: apples, pears, walnuts, and nutmeg. It’s... Read more

A Sweet, Seasonal Tribute

Now that I no longer need to draw inspiration from wedding blogs (though I can’t quite drag myself away from all of them), I have turned my attention to food blogs. And last week the foodie blogosphere erupted with news that Condé Nast is ceasing publication of Gourmet. Gourmet was the kind of food magazine that transcended recipes; it discussed... Read more

Into the Wild

Last time we went into the wild, Nick spotted a bear and wanted to photograph it. It was just a cub, but where there’s an innocent cub, there’s a protective mama. So before we packed the car for last weekend’s camping trip, I made him promise not to pretend like he has a telephoto lens and works for National Geographic.... Read more

Butternut Squash, Apple, Gorgonzola Gratin

Here’s a new recipe to add to your autumn rotation. We served ours with slow-cooked pork, broccoli, and pumpkin ale. Next time we’ll add more nutmeg, because you really can’t have enough of that spice during this time of year! Ingredients 2 1/2 Tbsp Wegmans basting oil, divided (if you don’t have basting oil, use EVOO with a few sprinkles... Read more

57 Years

Fifty-seven years and one day ago a city girl married a country boy. They had a simple church wedding with flowers gathered by the bride herself. Over the years, they have been farmhands and business owners. They have raised four children and have spoiled ten grandchildren. And they truly have cherished one another in sickness and in health. Congratulations, Grandma... Read more

Arches

Arches National Park in Utah includes more than 2,000 naturally formed sandstone arches, as well as spires, balanced rocks, fins, and monoliths. Millions of years of geological forces such as water and ice, extreme temperatures, wind, and underground movement sculpted the beautiful scenery. I had the opportunity to visit Arches and see the impressive sites in 2006, and my lucky... Read more

All You Need is Love

We walked down the slippery stairs. We said, “I do” and “I promise.” We exchanged rings. We listened to a sweet song surrounded by the most important people in our lives. We kissed. We celebrated. And we left the garden as Mr. and Mrs.! There were more kisses. And a few moments alone before our wedding party joined us on... Read more