Pretty excited about this trio of summer veggies. What better way to utilize last weekend’s farmers’ market haul. This is the type of cooking and eating I love best. It satisfies my love and craving for all things vegetables. First off, charred eggplant with red bell peppers, Sherry vinegar and smoked paprika. You really want … Continue Reading

They say variety is the spice of life. And, a variety of herbs and spices will definitely make your cooking repertoire more exciting and interesting. I have an (ever growing) cupboard full of spices/spice blends and a small, urban garden where I grow an assortment of herbs.  One of my favorite spices (actually, a berry) … Continue Reading

There are few more perfect things than a ripened on the vine, juicy summer tomato. Perfect is a strong word, though in this case I think its apropos. Whether you’re enjoying an heirloom (e.g., Cherokee purple, striped German, green zebra, Brandywine, etc. – there are 3,000+ cultivated varieties) or an assortment of sweet cherry tomatoes, … Continue Reading

Spotted some more squash blossom out in the field. Those squash blossoms subsequently made their way home with me. Can’t resist their pretty yellow-orange color. Also, they’re only around for a fleeting period of time (mid-to-late summer), so enjoy them when you see them. Alas, they’re quickly gone, only to return the following summer. Now, … Continue Reading

Lately I’ve been trying to keep things simple. Haven’t had much energy or motivation to do much in the kitchen these days. My head feels heavy, spinning with the constant bombardment of sad current events. Last fall I had to cancel a trip to Italy at the last minute due to a family emergency and … Continue Reading