Sautéed Swiss Chard

After my dismal first attempt at growing a tray of Swiss Chard for my Sustainable Agriculture class, I’ve been paying much closer attention to the second round of plantings. It’s been fascinating to watch the little sprouts emerge from the nutrient rich soil. They really start to look like miniature versions of the prehistoric-like leaves [...]

Pear, Gorgonzola & Caramelized Onion Focaccia

It was quite an experience the first time I had a back massage. My masseuse was a sturdy 35-year old woman with tattoos scattered on her arms, shoulder-length dreadlocks and a silver ring pierced through her nose. Her meaty hands pounded my tight muscles into submission as I thought to myself, “pain is beauty…pain is [...]

Roasted Apple & Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash isn’t typically a go-to vegetable in my cooking routine. But I couldn’t help but pick up a delicious golden orb during a recent trip to the farmers market. I also happened to have a rather large bin full of apples after that unforgettable impulsive purchase at an orchard last weekend. I found this [...]

Roasted Tomato & Basil Soup

The warm summer days are nothing more than a distant memory now. But that’s ok because I’m a huge fan of fall for two reasons. I get to wear sweaters and roast vegetables. Sometimes I even wear a sweater while I’m roasting vegetables. This recipe is a little heartier than a traditional tomato soup with [...]

Roasted Breakfast Potatoes: Simplified

Potatoes, in any form, are a welcomed item on my weekend breakfast menus. They are hearty and oh so comforting. The problem is most cooking methods using fresh potatoes take forever. Unless I’m expecting to sit in my pajamas for most of the day, I don’t have that kind of patience. So I use a [...]

Mexican Tomato Salad

Who says the flavors of pico de gallo have to be limited to a mere condiment? Summer tomatoes are still producing in large qualities this time of year, and I’m a huge fan of the tiny grape tomato varieties because of their sweetness and hearty texture. I love the simplicity and versatility of this recipe. [...]

My First Tomato of the Summer

I had grand visions of planting a lush garden in my backyard this past spring. It would have been bountiful and ripe with gleaming red tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, string beans and even a few of zucchini plants. Sadly, life got in the way and the activities of summer began to take priority. Those daydreams were [...]

Strawberry & Mandarin Orange Salad

Creative juices flowed freely while preparing dinner for a few friends. I knew a simple salad would be the perfect opportunity to use a lone can of mandarin oranges that has been setting on my pantry shelf. I honestly can’t remember when I bought the can and I needed to silence it’s desperate cries to [...]

Rhubarb Apple Crisp

Summer is a time for sharing the excesses of nature’s bounty among friends. Recently, my friend Loie asked if I was interested in some fresh rhubarb given to her by a neighbor kid. While I’ve never used the celery-like ingredient in cooking, I saw the gift would be a good excuse to be adventurous. It [...]

Grilled Seasonal Vegetables

I don’t know if it’s the warmer weather or if my taste buds are changing with age. But I’m finding myself leaning toward more seasonal and cleaner flavors. I’m also starting to incorporate new ways to make my recipes easier without crossing into the “semi-homemade” world of cooking. Roasting vegetables is a common practice in [...]

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