I love cooking with pumpkin, so Halloween and the dawn of autumn present all sorts of opportunities in the kitchen. I have always been obsessed with sweet pumpkin dishes, but I have been expanding my repertoire to savory ideas as well. Working with fresh pumpkin is not difficult, you just need to be careful and use a good, sturdy knife. The texture of freshly grated … [Read more...] about Pumpkin Cornbread
Fruit and Vegetables
Apple Bacon Kuchen
As October begins, I start to think about the farmers market season wrapping up. I’ve got a few weeks left, when I can buy beautiful apples, as well as pumpkins, winter squash, pears and greens, but I know things are moving into fall and winter. Smaller versions of the market continue, which is a boon, but not quite the same. My Saturday ritual is wrapping up for the … [Read more...] about Apple Bacon Kuchen
Pasta with Gorgonzola, Apples and Walnuts
When I travel, one of my greatest joys is sampling as much of the local food as possible. But on long trips, even I get a little weary. Sometimes I crave more familiar flavors, sometimes I am just too tired to search out a specialty restaurant and just want what’s close. And sometimes, this pays off. I had amazing, perfect pizza in Toledo, Spain because … [Read more...] about Pasta with Gorgonzola, Apples and Walnuts
Garlic Goddess Potato Salad
A good potato salad is something of an essential for the backyard cookout or grilling session. It can be made ahead, and adds that substantial heft to a burger or hot dog plate. And a homemade potato salad is so much better than a bag of cheap chips. Served next to a steak, it’s downright elegant. A very good cook I know, with, let’s say a few more years of wisdom than … [Read more...] about Garlic Goddess Potato Salad
Fig, Bourbon and Vanilla Bean Jam
Canning is a new passion for me. I’ve had fits and starts about it over the years, lots of failures, lots of time spent making jams or relishes only to forget about them and never use them. But after all that trial and error, I have finally got the knack of it and have had mostly successes, and a great deal of enjoyment from what I have produced. I have even gained the … [Read more...] about Fig, Bourbon and Vanilla Bean Jam
