I don’t do Halloween. Of course, as a kid it was my favorite time of year, what with the candy and all. I used to spend weeks thinking about my costume, and they were almost always homemade. I was Darth Vadar one year in a navy blue blanket and German helmet a neighbor kid’s grandfather brought back from World War II. One year I had chicken pox and my … [Read more...] about Chicken Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sauce
Fruit and Vegetables
Hearty Pumpkin Cookies
My favorite time of year is finally here – pumpkin time! I love pumpkin - in cake, soup, risotto, muffins, bread and, of course, cookies. I am sure over the next few months my pumpkin obsession will manifest itself with a host of recipes, so be prepared! We’ve just had our first cool days here and I couldn’t resist whipping up an early batch of these soft, hearty and delicious … [Read more...] about Hearty Pumpkin Cookies
Meyer Lemon Curd
For awhile there, Meyer lemons ranked as one of those items that featured in all the food magazines and cookbooks, but not on the shelves of stores outside major cities. So when the slightly orange-tinted lemons started popping up here a few years ago, I bought them like crazy, often without really knowing what to do. I’m still guilty of that impulse buying, out of some … [Read more...] about Meyer Lemon Curd
Apple Pie Bars
Once upon a time there was a beautiful apple tree. When I was maybe 10, my dad took me to the plant nursery and let me choose whatever kind of tree I wanted to plant in the backyard, to replace one that had died. My family had just enjoyed some magnificent apples, bright red with little red capillary-like veins running through the creamy white flesh. At the market, they were … [Read more...] about Apple Pie Bars
Candied Figs
I love figs. Fresh and dried, black, brown or green. But I admit I am not that creative with their use. I snap them up when I see them, but often can’t seem to move past wrapping them in prosciutto or roasting them draped with bacon. But eventually, one batch of figs ended up, after much thought, candied. I was, if I may say, quite pleased with the result. Sweet, treacly, … [Read more...] about Candied Figs
