When I first started this blog, I was a little afraid of yeast. I hadn’t had much success with bread baking and I was a little too lazy to deal with kneading and shaping. But over the years, as I have learned more and spent more time in the kitchen, I have largely conquered my fear of fresh baked bread. I even branch out to make specialty loaves, like Butternut … [Read more...] about Fresh Tomato Basil Bread
Vegetables
Squash Blossom and Zucchini Ricotta Tart
Squash blossoms get me more excited than just about any other summer produce. They are not always easy to come by, so maybe the scarcity ups the intrigue. I have a vert good source now though at a local farmers market who keeps me supplied, but I still get giddy every time I see them. Sometimes I even overbuy! Just this past weekend, as I waited for my turn to buy some … [Read more...] about Squash Blossom and Zucchini Ricotta Tart
Rice, Pea and Feta Salad
Summer is the time for cold salads – potato and pasta salads being obvious front runners. And no wonder. They are easy to make ahead, packed with flavor and perfect beside a meal off the grill, cold sandwiches, fried chicken, or just a lovely buffet of several cold salads. I am always looking for interesting new ideas for cold summer salads, inspired often … [Read more...] about Rice, Pea and Feta Salad
One Pot Carrot Coconut Curry Noodles
I was dubious about the whole one pot noodle trend when it first arose – until I tried it. You can really infuse some flavor into simple pasta by simmering it all together for the entire cooking time. I started with some pretty simple versions like creamy one pot gorgonzola version and this lemon and leek idea, then I pushed the boat out … [Read more...] about One Pot Carrot Coconut Curry Noodles
Green Spring Vegetable Soup
Spring is busting out all over, and so too are the first hints at the green vegetables of the season – asparagus and green peas, balanced with leeks and fennel and fresh herbs. This delicious soup makes the most of all the lovely shades of green that are so evocative of spring, and best of all wastes nothing. It’s perfect for the early days of the farmers market or a spring CSA … [Read more...] about Green Spring Vegetable Soup
