Vichysquash, or Squashyssoise? Yep, this all started because of the name. I saw a recipe for Vichysquash years ago, and loved the silly name, but it called for canned creamed soup, which has never appealed to me. The idea stuck though, and when I see the glut of yellow crookneck squash piling up at the farmers market, I always think of this soup. I’ve tinkered … [Read more...] about Vichysquash: Cold Crookneck and Buttermilk Soup
summer
Simple Moist Almond Cake
We are on the cusp of berry season, strawberries are just finishing up, but a few blueberries and blackberries are hitting the stands. We’ll get some raspberries around here, but not too many. And of course, there are the other fruits like peaches and plums just starting to make an appearance. All the hues from the fruit add so much color to the farmers market, coming out of … [Read more...] about Simple Moist Almond Cake
Simple Watermelon Feta Salad
This is hardly a recipe, more like a set of instructions, but I wanted to share it before this long weekend of picnics and cookouts and gatherings, because it is so good and so simple and so perfect for this last official weekend of summer. I first had this in South Africa several years ago, as part of a big beautiful lunch spread at a safari camp. I was impressed by its … [Read more...] about Simple Watermelon Feta Salad
Cucumber Mint Gin and Tonic
I happen to think that an icy gin and tonic is the most refreshing simple summer cocktail. Two ingredients, lots of ice, and a squeeze of lime and happy hour begins. Perhaps it reminds me of punting parties in the park when I was a student at Oxford, or makes me feel sophisticated because my elegant grandmother ordered them when we traveled. It is my go to drink at parties or … [Read more...] about Cucumber Mint Gin and Tonic





