This past weekend my husband and I drove to Carmel for an anniversary getaway. Because of his injuries we weren't sure if going away would be realistic so we didn't plan a thing. Carmel has always been our go-to destination since it's an easy 1 1/2-hour drive from home so we pinned it on ... Read More
Spaghetti with Clams and Mussels
The pendulum has been swinging between spring and summer in our neck of the woods. With no air-conditioning in our half-century old house and temperatures rising last week, I had to pull our very old electric fan out of storage. This is a fan from my husband's childhood, a contemporary of ... Read More
Stuffed Butternut Squash
By 11:30 last night the kitchen was back to pre-party condition, save for a packed refrigerator. Even with my friends taking home some of the leftovers I won't have need to cook for a week. Did I mention I cooked my favorite bolognese ragú with 10 pounds of meat? For 10 people? My fear of ... Read More
Red Rice with Roasted Squash, Fennel and Beets
My husband has this silly notion that I need to eat meat every single day. I don't understand where he's gotten this idea. Yes, I like to eat meat. No, I probably won't ever become a vegetarian. Each time he jests (not maliciously) about my carnivorous inclinations, I laugh (not sincerely). ... Read More
Pan-Fried Trout, White Bean Purée, Wilted Spinach and Baby Squash
It is 4:30 am and I have been up for hours. I had my morning cup of tea shortly after 3 am and as I type now the washer and dryer are running, my to-do list has been updated and I'm eating a bowl of chicken adobo and rice with a glass of orange juice to wash it all down. My body still thinks ... Read More