I write a lot about the seasons here and yet, like true friendship, some recipes transcend the seasons. Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts is one of those recipes. This silky pasta dish, somewhere between a velvety risotto and a comforting mac and cheese, has been a family favorite for nearly as long as I’ve been cooking. A good friend shared it with me soon after we met…
I love a good salad. In fact salads are the backbone of my summer (and often autumn, winter and spring) menus. They can be made ahead and at times even improve with advance preparation, leaving me free near dinner time to focus on other parts of the meal or on other things […]
Today the weatherman came through and then some! The sun is shining and the sky is that beautiful shade of clear blue that lends precision to every detail of our gorgeous landscape in the Pacific Northwest. From my vantage point on the back deck there isn’t a cloud in sight. […]
It’s mid-May, late spring and the last day for Starbucks Frappuccino Happy Hour. Friday was the only day of these past ten when the temperature tempted me to take advantage of this special deal and indulge in one of those frosty blended beverages. As pretty as they looked on the […]
This has been the best summer yet in my backyard garden. I have grown nice gardens before but when we moved to the Pacific Northwest, over a decade ago, I found myself facing a whole new set of gardening challenges.
This recipe for my family’s favorite Macaroni and Cheese has been pared down to keep it simple. Sprinkle the top with a bit of grated Parmesan or Gruyere and bake until golden brown and gooey. I make it in a big 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and leftovers are hard to come by.
Looking for a new summer side dish? There are times when I get so bored serving the same old sides with every meal…