A few weeks ago, we were having dinner with some friends at their home. The house had been in the family for many generations, and as such, it continued to wield a number of treasures from its nooks and crannies. The wife in the coupon had decided to clean out an old shed that was currently being used for both storage and a garage space. it was there that they found their latest discovery, a set of really old cookbooks. These cookbooks were a real reflection on their times. Off-set type, hand-drawn lithographic like illustrations and text written in strong … Continue reading →

It isn’t too late in some areas to join a CSA farm and get wonderfully fresh produce. This week, we receive a bounty of traditional summer crops that were so fresh, you could practically see the drops of dawn sunlight still lingering on them from being picked that morning. Here is what we got, and what we are planning on doing with it. Broccoli This week, our head of broccoli was a little on the small side, so I’m guessing that we are nearing the end of the line with this crop. Still, there should be enough again for my … Continue reading →

At first, I was just there for the vegetables. But that is how they get you. The next thing you know, you are bringing along the kids and your husband. Now the whole family is involved. What was once a simple basket of fresh green beans for $2 has turned into a $25 shopping spree of artisan bread, granola and fancy $5 scones. What ever happened to the vegetables? The farmer’s market was such as a good idea at first. My favorite farmer grows his produce organically and has wonderful prices. I’ve gotten fresh peaches that melt in your mouth … Continue reading →

This week I made tomato sauce from fresh tomatoes. It was a first for me. Despite my Italian heritage, most of the sauce we eat comes out of a jar or a can. I’ve always been intimidated by luscious homemade tomato sauce, also known in some families as gravy. But you know what? it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. The first step was the main ingredient: tomatoes. I had plenty of those, thanks to our local CSA. Actually, it was the tomatoes that inspired making the sauce. Next, I did a little research. I found that … Continue reading →

As a busy mom of five kids who mostly cooks on my own because I (mostly) refuse to feed my kids prepackaged junk, I’m always asked what we do to conquer the picky eater. I’ve offered a few ideas before and several of my own recipes under the heading “The Sneaky Mama.” I can’t say that we’ve always had 100% success, but my children eat healthily most of the time and they all consume some manner of fruits and vegetables daily. However, my best “trick” to get my kids to like what they’re eating is to let them help me … Continue reading →

Question: I like to make homemade gravy and it comes out smooth and tasty when I cook it. However, after I refrigerate it, when I take it out it is covered with gel. I cannot sell my family on gel gravy. Help! What can I do? I wouldn’t be able to sell my family on jelly gravy either. No doubt, gravy is meant to be smooth, evenly browned and perfectly seasoned. Unlike some dishes, gravy is not forgiving. I cannot promise you that doing the following will completely eliminate the gel, but I can promise you that storing and re-heating … Continue reading →