In October, this late in the summer vegetable-gardening season, we’re still getting scads of cherry tomatoes, thanks to a stretch of absolutely gorgeous, mid-70-degree weather. I fear that will not last. We’re picking tomatoes faster than …
Gardening, for me, is an endless learning experience (that’s the primary reason why I’m participating in the Master Gardener training program this fall). One that sorely tests my patience. I’ve picked up several lessons from our …
My mom, knowing me as well as she does, gave me a copy of a Better Homes and Gardens special publication that’s all about canning. There are a ton of interesting recipes for homemade jams, jellies …
Farmers’ markets are well-stocked with tomatoes this time of year, in the heat of late summer. And that’s good news for those of us who can’t get enough tomato goodness. Rob and I decided to do …
There are two dishes that combined prevent me from becoming a full-on vegetarian: Rob’s always-perfect grilled hamburgers and this: Fennel-spiced steak that’s grilled and served over sliced tomatoes. When summer tomatoes are at their best—big ones, …
Though my smallish frame might indicate otherwise, my eyes are often bigger than my stomach. And so it is that in summertime I kind of overbuy produce. Everything looks so good at the farmers’ market and, …
I recently finished up a writing assignment for SparkPeople.com about the stir-fry cooking technique. In a nutshell: stir-frying is similar to sautéeing, but it typically involves higher heat and less oil. Heat a round-bottomed wok or …
It’s just after the Fourth of July, and summer is in full swing here in the Midwest. After a long, cool, record-breakingly rainy spring, I’m ready for the sun and heat. Bring it on. These long, …
While visiting my brother, Bill, in Chicago last summer, I had occasion to try something new: burrata cheese. It rocked my world. What’s burrata? Imagine that fresh mozzarella, fresh ricotta and cream all partied together. Burrata …
