Desperately seeking . . .

a modest herb garden. A fresh start can generate welcome change, but this fresh start means no fresh herbs at arm’s reach. It’s time to replace the lost little garden, left behind in New York.  I picked up a spray of Texas basil at Central Market (much more to explore there soon). The basil added a nice aroma and kick to our salad […]

Austin drips fairest church coffee

It seems as if this city–somewhere–produces worthwhile food and beverage every day. This may sting a few church coffee grinders, but it’s no secret that church coffee rarely draws high praises from Sunday crowds. But the coffee poured today at St. Catherine’s (fair trade, freshly ground, just dripped, smokin’ hot in a ceramic mug) beats any church […]

Lose the green and yellow . . . I’m thinking Austin blue

Somehow, it just doesn’t feel like my own cookery until we throw on the first splash of paint. But forget my early thoughts on painting the new Austin cookery green or yellow.  I picked up some color samples–aqua and coffee–yesterday.  I may carry the color right out the back door and on to the porch. And to you who […]

Beijing Chicken heats up this Austin cookery

Our family took the high road to China last night with my Beijing Chicken.  We squeezed the last drop of lemon juice from one lonely lemon to create a timely version of the dish here in Austin.  If you can’t get to Beijing to check out the Games in person, and like me, you’re settling with the […]

Food allergy action plans – worth your time and mine

If your family circle includes young ones with food allergies, it may be time to update your food allergy action plan.  Check out my recent articles (http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=719) http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=718 http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=717 in the August issue of “Hudson Valley Parent Magazine,” or if you’re roaming in New York’s Hudson Valley, pick up a copy at one of the magazine’s many distribution points. http://www.hvparent.com/magazinelocator/

Hospitality . . . Austin-Style

Truly Texas . . .  Nearly as soon as I unloaded my cardboard boxes in the new Austin digs, neighbors dropped by with greetings, local maps, phone lists, and yes . . . freshly baked cookies and oatmeal bars. Austin hospitality just keeps proving itself.  Thank you, kind neighbors!

Tortilla flats . . . welcome to Austin

The new cookery is not quite up and running but we’ve almost arrived. Austin rates off the charts. We are digging in with our forks and spoons and checking out the local scene. I’m counting my coins–as always–and spending my money on bread.  The boys love the warm tortilla samples at HEB And we’ve learned how to prepare them at home like […]