What’s left on the cookery shelves?

As this cookery prepares for a relocation, we’re running down the pantry shelves, freezer staples and refrigerator stock.  Today’s breakfast?  Scrambled egg wraps fattened up with shredded parm, a bit of a splurge for a frugal take on using whatever’s left on the shelf.  It may not be the season, but this evening I’m finishing off my carrots and potatoes […]

Rear Window Raspberries

It won’t be long and raspberries out the rear window will be ready for summer picking.  What’s certain . . . I’m not the only one with an eye on them.  We anticipate sharing the take with neighbors, hikers and four-legged friends. Here’s to co-existing and sharing the wild wealth.  I’m designating my gatherings for a rustic French […]

Give it up for Gazpacho

Gazpacho Want to add a dash of hot flavor to your cold soup?  Blend these ingredients for a simple gazpacho. This is my own twist on a summer favorite.  The kids love it when we break out the blender.  One, two, three, liquefy!   16 ounces vine ripened cherry tomatoes 1 medium cucumber 1 small […]

Cookery seeking green pastures

It’s too soon to share our secret, but this cookery and its primary cook will soon be on the move.  My outdoor grill partner just returned from a site inspection of the new digs and the grass looks verdant from our perspective. In the moment, the potato gnocchi I dished out for Father’s Day dinner was close to […]

Soup Kitchen

This cookery transforms into a soup kitchen this weekend with chilled fruit soup and gazpacho. I’ll be trying a recipe from a noted Hudson Valley culinary inspiration.  I watched this teacher prepare her gazpacho in under 20 minutes.  She really knows how to encourage home cooks.  It’s time to dust off the food processor. 

Sun tea time

It’s sunny and 95 outside my window. Conditions look ideal for sun-brewing a pitcher of Ceylon Chinese Green Tea.  How does pure and simple sound?   

Food from Farouk? Dining in the city at La Kabbr

When we dine in New York City, there are usually a few good reasons to make the hour’s drive from home. Last night, our parents sent us out to celebrate our wedding anniversary. I persuaded my husband to mark our occasion at La Kabbr, 683 9th Avenue.  Farouk, the owner and chef, delivers. For a Middle Eastern dinner laced […]

Spin This . . . Spinach Salad

Thinking of lightening your plate now that the days are warmer? Try this spin on spinach salad.  Thanks, Carla! Spinach Strawberry Salad 1 bag rinsed fresh baby spinach (9 ounces) 1 cup cleaned and sliced strawberries 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon raspberry preserves 1 tablespoon light sour cream 1 teaspoon dijon mustard […]

Thrifty Thursday in the Cookery

The mood around the cookery feels like Thrifty Thursday. I’m anchoring this evening’s meal with Wild Alaska Sockeye salmon from Trader Joe’s. At $6.67, I’ve spent the bulk of my $10 budget for four people tonight.  On hand, fresh dill weed, penne, grape tomatoes and spinach. Done. Leftover watermelon slices (if the afternoon snackers don’t get to them first) […]

Browsing the shelves at the Craig Claiborne Book Store

Occasionally . . . it’s essential to make time for food adventures.  Last week, I joined two friends for a visit to the Culinary Institute of America.  If you appreciate the world of food and you’re within shouting distance, this is one destination you shouldn’t miss.  In addition to enjoying our “dining out,” the trip resulted in a […]