The (ex)Expatriate's Kitchen

Black-eyed Peas in a Healthy Soup for New Year's Luck

2012-01-04T11:07:00.000-06:00

For the last few years, we've made sure to make black-eyed peas for New Year's. I never even questioned the source of this mostly southern tradition. It's an excuse to eat black-eyed peas with smoked ham hock. 'Nuff said. That more traditional recipe is in our cookbook, The Cleaner Plate Club, and plenty of greens recipes to go with it, too. In the South, the peas symbolize prosperity, greens

Picky Eaters at Your Holiday Table?

2011-12-18T16:04:00.004-06:00

So, Santa's already arrived, the stockings long plundered and all bets are off for getting the sugarplums to eat well at the Christmas dinner table? Meanwhile, you're already feeling a bit like the Grinch just trying to get one holiday meal cooked, much less a special meal for the picky crew.It's time for some holiday magic. Or, at least an easy few recipes that both the adults and kids alike

Christmas Brunch Ideas

2011-12-15T08:36:00.002-06:00

If you want something special for Christmas brunch, but don't want to work that hard, some of these recipes are a great fit. By the time we make Christmas Eve dinner and survive the holiday events leading up to Christmas, well, let's keep it simple.Egg Nog French ToastFor the toast:3/4 cup eggnog1 egg, beaten1/8 tsp. nutmeg1 tsp. vanilla extract6 slices egg bread like challah or brioche, or a

Cookbooks for Christmas

2011-12-11T12:36:00.004-06:00

The book reviews, courtesy of Andrews McMeel continue...I'll be giving a few books to family and friends this year. They don't read the blog, I think, so the secret is safe with just us.The Brisket BookFor my brother-in-law who believes that the four food groups are beef, pork, seafood and, well, whatever else is on the table, we'll be serving him The Brisket Book, A Love Story by Stephanie

2011-12-07T22:27:00.004-06:00

It's the season for my annual book gift guide, courtesy of Andrews McMeel. Also known as, "Oh man, how did this pile of books to review get so tall?" Since they have been around a bit, I have had some time to organize the pile.Unless Santa stuffs a bookcase down the chimney, I am going to have to do a major book donation to the local library for the new additions to find a home. Which means, yes,

Easy as No Pie: Pumpkin Panna Cotta with Bourbon Pecan Toffee

2011-11-20T21:40:00.002-06:00

Do you ever struggle with the pie crust? I love making pies at the holiday, but I will admit, my crust is more "rustic" than perfect. I bought a pie dish with fluted edges, in fact, just so I could get a decent-looking pie out of the oven.They taste good, don't get me wrong. But there are moments where I am rolling the dough and it's just not going my way, and I think, "Whoever made up the saying

Just Desserts: Thanksgiving Recipes

2011-11-12T11:03:00.004-06:00

Vanilla Sweet Potato Pie with Brown Sugar Pecan CrustThis one is a long-standing favorite and the original pie recipe that started my annual "create a new pie" quest. I still make this one every year.Red-wine Caramel Apple Tart with Gorgonzola on a Walnut CrustI cook a lot for the whole family, but once in a while, my grown-up taste buds need something complex and not too sweet for dessert. This

Sweet Potato, Kale, and Farro Side, Thanksgiving Simplified

2011-11-10T12:34:00.003-06:00

If you are looking for a new twist on the sticky-sweet marshmallow and sweet potato classic dish, here's an idea for a lighter, healthier (and make-ahead simple) side: Sweet Potato, Kale and Farro. It also makes a great Meatless Monday Main for fall, too, since farro, also known as emmer, offers some protein and fiber.Sweet Potato, Kale and Farro Side2 lbs. sweet potatoes (or butternut squash),

Thanksgiving: Simplified, Fall Kale Salad

2011-11-07T21:43:00.003-06:00

I looked up the word "feast." It not only means a huge meal, it also means "a delight." Historically, feasts are celebrations that often follow lean times or fasts, or as in a harvest feast (like Thanksgiving) a large meal at the end of the harvest to prepare for the lean winter days ahead.Certainly, the economy is awful and many of us are cutting back right now. In many ways, it feels like

Orange-Ginger Pumpkin Bread

2011-11-02T22:56:00.004-05:00

I have a small thing about pumpkins. Okay, not so small. And, it's true that I stock up on about 200 lbs. (or more) of pumpkins, squash and sweet potatoes annually. Before you contact "Hoarders" with my info, just know that I do actually cook my stash. And bury the evidence in the compost heap. By spring, no one would ever know.I have an alibi that smells like pumpkin bread, too. And soup. And

Thanksgiving: Simplified, Cranberry-Applesauce

2011-11-02T10:31:00.007-05:00

I can recall a lot of stressful holidays growing up. The unattainable quest for the perfect holiday gathering ruled our household for the weeks before the date. It never made sense to me because the "guests" were our family and closest friends — the very people who should love you the most "as is."Now that I am a grown up, well, supposed to be a grown up at least, and it's our house and our

One Potato, Two Potato ... Volunteering with Kids

2011-10-21T19:19:00.005-05:00

As we were driving toward the volunteer day, and I saw a sign promoting the Arts at the Arboretum event. We usually go to this fun day in the park. Would my kiddo be mad when she found out we would miss it this year, for a "Potato Drop?" We had people coming for dinner, too, we were so busy, too busy for one more thing in our day?No, I thought, and what we are about to do is way more valuable

Gnocchi with Green Beans and Tomato-Butter Sauce

2011-08-26T13:22:00.003-05:00

I'll be the first to admit, I get tired. There are rare weekends where I just don't want to cook. Work gets busy, life gets busy. I found myself just tossing some green beans into the steamer for a quick vegetable. Casting a guilty glance at the kitchen counter loaded with heirloom tomatoes, I stopped. Fresh green beans, heirloom tomatoes. Why am I wasting this opportunity? Honestly, with very

98 Percent of Packed Lunches Unsafe for Kids to Eat

2011-08-23T12:44:00.003-05:00

How to keep your kid's lunch safer for meal timeOver 98 percent of packed lunches for preschoolers were deemed unsafe to eat in a recent study published in Pediatrics. The study measured the temperature of 1361 perishable items packed in 705 preschoolers’ lunches. Only 22 items were kept stored at a safe temperature for consumption.Sometimes the source of the issue was

A Bowl of Eat Local Wisdom: Lemongrass Tomato Soup

2011-08-08T15:42:00.002-05:00

Cross-posted on Mother Earth News and Farm Aid's Homegrown.org When my little girl and I head to the farmers market, we leave the house with an empty market basket and open minds. Of course, she already has her list in her head — cheese bread from the local baker, honey sticks from Joli’s bees, and fresh sheep’s milk cheese with rosemary. It’s a great list for a six year old, really. As for

Too Hot in the Kitchen: Cold Dishes for the Heat Wave

2011-08-03T10:08:00.003-05:00

Yesterday the thermometer shot up to 113, a new record high. I can contain the excitement over setting a record, but I can't contain my newfound desire for fall. Heading into the kitchen and firing up the oven is about the last thing on my mind. It's already like an oven all around us.We're eating a lot of salads, smoothies, and cold drinks around here. Popsicles for dessert. The oven is taking a

Greek Home Cooking

2011-07-10T08:57:00.005-05:00

The cookbooks to review are stacking up a bit, so I have come up with a new plan. We've built a bit of a supper club around the books to review, and each host/hostess gets to keep the book they cook from and we review the dishes from the dinner.The "test" book for the review provided by Andrews McMeel, was Food from Many Greek Kitchens by Tessa Kiros. I think the best part of the book is the

What to Bring to a Crawfish Boil

2011-06-26T21:21:00.006-05:00

A funny thing happens when people know you like food and you publish a few recipes. Well, the not-so-funny thing is that first, many of your friends will no longer invite you over for dinner. I understand this. The better thing is that with your freer time you can take up some of those unusual invites that come your way because you are into food.This invite came by way of my brother-in-law.

Foraging and Finding More Than Food

2011-06-24T15:46:00.006-05:00

I keep reading articles and posts about foraging and hunting. I pre-ordered Hank Shaw's Hunt, Gather, Cook: Finding the Forgotten Feast. I have to admit, I also got a bit of a laugh over the road kill dinner with trendy San Francisco urbanites at the table. Laughter aside, I felt the pull to go do a bit of gathering myself.This is, of course, the moment I got The Call. Not the call of the wild;

Seven Reasons Eating Right During Pregnancy Helps Your Child Have a Healthy Lifetime

2011-06-08T22:51:00.001-05:00

In our book, we explain a lot about the amount of influence you have over your kids’ diets. In fact, you are the primary influence for things like how many fruits and vegetables your child likes and you determine about 72 percent of your child’s diet — even when it feels like a no-win struggle.But, what you eat while pregnant may also influence your child’s health than most women realize. As

Asparagus and Potato Salad, with Lemon-Mint Dressing

2011-05-15T23:22:00.004-05:00

At times, I have to confess our approach to seasonal eating is, honestly, a bit excessive. Or, obsessive. Each year, during the tiny window that a few certain vegetables and fruits are available, we buy a lot of them. I served my kid eight different vegetable dishes tonight. Eight. She tried all but one, liked most, and devoured two huge artichokes by herself. Then, she picked up the bowl of

Souvenir from the Desert

2011-04-30T14:00:00.008-05:00

We asked the cook at the burrito place. It seemed like an innocent request. He looked pensive for a moment. “Let me check,” he said. We heard him make a phone call. Rapid Spanish spoken, exchanges with the other cooks. The receiver placed back on the hook. “My cousin’s sister-in-law usually comes by once, twice a month. But it’s a holiday. She’s in Mexico.” He shook his head. No, he didn’t

In Season: Marinated Asparagus

2011-04-27T16:24:00.002-05:00

Just a quick post with a recipe for all that amazing asparagus that is in season right now. Best part? NO COOKING. Just a bit of prep for a great, healthy side dish.Marinated Asparagus with Lemon and Mint1 bunch asparagus (usually about 1 lb.), thin stalks work best1 Meyer lemon, or regular lemon, juice and zest both2 tbs. chopped fresh mint1/2 tsp, kosher salt1 tbs. walnut oilSnap the tough

You Say Tomato, I Say Miracle: Getting Picky Eaters to Eat Vegetables

2011-04-09T22:35:00.004-05:00

Ever notice that you could put a perfectly delicious tomato on a kid’s plate and it will just sit there untouched. Take that same tomato and make it into sauce for pizza or spaghetti, and it’s The Best Thing Ever?What is this miracle? I’m not the first parent to notice it, either. During live calls on KCUR and Whole Living radio, other parents chimed in to note the strange and wonderful

"Thinking Like a Food Marketer" Worked for Carrots

2011-03-29T12:14:00.003-05:00

A raisin smile makes the carrot souffle from our book, The Cleaner Plate Club, even more kid-friendly.And it can work for you, too.Here's the story on how Baby Carrots became a competitor to junk food through, well, marketing. And here's a post from last week I did on how you can use food marketing tactics at home to get your kids to eat vegetables.

I Was Country, When Country Wasn't Cool

2011-03-29T11:46:00.003-05:00

I was just reading Bourdain's post about his Ozark episode. I have family that hailed from and some still live near the areas he visited. I might actually watch TV for this episode."I learned that just cause you walk in a bar and absolutely everybody is wearing hunting cammos doesn’t mean you ain’t gonna have a really good time. I may not have grown up in hunting/fishing culture (far from it) but

Adult Swim: Creating the Perfect Wine Braise

2011-03-26T22:00:00.002-05:00

I was pretty darn happy to hear Chicago Tribune's Nara Schoenberg referred to our book as "a sane approach to picky eating." And that she referred to the recipes as "simple, delicious and kid-friendly." I hope everyone finds the book to be as helpful.But. I will confess that sometimes, once in a while, I cook just for me. And, if the kids likes it, too, all the better. We do a lot of braising

Eat Your Colors: Getting Kids to Eat Greens

2011-03-24T13:36:00.005-05:00

What's the food color your kid just won't eat? Usually, green is the toughest sell. If you are looking for some creative ways to get your kids to "Eat Your Colors," then this new post I did for Martha Stewart's Whole Living will offer up some great tips and a recipe!

Think Like a Food Marketer to Get Your Kids to Eat Better

2011-03-23T23:09:00.001-05:00

March is National Nutrition Month with this year’s theme “Eat Right with Color.” It may be easy to put those colors on the plate, but getting your kids to eat those fruits and vegetables requires some creative thinking for parents to conquer the “white food diet.” Ali and will be posting a lot here and a few other surprise places this month. One of the many topics we will cover is getting kids to

Moroccan-inspired Chickpea Stew

2011-03-12T12:59:00.005-06:00

I went to lunch a couple weeks ago on a cold, gray day with the last snow still deep on the sidewalks and side streets. We went to restaurant here that was doing locally-sourced ingredients long before it became fashionable. The place had a history of ethical and good food, as well as creative vegetable dishes. However, they have had some ups and downs with the chef having to attend to family

Whole Living Radio Interview: How to Stop Fighting Over Food with Your Kids

2011-02-27T09:40:00.003-06:00

Last week, I had the great pleasure of being on Martha Stewart Living's Whole Living Radio with host Terri Trespicio. As new as I am to radio, Terri made the experience fun and painless. There were a lot of great calls from savvy parents. Here's the followup post by Terri that really gets to the heart of the book where we try to help parents get through the food issues without a struggle.I can't

Beans and Greens (and Grains) Soup

2011-02-20T15:12:00.005-06:00

Book GiveawayFirst a bit of business, Susan and Claire, you two are the winners and will EACH get a copy of The Cleaner Plate Club. I loved all the comments so much that I decided to send out my last two copies I have on hand instead of just one giveaway. Lovely, Suzanne, who ended up doing a book giveaway on HER site, I will be happy to send you both a copy to give away and one for you.So,

Book Giveaway! The Cleaner Plate Club

2011-01-22T08:56:00.008-06:00

Give The Cleaner Plate Club a Listen with this podcast from KCUR, our local NPR affiliate!Central Standard - The Cleaner Plate ClubIt's been a crazy couple weeks back from vacation. Life is normally a blur, but it hit warp speed. I would guess the big news around this kitchen is that our book is now out and we're doing some of the PR work for it — along with the busy day job, of course. The link

So, Where's the Holiday Recipes?

2010-12-14T12:18:00.006-06:00

I am working on this. I hope to get a couple new brunch recipes made this weekend. Otherwise, I've taken a different direction with this holiday season. I'm doing a lot less holiday and a little more for others. I decorated just the basics and most of the cooking and entertaining was done in November.The last couple of cold weekends, I have basically been shuffling around in my jammies and wooly

12 Books of Christmas

2010-12-13T16:04:00.004-06:00

Not a big secret that I often get cookbooks to review. Many of these, I give away on this site, like these THREE books just last month. Others, I give to family and friends. And, I do keep a few. It's hard to let them go, but since I have over 300 on my shelves already ... here's some of the other books that will be under folks' trees this year. Don't ruin the surprise!Steak with Friends at Home

Book Review: Wow, Thanks!

2010-12-13T09:19:00.003-06:00

If you want a peek at a few of the recipes from our book, The Cleaner Plate Club, check out this post from Sacramento Book Review. I love that the reviewer liked the recipes and really "got" the heart of the book. Thank you so much!"If you think that cookbooks geared towards children are all about “kid friendly” (and mostly nutritionally devoid) foods like chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes,

Holiday Recipes

2010-12-09T14:45:00.003-06:00

I have not created some new ones for Christmas yet! I guess I've been a bit busy with all the other holiday activities, or I am just taking a vacation from baking after Thanksgiving! It happens.Here's some favorite healthy recipes for the season, except the eggnog French toast. That one is just really good! I should be adding some Brunch ideas here soon, so stop by in between binges of online

Overeating Expands More Than Your Waist

2010-12-01T13:08:00.001-06:00

cross-posted at The Cleaner Plate ClubAlways tough to talk overeating around the holidays, right? (insert flashback to that pie last week). But a story on NPR got me thinking this morning. The main focus of the research compared the response of lab rats to sweet and fatty foods or to cocaine. The foods not only were more addictive in the drive to consume, but like the drugs, caused long term

Last of the Thanksgiving Recipes

2010-11-28T17:29:00.004-06:00

This is our sixth year of cooking Thanksgiving dinner, and I think I am finally figuring out a few things. Sort of. Last year's potluck event with friends was the easiest ever, and I sure missed them this year when they were with family. But, the situation offered up a challenge. Is there a make-ahead Thanksgiving when one household is doing all the cooking?Mostly, yes. While Wednesday was a lot

Book Giveaways!!!

2010-11-28T10:11:00.004-06:00

I've been guilty of procrastinating ... usually not for three months! August's book winner is Sarah (St)! At Our Table is headed to her table! Finally.For September, October and November I am making up some time here and doing three book giveaways! So, be sure you comment below to win since I will be doing three drawings. Odds are good, right? To enter, leave a comment below with your pick of the

Culinary Misadventures Redux

2010-11-23T09:50:00.005-06:00

If I had to pick my favorite post for just plain fun, it would be this one I authored and am re-posting now ... Happy end of week before a Holiday! Tomorrow, look for a recipe for Roasted Garlic Mashed Parsnips and Potatoes.I am not Tony Bourdain. There is no camera crew following me around the world filming my lunch special. I don’t have to suck it up for the viewing audience and eat raw baby

Opening Day: A Gatherer Goes Hunting

2010-11-23T09:07:00.006-06:00

I am about to tread into controversial ground. In hunting boots. Anytime you bring up “meat” in sustainable circles, that single word brings to mind a hundred issues. First, it is the least environmentally-friendly food group as we currently produce it, and is too often associated with food-borne pathogens as a result of factory farm and industrial-scale slaughter

Thanksgiving: Ginger Pear and Cranberry Tart

2010-11-14T21:33:00.003-06:00

I have a little tradition of my very own that is centered around Thanksgiving. Each year, I try to make one unique dessert. The tradition started with the Vanilla Sweet Potato Pie with Brown Sugar Pecan crust and keeps evolving. I've not yet done a pumpkin dessert. Crazy, huh? This year's dessert, I taking the cranberries off the menu as a side dish and putting them in the dessert course. Also,

What's on for Thanksgiving?

2010-11-11T13:55:00.004-06:00

Honestly, things are still a bit undetermined around my house for the holiday. But, I have plenty of recipes to choose from for the holiday menu. Can you tell Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday?Here's a list of favorites that I have made the last two years:TurkeyBrined. Definitely. Now, keep in mind we get a pastured bird, one that has not been injected with salt water like many familiar grocery

School Lunch: Healthier Chicken Nuggets

2010-11-02T10:54:00.005-05:00

Ali and I are taking a look at school lunch and some tips for packing a decent lunch and dealing with the "competitive" foods offered at school. If your school menus look like the ones I deal with, there's a whole lot of nuggets in the mix.Ali deals with a far more picky eater than I do, and if you are having serious food battles, you should check out her post. As for the school lunch wars around

Wicked Good Pumpkin Soup

2010-10-31T14:48:00.006-05:00

Given that pumpkins are synonymous here with fall leaves and cooler weather, it's hard to remember that there are a lot of Asian dishes that include pumpkin, and several ingredients that are seasonal that grow in a second herb harvest for the fall. It's a shorter season, but that one last burst of herbs and greens is a nice gift before winter sets in.This soup combines the garlic harvest,

Bleu Cheese and Roasted Fall Fruit Salad, or Why I will NEVER be Martha Stewart

2010-10-29T14:41:00.003-05:00

I've mentioned it before, but I do work full time. When I say full, I mean 50 hours a week full, and none of that includes time for cooking and blog posts. I drink lots of coffee. I take vacation to clean my house. Somehow it all works out. Until I hit a tipping point. Like, say, a 60 hour week. And a full weekend. With company for dinner. In fact, one of the few things I can count on in life is

Fall Harvest Salad

2010-10-21T12:07:00.005-05:00

I love fall. I know, those leaves turning means I have to put on a jacket and socks, which I hate. But it's hard not to enjoy the leaves and the cool days. Fresh apples and pears. My annual pumpkin worship rituals.After a day of pumpkin patch exploring and soccer games, we were just insane enough to have company for dinner in an already overbooked day. Fortunately we had the most gracious of

Sweet Dumpling and Musquee de Provence

2010-10-13T13:13:00.005-05:00

Sweet DumplingStill in love with pumpkins this fall! This was just window light on my much smaller than normal pumpkin collection. I have decided to scale back so I can cook all the ones I buy this year. It's tough with 300 lbs. of winter squash, but I think I can manage 100 lbs.!!!Tons of Halloween Recipes!More Pumpkin RecipesHow to Tell "Decorative" Pumpkins from Edible Pumpkins

Edible Pumpkins: Links and Photos

2010-10-04T09:55:00.006-05:00

A Guide to Edible Heirloom Pumpkins, with photosHow to Make Your Own Pumpkin PureeTons of Pumpkin RecipesA Glimpse of My Pumpkin ObsessionHow to Tell "Decorative" Pumpkins from Edible Pumpkins

Edible Pumpkins: Links and Photos from the Farm Tour

2010-10-04T09:52:00.005-05:00

A Guide to Edible Heirloom Pumpkins, with photosHow to Make Your Own Pumpkin PureeTons of Pumpkin RecipesA Glimpse of My Pumpkin ObsessionHow to Tell "Decorative" Pumpkins from Edible PumpkinsEasy, Delicious, Heirloom Pumpkin Soup

Best Applesauce EVER.

2010-10-01T11:52:00.007-05:00

I declined a birthday party invite for my kiddo. We, okay, I had a busy weekend planned and a lot of conflicts. For starters, it's the first weekend I have not had to juggle soccer games with my farmers market habit. So, right off, I'm due for a nice long, relaxing market day. Second, there is this farm tour thing.I know. If you ask a five-year-old if she would rather go nuts jumping on

History of School Lunch: Lesson 2, When Politics Hit the Plate

2010-09-30T12:20:00.007-05:00

Continued from Lesson 1, History of School LunchIn the Beginning, Some Good IdeasLong before the 1946 legislation, there were some good models for a school lunch program in existence. One such program initiated by Victor Hugo in France in 1877 was not only innovative for its time, but even ahead of current programs in one facet. Hugo designed a lunch program that distributed identical lunch “

Fuzzy Winter Melon Gourd Thing

2010-09-26T21:32:00.005-05:00

Fuzzy Wuzzy wuz a gourdFuzzy Wuzzy musta been shornFuzzy Wuzzy wasn't fuzzy, was he?Or maybe he was when he was younger. Fuzzy did have this strange white powdery stuff that kept coming off the skin, which explains its other English name "ash gourd." And a scent like honeydew crossed with cucumber and watered down. It arrived in my CSA bag. Okay, the bag isn't really big enough. It came along

Goodbye Summer: Peach Sauce

2010-09-26T09:13:00.002-05:00

The first day of fall arrived with a giant harvest moon in the sky. But weeks before, summer was fading. Slowly each week's crop of peaches lost a bit of their summer sweetness. When I see this happening with a favorite food, I kind of, well, hoard. Then a few days later I realize I am stuck with WAY more of that item than we can eat.The problem is that peaches don't last that long. At least not

French Heirloom Pumpkin Soup

2010-09-24T12:10:00.007-05:00

It doesn't look edible, does it?Well, looks can be deceiving. When we cut into this Brode Galeux D'Eysines pumpkin, the kiddo's first remark was, "It smells like a peach!" And it did, the squash flesh was a yellow-orange with a fruity aroma somewhere between peach, hazelnut and that characteristic winter squash earthiness. Once the soup was prepared, I didn't have any trouble getting the kid or

Dark Tales from the School Lunch Room

2010-09-20T22:08:00.008-05:00

The Main CourseIn 2008, the largest meat recall in history occurred. 143 million pounds of beef were recalled. 37 million pounds of that meat had already been served to the one slaughterhouse's primary buyer: the school lunch program. The recall was based on the slaughter of downed, or sick, animals. Most of the animals were former dairy cows that could no longer produce. In other words, pretty

School Lunch: A History Lesson

2010-09-20T20:37:00.006-05:00

Lunch Line Trailer from uji films on Vimeo.First, Your HomeworkThere's a new documentary that is opening tomorrow. It's on the history of school lunch and the debate over school lunch issues. It's called "Lunch Line." I plan on trying to see it as soon as it opens here.Congress is also mulling over two versions of School Nutrition legislation. They will vote on the final version in days. One

S is for Squash (sort of) and Saffron

2010-09-16T16:31:00.004-05:00

When I see an unusual fruit or vegetable at the farmers market, on impulse I have to stop and ask "What is that?" The next thing I do, almost before the farmer can answer, is buy it and being to figure out how to cook it. Maybe I should get out more, get a social life, just get a life ... but this is my version of fun. Hey, I have a kid, I used to get out more.This is a cucuzzi, an Italian

Potluck Contest: Wish Me Luck

2010-09-15T15:21:00.003-05:00

So, the New York Times has a contest to submit your “Signature Pot Luck Dish.” My spouse once advised me that we needed such a thing. “We need a signature dish,” he said. “You know, for parties.” Wow, few thoughts on this. First, I am so married to the metrosexual. Which is not a bad thing, it has its benefits. But, as the down-to-earth type with probably a wardrobe too heavy in flannel shirts,

School Lunch the Next Big Challenge

2010-09-15T12:08:00.016-05:00

I've been living in a comfortable little nook. That's over now. See, we (by which I mean the kiddo) has transitioned to public school. The Big K. Now most moms do their sobbing next to the school bus as it pulls away, as for me, the panic clinched my gut when I perused the menu.Here's the first page.Not so bad right, look these kids are learning about healthy food choices. Look, there is that

Anchovy Bread Crumb Pasta

2010-08-15T10:43:00.004-05:00

I have to admit, I never liked anchovies. At least not the very fishy ones that always managed to find their way onto my half of the pizza. But white anchovies? With the light, clean "seawater" taste? Okay, those I like. Once again, I remember that maybe if you don't like something the first time, well, you should always be open to second chances.This recipe is especially nice with heirloom

Summer Fruit: Sweet Bounty Goes Savory

2010-08-15T09:43:00.004-05:00

I went to a farm to table dinner this summer, with a local beer pairing for each course. The long table was set at an angle so we could watch the full moon rise as light faded from the flowering garden. In this perfect setting, I had the company of the most lovely of friends, new friends and the farmers who grew the food seated all around. Next to us a trio of violinists played Swedish folk music

Try It, You'll Like It

2010-08-12T14:59:00.005-05:00

I guess I had it coming. You can't put a new recipe, vegetable, food substance in front of your kid almost daily without it coming back around to bite you in the butt. This is the day your five-year-old makes her own "recipes."Maybe it was the time I put curried baby squid in front of her (she ate it). The endless variations of sweet potato dishes during the Battle of Orange Food. Or, just the

August Book Giveaway

2010-08-08T09:55:00.005-05:00

Iiiiiitttt's baaaack! The book giveaway.This month's freebie puts me in mind of every neighborhood picnic, church social, and potluck party. There's always that one dish that everyone loves. It's nothing fancy or trendy. When you ask for the recipe, you find it's a pretty basic list of ingredients and some of them as easy and accessible as a pre-made pie crust. The recipes are all favorites like

Learning Spanish: The Barcelona Cookbook

2010-08-06T18:49:00.003-05:00

I promised myself when I got our book writing done, I would take a break from testing and re-testing my own recipes, and cook something new. Try some different food cultures, expand my culinary vocabulary and explore. After a tapas meal in Chicago, I found myself pocketing the menu and vowing to learn Spanish (food).As usual, I tucked the menu away. Who knows where it went. But, like magic, The

Book Reports Overdue

2010-08-01T09:56:00.005-05:00

It's like being in school again, only I never got this late on my book reports then. Time to play catch up. On the good side, I am actually reading the books before I review. Just takes forever!Eating Local by Janet FletcherThis book arrived on the same day as my first CSA box this year. Which is very fitting. The book is targeted to people who shop at farmers markets or have a CSA subscription.

Fair Game: Taking a Bite Out of Invasive Species

2010-07-28T14:50:00.005-05:00

This one is cross-posted at Farm to Table.Sometimes it’s good to channel my rural roots, especially when those hunter-gatherer skills can help save ecosystems. Pull up a chair, grab a beer — or wine if you want to take it upscale — and see what’s on this extreme environmentally-conscious menu. Asian Carpcake The recent finding of an Asian carp near Lake Michigan may not seem like news to

Wider. Wider. Wider ...

2010-07-17T10:27:00.003-05:00

Obesity rates rise for 28 American states according to the Trust for America, Robert Wood Johnson report, “F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2010.” Here's some of the facts. 38 states have adult obesity rates above 25%. Not a single state had an obesity rate above 20% in 1991. Currently the LOWEST obesity rate is 19.1% in Colorado. The number of states

Summertime - Soy Ginger Marinated Long Beans

2010-07-11T19:41:00.005-05:00

Even when I am tired from a long week, the farmers market calls to me. I try to ignore the overflowing tables of beautiful produce. I don't feel up to cooking, I think.But then I smell an Athena melon and I know it's going to be the best I will have all year. The first blackberries are in, Some so ripe, the berries are about to burst.From the corner of my eye, I glimpse purple cauliflower peeking

Fourth of July Menu

2010-07-04T11:32:00.003-05:00

Yep, just getting around to posting on this. Heck, just getting around to cooking it. This is my favorite Fourth of July recipe.Watermelon, Lime, Mint and Feta Salad1 small watermelon, seedless or seeded, and diced1/4 cup fresh lime juice1/4 cup agave nectar1 tbs. white rum, optional2 tbs. chopped basil, chopped2 tbs. chopped mint, choppedpinch salt6 oz. feta cheese crumblesPlace watermelon cubes

Fried Green Tomatoes and Purslane

2010-07-04T09:26:00.004-05:00

The best thing about just before tomato season and just after? Fried Green Tomatoes. I saw the movie ages ago and always wondered why you would want to eat a unripe tomato — until I tried one. This take is a quick pan-fried version. Less oil and mess and a lighter approach.I had just gotten our first-ever batch of purslane from our remarkable CSA, so it seemed like a good way to combine the foods

Five More New Foods I Found Eating Local

2010-06-25T13:18:00.007-05:00

1. Garlic Scapes. This crazy, curly stalk grows up from the garlic bulb. It’s removed to allow the bulb to continue to grow. The flavor is somewhere near garlic cloves, a scallion’s greens and chive. I love using these in place of regular garlic for a lighter hit of this strong aromatic. 2. Long Beans and Mystery greens. What’s the best thing at the farmers market that you’ve never tried? It just

Know Your Farmer, Know Your Congressmen

2010-06-13T09:28:00.002-05:00

Dear Pat Roberts, I realize you have a history of demeaning small farmers and fully support Big Ag interests, some of the world's wealthiest companies in the world right alongside Big Oil. But to protest the USDA's spend of $65 million on the "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" program when Big Ag gets a $5 billion handout in subsidies in two year period, and crop insurance gets another $7

Dinner for a Friend

2010-06-12T15:37:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago — where does the time go to? — a good friend and I were trying to figure out a dinner place for girls' night. It had been a long time since we'd had time to just sit and talk over a glass of wine. Unfortunately, every restaurant in her college town home would be packed for graduation day. Plan B was a Romanian pot luck dinner, but the recipes links to choose from were a bit, uh,

Bleu Potato Salad

2010-06-12T15:24:00.004-05:00

I wanted to do this salad with the actual blue potatoes, but no luck finding those. It works great with any small new potato. Of course bleu cheese and sour cream taste great just licked off the mixing spoon, potatoes or not.Bleu Cheese Potato Salad2 lbs. small new potatoes, washed1 cup sour cream1/2 cup canola mayo1/4 cup champagne vinegar1/3 cup chopped fresh dill1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley1

Review: Kansas City Barbecue Society Cookbook

2010-05-24T21:46:00.005-05:00

Memorial Day weekend is near. It's definitely a time to salute our nation's armed forces, and those who serve our country in law enforcement. A time to say a quiet prayer that all come home safe and soon from the Middle East.Once we've done that very important thing. Well, it's time to kick off summer with a three-day weekend and fire up the grill or smoker. Smoker if you are lucky. I've got a

Disturbing Links

2010-05-19T14:04:00.003-05:00

Often, I marvel at how differently I see food now than five years ago. It used to be just food. Before, random headlines were just one offs. Now, one headline in the news can trigger 20 different related issues from industrial ag to politics. Like these two:1. Kids Become Prime Growth Market For Prescription Drugs an article that notes kids are the fastest growing demographic in new prescription

Berkeley, Beans and Brown Bagging It

2010-05-19T12:29:00.002-05:00

I've read with envy all the amenities and fresh food that Alice Water's and Co. have implemented in Berkeley schools along with their Edible Schoolyard program. I think about that program. Usually as I am eyeing my kid's school menu of "Hot Dog Tacos" and "Cheesy Potato Bake" with disdain as I pack her little bento box full of things like chicken potstickers, broccoli — a favorite vegetable, and

Food Photography

2010-05-13T11:56:00.003-05:00

Many thanks to the Kansas City Star for including me in the article on food photography.

Duh

2010-05-05T09:37:00.003-05:00

Alright, "duh," "whatever," and any other tween-tude such words are kind of banned around our house. But, I tell you, I am usually the first one to break the rule. There are just some things that demand, no, pester and beg for a bit of sarcasm.Here's a few research studies that have just been published as "news." I have to ask, is old news, news? And how much did the study cost to tell us

Say What?! Ads and Additives

2010-05-04T16:48:00.003-05:00

Yeah. Life's real short if you are eating that every day ...It's amazing how much I learn about food while I am driving. From gas station signs to billboards to radio ads.Just today, I heard a commercial for a fast food establishment with their new tagline: "You know when it's real."So, I figured I would do a little checking (not while I drove) and see just how "real" the food is at this

Back to the Beach: Seafood Part Deux

2010-04-29T22:43:00.004-05:00

Seems like my tastebuds have decided to stay at the beach. At least until things get farther along in our growing season here. We did go to the market to get herb starts and the fresh asparagus, first of the season. Which is a whole other post. We also got some of the herbs and some local ingredients to cook one with more seafood dinner. Think of it as a long goodbye to vacation.Scallops and Bleu

Family Reunion in Outer Banks

2010-04-18T07:47:00.016-05:00

One of the great things about my spouse is that he came with a wonderful family attached. We gathered in Outer Banks for a week long reunion. Sharing a house on the beach, nineteen of us spent our days walking on the beach, spending time admiring the newest family member only two months old, laughing and of course, eating together.The Kiddo was in heaven. Not just for the beach and playing

Sugar High Friday: Lucky, Green Maddness

2010-03-27T09:12:00.007-05:00

Adele at Will Work for Biltong rocked the contest with her entry, Lucky Green Guinness Cupcakes. Lucky and Green being key for the contest, Guinness for St. Pat's, and boy, some of those March Madness upsets sure do call for a beer!Adele, post your snail mail to the farmerfare AT gmail address so I can send you your book!Others in the Final Four! (We only had four show up for the tournament! What

Talking 'Bout a Revolution

2010-03-27T09:01:00.004-05:00

I rarely have anything I want to watch on TV. I always seem to find other things I would rather do. But I sat down with the family to watch Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. I was not sure how the kiddo would handle two hours of non-Disney programming. Then, while we were watching, I realized that, for once, turning on the TV was a good thing.When Oliver went to the hospital with an entire family

March Book Giveaway and Dessert Recipe Round Up

2010-03-17T13:05:00.003-05:00

We have a special event for March's book giveaway here in the kitchen. Instead of a comment, you need to submit a dessert recipe for the Sugar High Friday event. If you don't have a blog to post the recipe to, then just post the recipe in the comments section here and I will add it to the Sugar High Friday Event.The book, appropriately, is Cooking Green. Details on how to enter for a chance to

Beeting the Pavement: Beet, Berry, Banana Smoothie

2010-03-13T09:27:00.005-06:00

Spring. We've been waiting for it after a looooong, cold winter. But even as the daffodils show up, and the first bit of sun feels so good, spring is ... painful. As in spring training. Pavement pounding runs. At the risk of sounding like an old fogey, spring gets a little more painful each year. Good thing my head, at least, is harder than my glutes. Hard enough to commit myself to a sprint

Toyota, Storkcraft and Your Burger: Isn't it Ironic?

2010-03-01T22:21:00.002-06:00

Recently, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the largest crib recall ever, 2.1 million cribs. The manufacturer, Storkcraft, will no longer be able to produce this type of crib. In the last two years, 5 million cribs have been recalled. The CPSC is looking at a ban on this type of crib completely. The most recent recall was triggered by 110 incidents and three deaths.Toyota also made

What's Lucky, Sweet, Green and Dribbles? Sugar High Friday March Edition

2010-03-01T09:17:00.004-06:00

I know, post something already. I am trying. To make up for the lack of posts, here's a special event for March; Sugar High Friday. SHF is the creation of Jennifer, the Domestic Goddess. You can read more about this sweet blog event at her site.To celebrate all things spring, St. Patrick's and yes, March Madness too, you can post your favorite "lucky, green, post-game, or spring" dessert recipe

Sometimes You Win

2010-02-11T12:16:00.002-06:00

Lately the kiddo has been trying to assert herself over the dinner table. I tell you not much compares to the parental moment there. After nine hours of dealing with impossible deadlines and technical details at work, and an hour in traffic, I arrive home to mouths waiting to be fed with just enough time to set down the briefcase and pick up the spatula.Through the miracle of leftovers, I can

February Book Giveaway

2010-02-03T12:55:00.004-06:00

First, congrats to Foodie32, winner of "How to Drink." Surely this is a valid pursuit during the pit of winter here. Think hot toddy.For the rest of us, we hit the New Year all full of good intentions and resolutions, new diets and exercise regimen only to slam headlong into February's contrived holiday centered on chocolate. What cruel mockery is this when we are already down and longing for

Mastering the Art of Sustainable Cooking Guide

2010-01-23T09:35:00.005-06:00

Well, the good news is one of my posts made the top 15 and is published in the guide by Brighter Planet. It was reviewed by a panel of judges that included Alice Waters!Less good news, I did not win one of the top five spots and Kindle. But, that's fine since I am wondering what Apple has going for their reader to come out soon ...You can download the Sustainable Guide with some good information

Wisdom from the Cafe (Bathroom)

2010-01-19T19:49:00.003-06:00

While traveling in Arizona, we ate lunch at a funky place called Wisdom Cafe. It had been a frustrating little road trip, with the kid at her worst. Which, I know, compared to a lot of other kids is not that bad. Still.During an excursion to the bathroom in which I am sure 10 or 15 people probably waited outside the door to no avail, I found myself nagging the kid, again and again."Honey, DO NOT

First, Get a Sharp Knife

2010-01-18T15:13:00.006-06:00

With its gnarled, thick rind, this heirloom pumpkin looks like anything but something to eat. It's not often you find yourself in the kitchen, staring at an ingredient, trying to figure out an attack plan. Usually this moment only comes confronting your food when it is still running, or pinching.Take a deep breath. Get a sharp knife.A big, heavy, ugly beast. Thump. Right there in front of

Bounty in a Desert

2010-01-09T08:56:00.005-06:00

Outside my door is a frozen wasteland and below zero temperatures. It's enough to keep you inside all day looking for a reason to turn on the oven. It also makes me dream of warmer days such as our holiday trip to the Arizona desert.The irony is, of course, that many folks think the desert is an empty wasteland. I found it the opposite. Rugged, beautiful, with vast wide open space that let my

Jamie Oliver, TED, and Christmas Treats from Cancer Education Center

2009-12-21T15:20:00.004-06:00

If you've been around this site long enough, you know I am a big fan of TED.com. It's a great site to visit on those days when you lose faith and wonder if there is an intelligent person left in the known universe. I visit there often.Ever wish you could change the world?At the end of each year they announce a special grant recipient, known as the TED Prize. This person gets their "wish" for

Grapefruit Mint Salad

2009-12-18T15:19:00.004-06:00

Sounds like summer doesn't it? Not bone-cold December. I guess you don't have to wait for the holiday to have a few surprises. One of my favorite local farms is experimenting with high tunnels, which means I am experimenting with FRESH LOCAL salad greens in December.Winter is also peak season for grapefruit and citrus. All the more reason to celebrate.Grapefruit-Mint Salad2 Ruby Grapefruits,

New Year, New Resolve

2009-12-15T16:16:00.005-06:00

Note, I did not say resolutions. I tried to sit down and write a list of specific things I will do in 2010, but so much of it is just an extension of the topics I write about already. So, here are some of what you can look forward to in the New Year here in the kitchen:More recipes, of course.Thinking Globally. Worldwide issues of climate change and hunger and what that means for all of us, and

January Book Giveaway

2009-12-14T15:54:00.003-06:00

December's winner for The Berghoff Cafe Cookbook is Suburban Prep. Be sure you email your mailing address to farmerfare AT gmail DOT com to get your free book!January's giveaway is, appropriately, Victoria Moore's book How to Drink. Leave a comment with your favorite cocktail or adult beverage you celebrate with and you will be entered into a random drawing to win the book.The book covers not