Let's start in a silly place and take it from there: Remember that scene in the movie Forrest Gump where (when?) Bubba talks about shrimp? "Anyway, like I was sayin', shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it. [There's] shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. … Continue reading Theme and variations.
Tomato pie was an adulthood discovery for me. One evening, years ago, we gathered with neighbors on our front porch for a summer potluck (possibly a July 4th gathering, though also possibly not), and one neighbor's contribution was a pair of magazine-worthy tomato pies that featured beautiful hand-curled crusts and a rainbow array of heirloom … Continue reading Heirlooms.
"And what did you learn from that experience?"Sam Sanders (via Twitter), regarding the best interview question to ask Sometimes, Twitter is worth the trouble, especially when Sam Sanders is involved. He's as funny and thoughtful in his Tweets as in his interviewing, and I never regret checking in to see what he's up to. Every … Continue reading A few things: June 2021
The first rule of knives, in my mother's teaching, was the most important because it has to do with people and relationships. The rule was simple: Knives are not given but sold. If you think a friend or neighbor (or child, partner, or spouse) might enjoy having a particular knife, then tape a penny to … Continue reading No. Knife skills are not bulls*it.
An actual family dinner conversation (and yes, I have shared this one before, but what follows it is all new): SON: [to MOM] "So, why'd you move all that stuff and mess up the big room?" MOM: "I need more space for my art and sewing and things. Maybe I'll have people over, teach a … Continue reading Family dinner.
Rise early, and head to the farmers market so you'll have the best pick of produce. Or, alternately, sleep in and head to the market when you're awake and have had some coffee. Don't like farmers markets? Fine. But know that you'll need tomatoes for this dinner, and grocery tomatoes will not do. Buy loads … Continue reading A summer dinner.
It's the season of honeysuckle and privet, of peonies, iris, and azaleas. Trees decked out in full, fresh green, unlike the worn-out color they'll be showing come Labor Day. Walk outside and take in the intoxicating fragrance and colors of high spring, here for only a few more weeks. (If you are the sneezy type … Continue reading A few things: May 2019
The inconvenient issue with my knee, the pop I heard while playing tennis with my son a month ago, turned out to be a torn meniscus. As a result, I'm unable to do many things I'm used to doing, and I have to do other things instead. Like sit my fat ass in a chair … Continue reading A few things: April 2019
