If it weren't for the Reformation, it's possible that the world communion of Christians (all Catholics, if it weren't for the Reformation) would be about to launch festivities associated with the Feast of Fools, the evolution of Saturnalia, that wild Roman holiday tradition marked by role reversals, gag gifts and general mischief. Yes, Virginia, the … Continue reading Good will toward many. (food, week of 12.16.13)
I am not a joiner. I've played on tennis teams and captained more than a few; I've taken classes with friends; I've served on boards. But most groups that require ongoing participation are too high maintenance for me and wear me out, which is why I've routinely declined invitations for wine and book clubs despite … Continue reading The cookbook club. (food, week of 11.18.13)
I have been longing to return to the routine of the school year, back from the chaotic pace of a particularly unpredictable summer break. I have been waiting to return to regular carpool, homework, dinner at 6:30, bedtime at 8:30, making lunches and having a sense of command and control. I have been looking forward … Continue reading The green, green grass.
After eight weeks of family eating free-for-all and suspension of nightly bedtimes, we are heading back to the world of routines, schedules and reminders. As the time between school years draws to a close, these are the lists I'll be tucking into a folder full of mementos that one day might populate a scrapbook (or … Continue reading Wildness and mayhem. (dinner plan, week of july 29)
My father loved summer. He loved the heat and the sun and the holidays and everything that went with the stretch of time from May to September: fishing, swimming, gardening, parades, flags, fireworks, bathing suits and gin and tonics. Summer was suspension of the rules time, the season of freedom from convention. From Memorial Day … Continue reading Kings of summer. (food for week of 7.15.13)
A friend asked me recently about Brussels sprouts. She had bought some at a local farmers' market and roasted them with a bit of olive oil and salt. She and her family enjoyed them so much that she went to the local grocery and bought some more. "They just didn't taste the same," she said. … Continue reading Good foodies make good neighbors.
It has been interesting these last six months hearing from people about how weekly menu planning does or doesn't work, learning about other families' food challenges, and receiving feedback on recipes. The answer to the most frequent question ("do you children really eat all those things?") is still NO, and the rule in our family … Continue reading Solstice food.
This week I intended to prepare an Italian-themed weekly menu and to write about my favorite summertime Italian treat, limoncello. Witchin in the kitchen even published a great post with a limoncello recipe, exactly the recipe we used with great success last Christmas, and I was feeling all super cosmopolitan groovy mom set. Then the … Continue reading The low spark of high-heeled mamas. (weekly menu 6.17.13)
