Linguine with Fresh Spinach, Red Pepper, and Lemon

I love going to the grocery store; I do it several times a week, if only for a few things. I know, I know, it is poor planning on my part, but I enjoy weaving through the aisles, checking out new and interesting ingredients I may have missed during my previous visit. I recall going to

Puréed Vegetarian Mulligatawny Soup

Guys, I’m sick. I caught a beast of a cold earlier this week and I am one grumpy Sara. I’m achy, I’ve been sneezing, and if I’d known this was coming, I’d have purchased stock in tissues. I’ve been spending a lot of time in bed, but I’m awake now and before I head back

Green Soup

If you’re anything like me, you tend to overindulge during the holiday season – we’re not even to New Year’s, yet – and then regret it later.  I know that after rich, decadent meals and equally sinful desserts, all I want is a Big Salad, à la Elaine Benes.  My body craves vegetables, leafy greens,

The Wine List (Thanksgiving Edition Part 2)

Thanksgiving has to be one of my most favorite holidays.  Even though it was a week ago, I’m still dreaming of the sausage stuffing made by my friend, Holly.  The delicious smell of roasted fingerling potatoes and Brussels sprouts with garlic and rosemary still lingers in my kitchen.  The turkey…oh, the turkey!  Pieced out and

Roasted Carrot Soup

The weather here in Omaha is on the fence.  It doesn’t know what it wants.  Sunny?  Overcast?  Chilly?  Rainy?  Make up your mind already and move on!  Yes, it is Spring, but my brain wants nonstop sunny weather.  Anyway, I woke up the other morning unsure of what to make for that night’s dinner.  I

What We Ate (Thanksgiving for Two)

In case you all were wondering, our ‘Thanksgiving for Two’ menu: Brined and slow-roasted bone-in turkey breast with homemade gravy Grandma Vera’s sage stuffing Port and cranberry gelée Kale salad with apples and hazelnuts Brown sugar-roasted sweet potatoes Homemade rolls Maple pot de crème Cardamom, orange, and chocolate ribbon cookies

My Dad’s Refrigerator Pickles

Just look at those two.  Look at them.  Those are my parents, Jim and Vivian, in June of 1976.  I haven’t confirmed this, but my guess is that this photo was taken on or around my mother’s birthday.  At the time of this photo, my parents had only been married just under 3 years.  They

Easy As Pie (or Tart)

There are a number of vegetables that can most usually be found hanging out in our refrigerator here at home.  At any given time, you will probably find broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, celery, carrots, and brussels sprouts.  With these vegetables, come the usual preparations: roasting, rolling in prosciutto, sauteing in bacon fat, etc.  Yes, those are

Homemade Chicken Stock

I have become a total convert when it comes to homemade stock.  Yes, I know…buying boxes of stock at the market is convenient, but if you’re not careful, all you’ll end up buying is sodium and preservatives, and that’s gross.  I like to know exactly what goes into my stock.  For me, making stock is

Snowy Weekend

This weekend, my beloved and I finally got our house back!  Our recently refinished wood floors are now smooth, shiny, and glow by the light of our first Christmas tree.  On Saturday, we lifted, moved, and adjusted our furniture back to their default settings and enjoyed watching through the window as the heavy snowflakes fell