This time of year here, roses are in abundant bloom. I'm constantly happily amazed (and dazed) at the profusion of different colors you can find in roses. Sultry (which is mango colored); Cabana-stripe (which is, appropriately, yellow-and-red striped); Perfect Moment (which, believe-it-or-not, is the color of a blazing sunset); Dreamweaver (which is a deep pink); and the Purple Tiger (which is plum and white flecked) ... are just a few in our yard right now.

I bring the subject… Read More

In my quest for everyone to regale in the advantages of that brain food -- spinach -- I've come up with an appetizer, called "Popeye's Pride," that almost qualifies as a vegetable side. And, with flavors added that temper the spinach, I've had luck with kids loving it.

For this dish, defrost a 16 oz. bag of chopped spinach. Drain the spinach and -- using paper towels or a clean dish cloth -- press as much water out of… Read More

A week like this one finds many of us pulled in even closer to our families, even more grateful for small wonders, simple joys, and suppers together.

Last night we had "International Night" -- sort of a take on "think globally, eat locally." To spice up supper some evenings, we mix and match cuisines. In this case, we put Italian, Chinese, and Mexican fare side-by-side.

For starters, I came up with a quick pizza dough that we dressed… Read More

How could this have happened? The tragedy and the senselessness of so many who died. And now, the mourning by so many fellow students, faculty members, the university community... and parents.

Like many, the Virginia Tech news took me back eight years ago this week to Columbine. We didn't have kids yet, but I remember watching Peter Jennings incessantly... and calling my Mom. She was a middle school counselor then, and I was worried about her safety. How do… Read More

It's "Orange Day!," as Rocco calls it. We've gotten (literally) 100 oranges from a neighbor whose tree has experienced a heady surplus.

Since they're a sour orange variety, the oranges have a really tart taste. But with just a little superfine sugar to taste, the OJ is delicious for drinking. Superfine sugar is so finely ground from cane stalks that it speedily dissolves in cold beverages. If you haven't tried superfine sugar before but want to give it a… Read More

We went to this amazing restaurant which features California-French cuisine and boasts a passel of top-notch reviews and top-flight awards. But, for me, it offers another culinary experience: serving up both extraordinary food and -- if you want it -- an education about any item on the menu.

The wait staff at this particular establishment is exceptionally knowledgeable. So, although I know food, I'm always on the hunt to learn more. And, even when I think I know a… Read More