Recently, on a forum I help moderate, a poster asked about my menus, which we post weekly, and what my food budget was since many of my meals sounded expensive. I told her that most likely it was all in the wording.

A day after that discussion, I saw a cooking show on which polenta was being made. This wasn't the stiff wedges oftentimes accompanied by a tomato sauce, but a thick and hearty spoonable type. I watched as cheese… Read More

When I was in kindergarten my teacher read to our class the story of Stone Soup. There are many versions of the popular folk tale so I don't exactly remember which one, but I bet it was Marcia Brown's Stone Soup . Her story of three hungry and weary soldiers seeking food and lodgings in a small village is still my favorite.

After the story was read, we had the chance to make stone soup as a class. It started,… Read More

This is one of my most cherished recipes - a true comfort to me. These are my grandma's brownies. I have no idea where she happened upon this recipe, but I've never had any like this and don't expect to.

Grandma Sharp's Brownies

In two 8x8 baking pans (grandma always used metal pans), melt 1 stick of margarine in each.

In a medium bowl mix together 2 cups sugar and 2 T cocoa (grandma meant SERVING tablespoon so, about 1/2 c or slightly more)

Add melted

… Read More

New Year's Eve seems to be all about excess for many people, and with good reason. With resolutions to turn over a new leaf the very next day, why not indulge that night? Our New Year's Eve will be an indulgence for sure. We decided this year that we would watch a series of movies to pass the time on New Year's Eve, and the decision was that we would watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy. We… Read More

When we first rented Ratatouille , it wasn't for the kids; and when my mother-in-law gave it to the kids yesterday for Christmas, I claimed it for myself. Don't worry, I'll let them watch it, but only after I've taken it from it's locked cabinet.

I adore this movie. Ratatouille is fresh, funny and full of irony. Who would ever think a rat, of all animals, would have a highly refined sense of taste? Chef Gusteau is a man… Read More

Beyond the very obvious wanting my family to remain healthy this coming year (especially this coming year), and although we don’t do resolutions here, there are five small "wishes" I have for the coming year.

1. Give more hugs. In all the rat race of life it’s very easy to simply blow a kiss or give a one-armed hug to friends and loved ones. With touch being such a vital part of a person’s well-being in more ways than one,… Read More