Turkey Day Prep: 5 Things to do This Weekend

The colors of the harvest season.Spoiler alert: I LOVE Thanksgiving.It's a good thing, too, since my family winds up doing three Thanksgiving meals (husband's side, dad's side, mom's side). And then there's the potluck at work. So all told, in the next eight days, I will be participating in four major meals.It's been this way for many years, and happily I've learned a thing or two; mainly that the weekend before T-Day is very important for preparing. Here are my top five tips for getting ahead this Turkey Day.5. Recipe plan. Gather all the recipes you need, and really study them. Assess your pantry...

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On Bread Making and Routines

Homemade multi-grain bread, fresh out of the oven on a Sunday afternoon.Ah, the routine: a simple way of saying that while the world spins in craziness all around, there are certain things that stay the same. Even so, the beauty of a routine lies in its ability to evolve. I love a good routine.In the kitchen, there are many routines that are part of daily life. Breakfast and coffee are made the same way every morning. We enjoy meals together as a family every day, the two of us and our sweet dog (who routinely rests her head on the table while we humans dine). There is a semblance of a routine...

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The Good Morning Garden

A snap pea tendril reaches out to touch the full moon in the early morning hour—my favorite time in the garden.Early morning in the garden takes me by surprise each and every day: fresh, bright, fragrant. Dew underfoot splashes as my bare feet make their way across the yard, and even as the sun rises a full moon hangs in sight.Bright green parsley: I treat myself to a bite each time I walk by.Drops of dew—or maybe it rained last night?—sit on every leaf, catching what little light cuts through the crisp air. I look for signs of visitors, my peaceful face chagrined only when I see the telltale...

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Quinoa: A Love Story

Quinoa, lettuce, arugula, avocado, and two snap peas. Tossed in dijon vinaigrette.I know, I'm totally late to the party. But I love quinoa!Quinoa is a grain that is extremely easy to make and will become a favorite of yours in the kitchen in no time. The flavor is slightly nutty, and the texture is fluffy and just a tad chewy; think tiny grains of soft rice, but better. It's rich in all sorts of minerals (manganese, iron, magnesium, copper, and phosphorous)—not to mention it's a super protein that boasts all the essential amino acids.Shop in the bulk bins: a pound of organic quinoa will run...

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Freshworthy Friday: VOTE!

My fellow Americans: Please remember to exercise your right to vote! Today is the last day of early voting in Texas, and the big election... in case you haven't heard... is on Tuesday, November 6.This is the beautiful thing about living in a democracy, one in which our forefathers decreed that we have certain unalienable rights. I especially appreciate that pursuit of happiness bit. And we also have the right to think freely and explore our own ideas in myriad platforms. Including this little food blog. I do encourage you to get out and vote—make your own voice heard! Educate yourself on...

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Good Times and Butternut Squash Gnocchi

(Due to technical difficulties, I'm only able to upload one photo for this post. I'll post more pics soon!)Last week I invited my husband into the kitchen for dinner preparation. I needed an extra set of hands and he was totally on board. Also, I agreed beforehand to be on good behavior.Until he turned it into a competition.After feeling especially inspired by this recipe over at love.life.eat., I went home intent on making a completely new and different dish for dinner. There is something about gnocchi that is especially appealing to both of us. It all started with this video. Ryan was entranced...

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