I've written before about the memories and emotions that food can evoke for us.  Last week, I wrote an article (published here and in the Broad Ripple Gazette) that included my recipe for potato soup.  I thought I'd share a letter I received and some fun old images of Weiss's Deli in Indianapolis: Elizabeth, About a year ago we shared some family recipes for Persimmon Pudding after you published one in the BR Gazette. Recently, you published a recipe for Potato soup which we tried and found it excellent. Many years ago there was a Deli in downtown Indy on E. Market Street, the first ..read more

One of my favourite things to do on Halloween is to have friends and kiddos drop by for something hot and savoury. I thought how much fun this would be after football games, or really anytime you’d like to casually entertain and have plenty of time to visit with pals. I have this triple crockpot/warmer that is perfect for such a theme (I picked it up on Amazon for less than $50). What I do is make a different, hot and satisfying soup or stew for each well. Then, I set out all the “fixins” so guests can make a bowl that suits them exactly. Think of it as a soup bar. I love to offer crea ..read more

Pulling out sweaters and jeans this week has reminded me that with the change in weather, new, bolder wine selections are in order. With cool temps, we often want something that’s going to “warm us up.” In wine speak, that translates into heavier bodied, full-flavoured reds. For local readers, there’s a great little wine shop at the North East corner of 116th and Olio Road in Fishers called @TastefulTimes. You can find each of the wines I’ll mention at their place. They also have a fun selection of artisanal, local fare, which I love. Tell ‘em I sent you. One of my very favourite variet ..read more

Variety steals the show. While I love the smell of freshly turned earth, spring onions and the emergence of tiny seedlings, Fall is actually my favourite season in the garden. That’s harvest time and where the efforts of the spring and summer come to fruition. Literally.   I love eating seasonally but I’m a canner and put away veggies in the forms of spaghetti sauce, eggplant caponata, pickles and salsas all summer long. I love filling up my freezer and my pantry shelves with foods that I create and that I know my ..read more

My pizza oven project came to fruition over the last year.  For those who haven’t seen me carrying on about it on FB, I’ve built a wood-fired oven in my backyard as an addition to my outdoor kitchen.  I’ve spent a few months now perfecting my dough and though it would be fun to share the results with you.  And who doesn’t love a pizza party?  My apologies!  I've been up slacking big-time with my blog posts since I've been so busy making pizza.  I'm back in the saddle and have pie-making tips to share. No matter where you plan to cook you pie(s), a great crust is essential.  I like one that ..read more

Adam & Malcolm. Isn't it funny how new friends come into your life? My friend, Lamiaa is the mom of two teenage boys. Like me. Her younger son, Adam is the bestie of my younger son, Malcolm and that's how our friendship began. Lamiaa and her husband, Tarek are Egyptian, a culture and cuisine that I know little about. Of course, during one of our first meetings when we were learning about one another, we discussed our jobs. She is in graphic design while growing and preparing food is my art. We made tentative plans to cook for each other. Full disclosure, I'm inviting her fam ove ..read more

So my garden is in and beginning to grow.  I've been sharing some progress on Facebook, but will write a bit in the upcoming weeks as harvesting starts.  So far, it's been a whole lot of asparagus and little else :) In the interim, I thought I'd share a few fun wine selections with you.  School’s out, kids are home and warm weather is in full swing.  Here are some great wines to try.  Two whites: a value-driven option and one that’s more splurgey. I’ve also added a red that is nice with a tiny bit of a chill.   First, Campuget 1753 Syrah Vermentino.  This blushing beauty is a French rosé fro ..read more

Vineyard in Sonoma, CA. A new season is finally here! How about a few wine suggestions to go with Spring?  I’ve got a red, white and sparkler for you to kick off warm weather. Give these California dreamers a swirl: [Bubbles] Gloria Ferrer Sonoma County Brut, NV $18ish (I believe you can find this baby at Trader Joe’s for around $15). A gracious sparkler with great taste and a surprisingly low price. Bright spiced apple with golden pie crust flavors and a smidge of strawberry. Made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, she’s a spirited little sparkler by herself or with food. Serv ..read more

My crew at Mulate's - NOLA #SB2019 Beans and rice are inexpensive, nutritious foods that, when combined, form a complete protein. Your body needs protein to build and repair tissue AND you need to eat. This simple but satisfying dish is high in protein, iron, dietary fiber and B complex vitamins. When visiting New Orleans this month and still very limited in what I can eat following bariatric surgery, I chose a cup of beans & rice at most restaurants I visited.  (#BariHack- loads of protein and the soupiness makes it very easy to eat.) The dish is available everywhere, very tasty and usua ..read more

I’ve been in New Orleans all week, enjoying some excellent food and wine. One of the loveliest parts of fine dining that most of us don’t think to include normally is an after-dinner drink.  Many have properties to aid in the digestion of food and some are just a lovely treat. One such wine is Madeira and it’s popularity has been growing in the last few years. Again.   Madeira is a fortified wine that’s made in Portugal.  They are made of different grapes and labeled with accordingly.  From driest to sweetest they are: Sercial, Verdehlo, Bual and Malmsey.   When serving Madeira, be sure to ha ..read more