Who doesn’t remember a loved one through food? The handwritten recipes, the process, the stories—and especially the tastes and smells—tap into corners of our visceral memory quite unlike anything else. In a study published by the University of Illinois Press in The American Journal of Psychology (Spring 2002), researchers Herz and Schooler rather poetically declared:
So, how many of you gamers out there got the reference? Despite these glorious glimpses of sun, we’re not through Seattle’s rainy season yet, and as long as grey clouds loom, you’ll find this dish in our fridge or freezer. It’s a staple: easy, filling, and damn good, too, if I do say so myself. … More Dragonbreath Chili
Every recipe in my recipe album has a reason for being there. Most are passed on by family or created in our own kitchen. But a select few (some of our favorites) are from friends. On each recipe I make sure to note who passed it on to us, when they first shared it with … More Food and Friends
Sure, you’ve had beef stew, but not like this. Sweet and savory. Rich and tomato-free. Unexpectedly herbal. Around these parts (i.e. our house), we call it “Brother-in-Law Stew.” Ryan first concocted it at my sister’s house for her, my parents, and my brother-in-law. Thus the name. But you can call it… Beef Stew With Gnocchi Ingredients for … More Beef Stew With Gnocchi
A couple years ago, I posted this super easy (and healthy!) recipe, and after making it this week, I am compelled to post it again. SO GOOD. You may remember it as Grumpus Soup—proven to help alleviate child possession by The Grumpus Monster.
Somewhat by accident, I recently re-discovered the pleasures of cookie decorating. I was going to visit my sister and her family and came up with the idea for a host gift. (Yes, I still do those. Here are some ideas.) I thought this would be something my 7-year-old niece would enjoy, but I was surprised … More Cookie Decorating
As most of you know, since my mother-in-law’s death I’ve been on a mission to find ways to keep the memory of Sue alive for my baby girl. That desire, in turn, sparked a passion to help other families in the same situation. Unfortunately, I have many close friends mourning the loss of a parent, right … More Arroz Con Pollo
We conjured up this super easy (and healthy) recipe the other night when Szaba was possessed by The Grumpus Monster. It magically transformed her back into our babbling bundle of joy. It doesn’t seem fair to keep this power all to ourselves, so…
My Castle Heart Publications 