Sweet potatoes are a favorite around here because of their flexibility. They can be served right from the oven with just a little butter, salt and pepper, and make a fine side dish. They can be loaded with toppings like a jacket potato, and are also delicious as a...
Cooking & Baking
Brew your own kombucha
It’s the hot new health trend that’s been around for thousands of years! Yes, even I have been bit by the kombucha craze. But at $5 – $6 per bottle it’s also a very expensive habit. So, I decided to try making my own kombucha at home. The first...
Roast chicken, four ways
Eating healthy. Scratch cooking. Meal planning. They sound good-for-you and also time-consuming and possibly difficult. But I’ve discovered that roasting a whole chicken and creating various dishes out of one bird is both an easy and an economical way to plan several meals in the course of one week....
Holiday Traditions: Family, friends, and feasts
Over the years, we’ve adapted our holiday traditions to fit the holiday elements that we value most, namely: spending quality time with friends and family, eating and sharing delicious homemade food and drink, and making and giving practical gifts. We hope you’ll be inspired by the stories we tell...
Pumpkin Pie: an easy version of the American classic
I had never really loved pumpkin pie until I started experimenting with a recipe from The Recipe Cottage, which a former co-worker shared with me. After some tweaking, I found that I really enjoyed the creamy texture and strong pumpkin flavor of this version of an American classic. Ingredients...
Cranberry Relish: A Fruity Accompaniment to a Meal
My grandfather loved his cranberry jelly in a can; for me that stuff was the one part of Thanksgiving Dinner that was never touched. It wasn’t until I learned to make my own cranberry relish that I understood why this dish is traditional at all. I call this version...
Cold Oatmeal: Filling and Hearty All Year Round
Ah, winter. Time for hearty, sustaining foods that get us through long dark days. Ironically, it’s the time that I turn to one of my favorite breakfasts, cold oatmeal. I’ve never been a fan of hot cereal – something about the warm, gluey texture just puts me off. But...
Vermont Maple Cornbread – A Southern Staple with a Yankee Twist
This Vermont Maple Cornbread is perfect with spicy butternut squash soup, but also compliments any hearty chili or stew. The maple syrup adds richness without making it too sweet.
Butternut Squash Soup is a Warm Spicy Fall Favorite
Our favorite fall soup is based on Jamie Oliver’s roasted butternut squash from The Naked Chef. You can double the first part of the recipe below and use the squash as a side-dish for one meal, then use the leftovers to make the soup.
Schnitzel: Local Meats Make Smashing Meals
In mid-October of 2017 we visited Portsmouth, New Hampshire as part of our “Anniversaweek.” For our special dinner out, we booked a table at The Black Trumpet on the suggestion of a friend — and former resident of the city. She is also friends with the chef, and highly...