I did it. I cut his hair. The little curls on his neck? Gone. And you know what? I like it. It’s really cute. He looks like a little boy. My little boy. Sure, he’s my baby and always will be, but I’m determined to free him from what I call the youngest child syndrome, even if I just wanted to let the neck curls grow forever and ever and keep him tiny and small for all time. Love you, Little Man. I am pretty excited about pulling the pan of enchiladas I made a few weeks... more

Let’s talk turkey. Turkey carcass, that is. No, don’t throw it away. Let’s use it. While I used to snicker when my aunt’s would decide who would bring home this year’s turkey bones or the ham bone at the holidays, I now understand. I get it. I have been enlightened. The power of making your own stock, your own broth may have been lost on me when I was 13 and had no time for such foolishness, but as I began to cook for my own family and not just my siblings while... more

1 turkey carcass 1 onion 2 cloves garlic 1 stalk of celery large bunch parsley fresh sage leaves 2 bay leaves (if you’ve got one) Place carcass, skin and giblets (if you kept them) in a large stockpot with other ingredients. Cover with water. Over a high heat, bring to a boil. Turn burner down to just below medium. Skim any foam or scum that may settle at the top. Simmer for four to five hours. If the bones start to stick out of the water, add just enough boiling water to cover them up. Fill... more

We all know the feeling of the post-Thanksgiving hunger. You finally get hungry after the mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, dressing and turkey has had time to digest, and when you look in the fridge? Thanksgiving leftovers. Not what you were hoping for. Sure, a sandwich is always an option, but the thought of limp bread, cold Thanksgiving turkey and a slice of cheese doesn’t really have you clamoring to eat those leftovers either. That’s not going to sustain you after or during... more

2 slices wheat bread 1 1/2 tablespoons mayo 2 slices provolone cheese 1/2 avocado 1 teaspoon lime juice 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 thin slices of tomato 5 cucumber slices 1/4 cup alfalfa sprouts 1/4 pound turkey, leftover or deli style Mash avocado with lime juice and salt. Spread mayo on both slices of bread. Spread half the avocado on one slice, top with provolone, spread with remaining avocado and top with the last slice of provolone. On the other slice of bread layer the tomato, cucumber and alfalfa... more

Daylight savings, nearly a month ago now (where did the time go?), marked the end of late evenings, cooking dinner by the light of the kitchen window. The sun is gone by 5:00 p.m., forcing me to turn on glaring overhead lights earlier, sometimes before I’ve even stood up from my computer and finished work for the day. Dinner-hour darkness and cold, windy nights have me dreaming of warm dishes cooked in my oven and over the stove. I thought this hearty cream stew was the perfect way to warm... more

1 whole fryer chicken (on the larger side, about 4.5 pounds) 1 large onion, quartered 1 pound baby carrots 1 small bunch parsley, stems removed 8-10 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves only 1 1/2 pounds baby red or Yukon gold potatoes, diced 1 stalk of celery, diced 2 cups mini portabella mushrooms, sliced 4 garlic cloves, diced 1 cup white wine 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 4 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons flour 1 cup heavy whipping cream kosher salt pepper In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons of... more