One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. I spent part of last week in Florida with the other Lifetime Moms. I was excited to meet them in person, and I’m delighted to call them my friends. While I was gone,... more

We invited our neighbors over for a “how to smoke barbecue ribs” session a while back. There’s nothing like a lazy afternoon with your neighbors, sitting in the backyard as the baby back ribs smoke in the background. One of our favorite things about our neighborhood is the neighbors we share it with. We couldn’t have asked for more when we bought our house three and a half years ago. Whether it’s backyard barbecues or taking turns feeding everyone’s pets... more

When we embarked on the homemade ice cream path, the next obvious step was consumption of all the delicious gelatos and ice creams that were filling the freezer. First we ate bowls of vanilla bean gelato with mint leaves for garnish, we smooshed it between cookies, made shakes with fresh strawberries, topped it with strawberry sauce and, of course, as root beer floats. Note: Good root beer floats always starts with a good root beer. Goose Island? Pure cane sugar? Check. While dating Ole, I learned... more

The high today is supposed to reach 90. It makes it hard to believe that just two weeks ago I was waiting for the overnight lows to stay above freezing before I put my seedlings in the ground. I am hot and sticky, and I am dreaming of the technology that is called central air. You may have heard of it? I had it at one point. In fact, I had it my whole life until we purchased our own home. Now? I make ice cream and stand in the laundry room on the cement, eating vanilla bean gelato out of the... more

inspired by Mario Batali 4 cups whole milk 4 cups heavy cream 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 10 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 vanilla bean In a medium-sized bowl, crack 10 eggs and beat lightly. In a large stockpot, combine sugar, milk and cream. Heat over medium heat just until bubbles start to form around the edges of the pan, whisking continuously. Using a large ladle, slowly add approximately 1/2 cup of the hot milk to the beaten eggs, whisking the egg while pouring it in. Repeat, adding... more

The winner of the Flirty Apron Giveaway is Hannah, who said, “I don’t own an apron, but I would love to!” Congratulations, Hannah! Second, I owe you a recipe this afternoon, but while I’m working on that, there are a few other things you should check out around the web. Jessica over at Good (&CHEAP) Eats asked me to contribute to her Build a Frugal Pantry series. I shared my recipe for Almond Ginger Granola, which I have happily been snacking on all week, so definitely... more

One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. After weeks of nothing but cold gray and gloom, it’s finally nice out. We planted the rest of our garden this weekend with the sun shining down on us. It finally feels... more