Lifesavers for Beginners, TLC Book Stop, and Apricot Brandy Bars

Lifesaving for Beginners is today’s stop on the TLC Book Tour. It’s a dark and cathartic memoir so you might need a comforting apricot bar and a cup of tea before you sit down to read. . . . → Read More: Lifesavers for Beginners, TLC Book Stop, and Apricot Brandy Bars

Olive Tapenade and Crostini

Today is a TLC Book Tour stop. What does a typical Midwestern family look like? It might be the Baumgartners. Here’s a review of Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners by Gretchen Anthony along with a truly delicious tapenade recipe. . . . → Read More: Olive Tapenade and Crostini

Sourdough Pizza Crust with Local Toppings

My sourdough is still ALIVE! And, it makes a pretty killer pizza dough. Join me for this round of Cook the Books Club and Sourdough by Robin Sloan. . . . → Read More: Sourdough Pizza Crust with Local Toppings

Mango-Chai Lassi and The Art of Inheriting Secrets

An American countess, a mysterious inheritance, a hot younger guy and an Indian beverage….Want to know how these are all connected? . . . → Read More: Mango-Chai Lassi and The Art of Inheriting Secrets

Mango Cake with Coconut Topping

I recently posted a terrific and marvelous and delicious and life-changing baked bean recipe that we made up for the Fourth of July. Today I am featuring another recipe that I made when family was visiting earlier in the month.

Last summer we traveled to Iowa to spend the Fourth with my sister and her . . . → Read More: Mango Cake with Coconut Topping

Garlic and Sapphires (and Strozzapreti with Tomatoes, Olives & Herbed Goat Cheese)

Ruth Reichl’s Garlic and Sapphires is the June/July selection for Cook the Books. Join me in my re-reading of Reichl’s reflections on being a disguised NYT’s food critic. . . . → Read More: Garlic and Sapphires (and Strozzapreti with Tomatoes, Olives & Herbed Goat Cheese)

Tortellini Salad with Cherry Tomatoes & Olives

A truly remarkable novel for the TLC Book Tour inspired this simple and summery pasta salad. . . . → Read More: Tortellini Salad with Cherry Tomatoes & Olives

Potato Salad with Kombu

Here’s an interesting twist on potato salad, a staple for upcoming holiday picnics and BBQs. I am using it today to accompany a review of The Bar Harbor Retirement Home for Famous Writers (And Their Muses) by Terri-Lynne DeFino for TLC Book Tour. . . . → Read More: Potato Salad with Kombu

#TheLostFamilySupperClub and Hamburger Walter

Hamburger Walter with Veggies….If it makes no sense, read the book. . . . → Read More: #TheLostFamilySupperClub and Hamburger Walter

Sichuan Cucumber and Noodle Salad for April/May Cook the Books

Shark’s Fin and Sichuan Pepper: A Sweet-Sour Memoir of Eating in China by Fuschia Dunlop inspired this salad. “I’d really be just as happy with a bowl of noodles.” . . . → Read More: Sichuan Cucumber and Noodle Salad for April/May Cook the Books