Supermarket Flower Challenge: Your Bouquets

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

In a post a couple of weeks ago I asked for your help in meeting an everyday challenge:  how to make something special out of the less-than-inspiring flowers that are usually available at the supermarket.  The parameters were simple: everything (except the vessel) had to come from a genuine supermarket or bodega (no farmers’ markets […]

Avocado “Creme Brulee”

Monday, February 28, 2011

When I was a kid (in the 1970s), my mother made a dessert that involved avocados, lime Jello, and something creamy –I think mayonnaise.  It sounds odd (and it was, a little), but it was also very good, and I’ve always remembered how much I liked rich creamy avocado in a sweet, fruity dish.  From […]

Our New Loft: Before

Friday, February 25, 2011

Demolition has started.  We’re committed.  It’s a little unnerving to see our home in ruins, but it’s also exciting to really begin the process of making the place our own. Before I start sharing progress photos, though, I thought I’d show you some “before” pictures of the space and tell you a bit about the […]

Apres-Ski Fare: Tagine of Lamb with Prunes

Sunday, February 20, 2011

We’re on a little ski holiday in Deer Valley, Utah this week with good friends from San Francisco.  In truth, it could be more accurately described as an apres-ski holiday since our group is probably more interested in dining by the fire than schussing down the slopes.  (Julia’s too young to ski, but she’s having […]

When it’s OK to say “Frisco”

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

San Franciscans (and I count myself among them) are protective of our city’s name, even to the point of being a little prickly about it.  We like to use the whole thing, thank you –all four syllables.  (“San Fran” produces winces of mild irritation, but repeated use of “Frisco” can get you escorted from a […]

Supermarket Flowers, Valentine’s Edition

Monday, February 14, 2011

When I went to the market today, I thought I’d grab the bull by the horns and try to make a nice Valentine’s Day bouquet out of a dozen red roses.  They’re not the most original gift  (I got a weary look from the clerk when I checked out), and the special Valentine’s arrangements on […]

Indian Turkey Meatballs (or Burgers, or Breakfast Patties)

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Ground turkey always seems like a good idea — it’s lean, nutritious and economical, a virtuous substitute for beef, pork and (gasp) veal in dishes like hamburgers and meatballs.  I can never get very excited about actually eating it, though.  In my hands at least, the turkey version of the meat dish usually ends up […]

Supermarket Floral Challenge

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Someday I’d love to have a great florist (and we know a brilliant one –Zeze Flowers in New York) deliver fresh flowers to the house every week.  I’d come home on, say, Tuesdays to see what beautiful seasonal creation they’d left on the dining table (and, while I’m fantasizing, in our bedrooms too).  In reality, […]

Get in the Mood with a Valentini

Sunday, February 6, 2011

It’s just a week away.  Here’s a repost of a favorite Valentine’s Day cocktail to get help get you in the mood for (scheduled) romance. There was a time where the whole concept of Valentine’s Day irritated me.  Of course, it’s a perfect example of a Hallmark Holiday; that is, a day that seems to […]

Eggs Fried in Breadcrumbs

Friday, February 4, 2011

After about a six-month hiatus, Julia’s into eggs again, so I went looking for some new ways to prepare them for us.  I’m new to this way of cooking eggs, and, frankly, I’m a little irked that I haven’t been eating this dish for the last 45 years.  It’s astoundingly delicious.  The creamy, soft-centered eggs […]

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