What now? My quandary resembled de Kooning’s Untitled XI — one of his “20 new canvases”completed at 71 years old. What’s next? What is my passion? My answers and inspiration come from going outside myself… the Art Institute of Chicago my muse. I put … Continue reading
Heart Throb… How many hearts did you break? How many songs did it take? VALENTINE IT’S YOU! How many times, no clue— How many promises to be true? “Don’t be a fool, eat pasta fazool.” In the mood to brood? Change your attitude… With John’s Hearty comfort food. JOHN’S “HEARTY” PASTA FAZOOL INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons butter, divided … Continue reading
My love affair with radishes began when I was six years old and pulled my first baby radish from our city prairie garden. The green leaves popped early, their tiny tips of red tinge bursting warm though the hard dirt. I tugged at the leafy stem. Once out, it looked like a tiny red carrot. … Continue reading
Crispy, chewy, toothy texture with an echo of ginger! Smart snack-attack food, appetizer or main meal star. “According to folklore, the magic words “Open sesame!” came from the sesame seed pod—which bursts open when ripe— and that when the gods created the world… they drank sesame seed wine! Black sesame seeds contain about 60% more … Continue reading
“Help me help myself.” Maria Montessori’s quote is the inspiration for this recipe… and the Gluten-free Bisquick® box. How’s this for a contented look on a kid? Anthony, age eight, prepared this meal on his own with a little guidance and he also made the broccoli and cauliflower recipe posted earlier, but we snacked on … Continue reading
Tortilla Espanola is one Spanish tapa I always order. I decided to make it— to go with the Seafood Paella Ole! It is sometimes served as a light dinner in Spanish homes with a salad. Tortilla Espanola 8-10 servings as an appetizer 7 medium potatoes or 12 small potatoes, peeled 6 large eggs or … Continue reading
Olivia started it with a gift of a beautiful Spanish fan and a pair of fine leather Spanish gloves. A vial of Spanish saffron from Laura and Miguel with the promise of Miguel’s Paella recipe…. A red and black Spanish apron from Nancy and John with more polka-dots and ruffles than a Carmen Miranda movie! … Continue reading
Nancy and John had a Chili and Cornbread Cook-Off. There were three categories, Chili, Vegetarian Chili, and Cornbread. What an aromatic… and filling. Fun and easy! After 4pm people started arriving with grins, boxes, pots, slow-cookers, beer, wine, and kids. A serious competition. This group is serious about their Chili. Pierre, The 2010 Rib Throwdown … Continue reading
I am working on the final draft of my book in progress, Italian Handful. I went to the Art Institute Chicago where I could sit in the Ryerson and Burnham library (very silent and the seats have cushions) to read my manuscript undistracted, cover to cover, both feet on the ground, without a pen to … Continue reading
On January 2,2011 I received this notice from WordPress.com. I am thrilled. I wanted to share it with you and thank you for your support: “The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and here’s a high level summary of its overall blog health: The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads WOW. Crunchy … Continue reading
Italian Handful 