You know those fancy self serve olive bars in the grocery stores, I’ve always wondered if people actually used them since I rarely saw people lined up. It wasn’t until recently (when I finally got around to liking olives) that I understood the allure of an entire bar dedicated to salty, sour, spicy, preserved…
Tomatoes
Mom’s Fresh Salsa
Every time I am at the grocery store and I pass the tomato section, especially in the summer, and I see those bright red vibrant tomatoes on the vine, I think of my mom. I think of her picking through the bunches and bringing those bright red orbs to her nose to see if they…
Sweet Potato & Millet Stew
Well, the forecast calls for what seems like a month of low 30’s to mid-40’s with lots of cute images of raindrops and snowflakes here in Washington. Although I am dreaming of seeing those first sprouts and pea shoots in a glimmering beam of early sunshine I am thankful for the present because it makes…
Creamy Tortilla Soup
Last week I could not get over a strong craving for fresh corn tortillas. I would find myself throwing them over an open flame on my stove until they were barely charred and ripping them into bite size pieces to enjoy their savory, roast-y, corn-y goodness. Smelling and tasting that roasted corn got me thinking of…
Fennel Minestrone with Orzo
Recently, with family in town I needed a quick and simple dinner to fill up my guests. So I consolidated my pantry and fridge and came up with this delicious concoction. Soups and stews are a wonderful way to get in lots of vegetables, grains, and greens. They are easy to make in large batches, so…