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The Beauty of Putting Things Away
On Easter Monday, after flowing conversations and plenty of overflowing plates, I set about the task of putting things away – my favorite blue faceted glasses, drink pitchers, serving plates, and other pieces. It struck me just how much I love the day after a celebration when I have time to feel the spirit of the gathering again. I’ll recall witty comments, sweet little moments, and the love poured into each other as we enjoyed so many delicious dishes. There is a joy in putting things away. When I host holidays, so much care goes into each choice. From the menu to the flowers, I love offering the foundation for…
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Feeding the Soul | The Link Between Cooking and Mindfulness
As a child I was fascinated by the beautiful hands of the women in my family as they kneaded dough, arranged chicken in a vegetable-laden stock pot, and offered plates of their latest delicious experiment. Once I began cooking, I realized the immense pleasure to be found in sinking into each moment in the kitchen. Far from focusing on the final dishes, I have always enjoyed the transformation of ingredients each step of the way. Often I’ll light a few tapers while I cook, a pre-event to the meal I’m about to serve. Now being a teacher of meditation and cooking, the link between these two areas is a realm…
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Chocolate Balsamic Vinaigrette
While this chocolate balsamic vinaigrette is enjoyable all year, I’m sharing it in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day since I consider this chocolate season. Make it as a decadent touch to greens with berries, pecans, cherries and any ingredient you think could use a kiss of chocolate. Pretty much any fruit plays well as do toasted nuts, seeds, brioche croutons, and a variety of cheeses. With a Valentine’s menu that doesn’t include salad, drizzle it over roasted carrots or winter squash. Serve this chocolate tart or truffle-like brownies for dessert. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be anticipating the sweetness of Valentine’s Day along with the…
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Cranberry Sparkle Shortbread Cookies
In my holiday baking classes, we have a tradition of making these cranberry sparkle shortbread cookies. They’re the perfect sweets to get you in the spirit early in the season and can easily be scaled up to bake for a crowd. With raw sugar as the gold topping and flaky sea salt for a touch of silver, you will feel good about using natural ingredients without sacrificing that festive holiday touch. I find them nice and sparkly for New Year’s celebrations! Shortbread has a tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture, here with bright pops of chopped dried cranberries. For more holiday flavor and cheer, additions such as finely chopped candied ginger can…
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Brandied Cranberry Sauce
When I think of decadent holiday cooking and cocktails, brandy always comes to mind. A generous amount transforms cranberry sauce into the most delicious accompaniment to turkey or your choice of roast. Holiday spices, cranberries, and dried fruit, which plumps while cooking, lend even more festive flavor. A touch of orange lends bright citrus that cranberries just seem to crave. Thanksgiving happens to be my favorite feast of the year, and I’m always looking for new ways to serve up something that will make loved ones feel joyful. Special ingredients and little touches always seem to do the trick. While you could omit the dried fruit, I recommend a combination…
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