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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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Cheddar and Parmesan Gougères (Cheese Puffs)
Light and airy on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside, gougères make crowd-pleasing appetizers, snacks, or accompaniments to your favorite mocktail or glass of wine. Watch them puff in the oven then try one, and you’ll know why the French often serve these cheese puffs as the hot bite at an apéro, that beautiful moment to gather before dinner and unwind. Traditionally gougères are made with Comté or Gruyère, but I love the combination of aged cheddar and parmesan in this recipe. The base is pâte à choux, a versatile pastry from which you can make a variety of savory and sweet treats such as éclairs and cream puffs. Instead…
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Thanksgiving Gravy with Pan Drippings
Once you learn how to make good gravy, Thanksgiving Day is much more relaxing. Thick enough, still hot, and richly flavored gravy will accompany quite a few dishes on your guests’ plates, yet many of us struggle with this part of the dinner. Drippings can be intimidating to handle, and by the time you’re about to make it, the day often has become quite hectic with balancing multiple dishes, pouring drinks, and generally keeping the mood festive. All of this led me to share my tips on how to make a gravy for which you will give thanks. For most of my life, gravy-making felt like such an art that…
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Pumpkin and Flower Centerpiece
Now is the time of year when my garden blooms with the most beautiful autumn flowers, and the pumpkins at the market are irresistible, so I decided to turn gathered stems into this seasonal centerpiece. Overflowing with lavender, snapdragons, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and more, it’s lush enough to make a vibrant Thanksgiving centerpiece, particularly if made in multiples. As we head deeper into fall, my home will be filled with differently colored heirloom pumpkins, particularly those that tend toward blue and gray – though I also have my eyes on a gorgeous pinky-peach Galeux d’Eysines. Traditional varieties like the sugar pumpkin will certainly make their way into the mix as well…
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Fourth of July Celebration Ideas
July 4th is one of the most enjoyable holidays because it comes with so few expectations and so many opportunities for creativity. Let this list be your guide for a stylish and tasty celebration. Make a Seasonal Barbecue Sauce: Inspired by summers on the Maine coast, this recipe relies on fresh blueberries to create a slightly sweet and smoky sauce in the style of Carolina barbecue. The vinegar-rich sauce celebrates flavors from along the East Coast. Wherever you are, it’s a tasty way to celebrate summer’s finest while adding delicious flavor to chicken and meat. Mix Plaid, Gingham, Stars and Stripes: Traditional red, white, and blue can be found on…
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