Category Archives: food

Roasted Beet & Fresh Mozzarella Stack with Thai Basil and Meyer Lemon

This dish started the way many of my favorite recipes do. With a plan, a fridge check, and a small disappointment. I usually reach for goat cheese when roasting beets. It’s the classic pairing, tangy and familiar. But after a thorough and very hopeful search of the fridge, there was no goat cheese to beContinue reading “Roasted Beet & Fresh Mozzarella Stack with Thai Basil and Meyer Lemon”

Spicy Beef & Veggie Cauliflower Skillet

A high-protein, one-pan beef and vegetable skillet made with sweet potato, cauliflower rice, and frozen vegetables. An easy, nourishing meal with built-in leftovers.

The Kitchens That Made Me

Before I understood food as flavor or craft, I understood it as place.The kitchens that shaped me were not show kitchens. They were working kitchens—rooms where the outside came in on muddy shoes and sun-warmed hands. Both of my grandmothers were gardeners, and their kitchens reflected that. Counters were places of transition, where something pulledContinue reading “The Kitchens That Made Me”

Gijon, Spain And Aviles Tapas/Cider Tour

Exiting the ship in Gijon (pronounced Hee-hawn), there was a local dance troupe and band playing traditional local music. It was amazing to be greeted and welcomed with smiling locals who are happy to have us here! The local military police administered a temperature test and a squirt of hand sanitizer before our walk toContinue reading “Gijon, Spain And Aviles Tapas/Cider Tour”

Travel to Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Last year (October 2021) we took an epic family adventure to Europe. Have you heard of Santiago, Spain? It was one of the stops along our Oceania cruise. Xulio (Shu-lee-o) was our tour guide. The locals speak Castilian Spanish and Galletian (mix of Spanish and Portuguese). The most common trees in this area are oakContinue reading “Travel to Santiago de Compostela, Spain”

Manina (A restaurant review in Frederick/Urbana, MD)

Dessert is like the cuddle after love-making…

Two Days Off Trail in Camden, NJ and Philadelphia, PA!

Took a couple of days off the Appalachian Trail to meet up with my daughter in Camden, NJ for a concert and an eating tour of Philly! Philly is SO MUCH more than Rocky 🥊 and the constitution…

Blue Toad Cidery

About 4-miles off trail (an easy hitch) and just east of the Appalachian Trail at Reid’s Gap is Blue Toad Cidery. Devil’s Backbone Brewery is directly across the street, but this place is a hidden gem. Gorgeous scenery, right along the river! You can cozy up inside or take a seat right along the riverContinue reading “Blue Toad Cidery”