15 April 2009
2 Comments
Gardening, Herbs

Brief Note on Herbs


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Aaron’s mom is so good about sending little notes in the mail, and with the age of e-mail not slowing anytime soon, we always appreciate getting cards and notes from her.  On occasion, however, she’ll log on to the computer and shoot a note off to us:  “Hi and Happy Spring(?),  I want to grow some herbs this year and need to know what to grow besides basil and oregano.  You always have such tasty food and I want to learn how to do that.”  Short, sweet, and to the point.  My response was as such:

As far as herbs are concerned, we’ve grown quite a few over the years, with some more successful than others.  I have a little time, so I will give you a run-down of our experiences for each one. Continue reading →

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15 April 2009
2 Comments
Easter, Holidays, Passover, Weekends

A Weekend(+) of Eating


Thursday

This past weekend was a good long string of “food events,” which coincided with (and was inspired in part by) a visit from Christine and Charles, who are dear, dear friends.  As they were driving from Pittsburgh, I made sure to have food on hand for them when they arrived.  I always appreciate having a good meal after a long road trip, so I try to extend the courtesy to my loved ones.  As the winter is still very much here in Chicago, I decided to make something on the heartier side.  I also wanted to make something familiar to me so that I would not run the risk of a bad meal.  I decided on Braised Lamb Shanks with Pappardelle Pasta, which is something that I usually only make for company.  Aaron and I normally don’t eat pasta, so it is always a treat to have an excuse to whip up a big bowl of it.  Christine and Chuck both seemed pleased.  Paired with a small green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, you have a really satisfying meal. Continue reading →

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9 April 2009
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Introductions

Welcome, Welcome


Here it is:  a new spot on the web to talk about food culture – the culture of food.  Though I may not know exactly what I mean by that terminology, I am hoping to get to a closer understanding of it through writing and interactions with food lovers, cooks, chefs, butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers who might stop by this little patch of space.  I hope you’ll find my writing funny and helpful, and that you’ll be inspired to spend time thinking about what you eat, what it means to you and your family, and appreciate it for what it is, beyond perfunctoriness (a real word!).

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