Spiced Chickpea Stew with Coconut Milk and Turmeric

Here on my little patch of heaven Mother Nature can be fickle, but she does allow some consistent harbingers of spring. Like wild yellow aconite blooming, blanketing the hill down to the East Fork river alongside our home. Many years ago the first few seeds were flung at the top by dear friend Ike Leaf, of blessed memory. “The flowers will spread down the hill“, … Continue reading Spiced Chickpea Stew with Coconut Milk and Turmeric

Comforting Irish Stew and the Best Soda Bread

There’s an old saying that there’s no language like the Irish for soothing. I’ll take it a step further and say the same about their food. St. Patrick’s Day and comfort food go hand in hand. Like Irish stew. Meat, root vegetables and broth form the base of a hearty, uncomplicated, nourishing peasant stew. I will tell you I’ve made this a couple of times and … Continue reading Comforting Irish Stew and the Best Soda Bread

Diner Style Salmon Patties Amid a Winter Storm

As I write this column, another winter storm is predicted. I took a photo of the outhouse when I went outside to feed the “girls”/chickens. All I can say is, I’m sure glad we’re living today and not years ago when all along our country road, outhouses were essential.  So were cook stoves that used wood as fuel.  I guess what I’m getting at is … Continue reading Diner Style Salmon Patties Amid a Winter Storm

The “Taste of Lebanon” Indoor Fall Festival

The “Taste of Lebanon” Indoor Fall Festival I love Lebanese food (after all, I’m Lebanese….) and love to cook it. Just this weekend I made stuffed cabbage rolls. So good. But you know what? This food takes TIME to make and that’s where the St. Anthony of Padua food feast comes in. Yes, it’s this coming Sunday and all your Middle Eastern faves are there … Continue reading The “Taste of Lebanon” Indoor Fall Festival

Take the Chill off with Black Eyed Pea Stew

Hard to believe that September has passed and we’re into the first week of October. The corn stalks have turned a dark tan, which means it’s time to cut them down for bundling. Corn stalks make a nice autumn display. We prop them up behind the straw bales alongside the outhouse. The little ones put pumpkins, squash and gourds on top of the bales and … Continue reading Take the Chill off with Black Eyed Pea Stew

Turkey/Chicken & No Peek Dumplings

Here on my little patch of heaven, the day has turned bitter cold with winds and a squall of snow. Since I have turkey left over from Thanksgiving, I’m going to make some turkey & dumplings (chicken would work, too). No kidding, this is one tummy warming, satisfying meal. All in one bowl! And if you’ve never made dumplings, no worries. My detailed recipe guarantees … Continue reading Turkey/Chicken & No Peek Dumplings