I have a confession to make. I’m not really into the whole mint and chocolate combination. I’ve never disliked it, exactly, but it’s never been one of those things I crave. Mint chocolate chip has always been my father’s favorite flavor of ice cream, but ever since I was a kid, I could take it …

Bacon. Cheddar. Scones. Those three little words tell you all you really need to know about this savory breakfast pastry. During my many years as a vegetarian, I heard many many meat-eaters wax on about the wonders of bacon and claim that they could never endure life without it. To be honest, it was one …

For a long time, I didn’t know what passion fruit tasted like. I associated it vaguely with tropical juice blends and  artificial fragrances in things like air fresheners and girly shampoos. For some reason, I assumed it was syrupy sweet and generally unappealing. Man was I wrong. Real passion fruit is tart and fragrant, almost …

When I see baskets of squash blossoms at the farmers market I am instantly entranced. They are so lovely and delicate. I want to make a bouquet of them and use it as a centerpiece for some elegant but relaxed outdoor summer dinner party. Except I’ve never actually hosted a dinner party like that. And …

I have this theory that people tend to dress for yesterday’s weather. The day after a 90°F day, I see so many people in tank tops and shorts and sandals and sun dresses, even if it’s a high of 70°F  and raining. The day after a cold snap, I see so many people carrying around …

This has become my salad of the summer. More specifically, this basil vinaigrette has become my salad dressing of the summer. I love basil. When it’s in season at the farmers market I come home with a big bunch of it every week. I, like most people, usually use it to make pesto or sprinkle shreds of it …