• Purple Carrots
    Living

    Kitchen Moves

    Cooking is a vein that runs through my family. When my great-grandfather arrived from Italy, he opened a butcher shop and became known for having the best sausage in the neighborhood. While the store has long since closed, its legacy carries on through stories and the ongoing quest to recreate its recipes. We talk about the short-sightedness of not writing such things down, but it tests the memory of those who actually tasted them. They will know if we ever achieve the right combination of pork fat and spices. Beyond those who worked for the butcher shop, many became dedicated to baking and perfecting recipes within the home. Rarely did…

  • Food

    Blueberry Barbecue Sauce

    Of all the destinations on the Eastern Seaboard, the rugged shores of Maine have a particular allure. Rocky beaches, lobster in the rough, and the heavy scent of nearby forest meant vacation to me, while most of my childhood friends traveled south. My father and I climbed the jagged rocks by day, and the sunburned shoulders I had earned were covered by night, when there was a chill to the salty air. With the abundance of wild blueberries, breakfasts were sure to include pancakes dotted with them and syrups made from bursting the tiny fruits. Since cultivated blueberries are more widely available, I rely on them at home to make…

  • Green Goddess Buttermilk Dressing
    Food

    Green Goddess Buttermilk Vinaigrette

    Whether it is the crumb on a muffin or the chile chive drizzle on a piece of freshly grilled fish, I love a good topping. This green goddess buttermilk vinaigrette has become my latest go-to dressing for salads, smoked salmon, and sandwiches. If you’re looking for a healthy and incredibly delicious way to add an extra layer of flavor to a dish, this recipe will not disappoint. Green goddess is traditionally made with mayonnaise and sour cream, but I lightened it up a bit. In the form of buttermilk vinaigrette, the dressing is thicker than a typical oil and vinegar emulsion, but healthy enough that you can use it liberally.…

  • Valentine's Day Inspiration
    Living

    Valentine’s Day Inspiration

    Valentine’s Day is almost here, and I have to admit that it’s my favorite holiday. As a child, I was thrilled to head off to school with a heart-shaped bag my mother would sew out of a few pieces of red patterned fabric, and which I would stuff with little notes for everyone. Two hearts sewn together simply with a handle long enough to hang off my shoulder. Perfection. Of all the holidays, Valentine’s Day can be fraught with disappointment for those expecting declarations, gifts, and romantic messages. The greatest love letters come at random times, with motivations often ranging from loss to apologetic desire. Consider the closing lines of…