• Thanksgiving turkey drawing
    Food

    Thanksgiving Gravy with Pan Drippings

    Once you learn how to make good gravy, Thanksgiving Day is much more relaxing. Thick enough, still hot, and richly flavored gravy will accompany quite a few dishes on your guests’ plates, yet many of us struggle with this part of the dinner.  Drippings can be intimidating to handle, and by the time you’re about to make it, the day often has become quite hectic with balancing multiple dishes, pouring drinks, and generally keeping the mood festive. All of this led me to share my tips on how to make a gravy for which you will give thanks. For most of my life, gravy-making felt like such an art that…

  • Floral arrangement in a pumpkin
    Living

    Pumpkin and Flower Centerpiece

    Now is the time of year when my garden blooms with the most beautiful autumn flowers, and the pumpkins at the market are irresistible, so I decided to turn gathered stems into this seasonal centerpiece. Overflowing with lavender, snapdragons, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and more, it’s lush enough to make a vibrant Thanksgiving centerpiece, particularly if made in multiples. As we head deeper into fall, my home will be filled with differently colored heirloom pumpkins, particularly those that tend toward blue and gray – though I also have my eyes on a gorgeous pinky-peach Galeux d’Eysines. Traditional varieties like the sugar pumpkin will certainly make their way into the mix as well…

  • Vanilla ice cream topped with raspberry sauce
    Drinks,  Food,  Living

    Fourth of July Celebration Ideas

    July 4th is one of the most enjoyable holidays because it comes with so few expectations and so many opportunities for creativity. Let this list be your guide for a stylish and tasty celebration. Make a Seasonal Barbecue Sauce: Inspired by summers on the Maine coast, this recipe relies on fresh blueberries to create a slightly sweet and smoky sauce in the style of Carolina barbecue. The vinegar-rich sauce celebrates flavors from along the East Coast. Wherever you are, it’s a tasty way to celebrate summer’s finest while adding delicious flavor to chicken and meat. Mix Plaid, Gingham, Stars and Stripes: Traditional red, white, and blue can be found on…

  • Pink tulips on counter
    Living

    Welcome Spring Into the Kitchen

    The first day of spring is upon us, and a rotating array of the season’s produce will be on display at the farmer’s market. Regal spears of asparagus, handfuls of pea pods, and wily bunches of sprouts will make their way into my basket and onto the pages of Thirsty Radish. Along the way, I’ll share what I’m enjoying and invite you to cook along with me. To kick things off, here are some seasonal cooking ideas, a little music advice, and even a recommendation of what to wear to stay comfy as you usher in spring. Take Chocolate to the Floral Side A gift of candied violet chocolate and…

  • Glitter Pumpkin
    Living

    Halloween Party Ideas

    For most of my life, I’ve lived at least slightly in fear of Halloween, but now I welcome it as a chance to indulge in the non-spooky side of the holiday, meaning candy, fall food, and pumpkins. In preschool I was so terrified of the boys wearing scary masks that my teacher made them remove the plastic disguises to prove their identities. Now I live in fear of a loved one hiring a scary clown to deliver doughnuts to my front door. Whether you celebrate Halloween as a more sparkly Thanksgiving, like I do, or you look forward to binging on horror movies, the tips on the list will help…