What’s for dinner?

Ginger-Sherry Pork Chops & Cheddar Rhubarb Biscuits
Last night on the phone with my mom, I had to explain why I own a cookbook called "The One-Armed Cook." It's designed as a … [Read More]
What’s for dessert?

Blackberry Cabernet Cupcakes
My friends are hosting a Valenwine’s Party tonight to celebrate Valentine’s Day with wine tasting. Most people think of cheese and … [Read More]
In the Fresh Domestic Kitchen

Breakfast of Champions: Pancakes, Sausage & Poached Eggs
A hearty Breakfast of Champions if ever there was one: Silver Dollar Pancakes Poached Eggs Grilled Sausage Links Blackberries Not just once, but two days in a row. How do you follow up a breakfast like this? The rest of the day's meals have a tough act to follow. … [Read More]

Summer Squash, Scallops and Rice Pilaf with Balsamic Glaze
Nothing beats homegrown veggies straight out of the garden. Every time I've gone home to Indiana this summer, my mom - who inherited an impressive green thumb from her farming father, sends me back to Cleveland with a bounty of fresh produce, grown in the same rich soil my grandpa farmed for 60 years. This time, it was … [Read More]
In the Fresh Domestic Garden

Winter Wonderland
On my way out the door for breakfast — okay, a late breakfast at noon, what most people refer to as lunch — it was just starting … [Read More]

Flower Garden
No words to blog today, just pictures of vividly bright flowers from my garden that say it better in color than I can in … [Read More]
Around Town + Beyond

The First Camping Trip of the Season
This weekend, the warm weather forecast won out over the writing deadlines that begged me to stay indoors. Nature called, so in response we started packing our supplies and invited friends to come out for the first camping trip of the year. Our camping trips are usually somewhat spontaneous; during the week we … [Read More...]

How I Got the Grocery Store to Pay Me for Shopping
Yes, you read that right: I got the grocery store to pay me for buying name-brand toothpaste. And believe me, I don't work for Giant Eagle. I'm just a savvy bargain shopper. First, a disclaimer: I don't usually buy groceries at Giant Eagle, because I know that you can get better deals on better quality perishables … [Read More...]




