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In Spring, the Asparagus Is Always Greener
Thank heavens for the lowly shoot of the lily family plant known by the Persian word for sprout, “asparag.” The British, for a brief period in the 18th century, called it sparrow grass. Too many of us today think of…
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Party Time! It’s Asian New Year
For our Asian friends, this is the season to celebrate the new year, the most important and festive annual holiday, with big feasts, family gatherings, and fun traditions. Many traditions are based on an ancient myth of a monster named…
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Eating Spring Greens from the Woods
It’s not just crocus and daffodils poking through the ground. Early spring vegetables are soon to be here. Already at some of the local farm stands, you’ll see early greens: lettuces, kale, and spinach, but also broccolini, asparagus, and spring…
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Cooking in a Small City Kitchen
Some things we take for granted. I’m lucky to have a decent kitchen setup with enough space for storage and food preparation, close to the sink and the stove. Plus, we have an assortment of great appliances and tools including…
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Make Mine Meatballs (or, Fun with My New Meat Grinder)
I’ve discovered a new kitchen device after taking my own advice. In February while writing about sausage-making, I noted that KitchenAid was offering a sale on things like meat-grinder attachments for a standing mixer. I went for it, and it’s…
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Warm Up the Kitchen with a Vegetable Roast
Looking for a healthful meal that’s simple, relatively fast, and doesn’t require a lot of clean-up? How about trying roasted vegetables? With a little creativity, you can put together your own family recipes that are easy to repeat. And perhaps…
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Here Comes the Fudge
Whatever happened to fudge? That question occurred to me since it’s Valentine’s Day – which usually means chocolate. And what could be more chocolate than fudge? When I was growing up in the 1950s, it seemed that a lot of…
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A Warm Winter Toast
The next time you’re feeling cranky about wearing a mask, think about the healthcare workers who have to wear masks, plastic face shields, and heavy protective gear all day long. Mrs. Farmboy decided to concoct a new drink to honor…
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Simple and Quick Go-To Recipes
I’m guessing that many of us are feeling a little burned out on cooking, and there are evenings when we just want an easy menu that will satisfy the family. I’ve felt that way more than once over the past…
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A Treasured Family- and Food-Centered Journal
You can learn a lot about a person by their relationship with food. I think I know a lot about Wilma Joyce “Billie” Simmons, the mother of my friend Tom Stites. I’ve never met her, but I had the privilege…
