Tasty Side: Avocado & Artichoke Salad

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I always thought artichokes were best left to the pros what with their prickly leaves and intimidating choke. However, I was recently at the grocery store and spied a pile of baby artichokes from California and thought I'd better give it a go. While California isn't really local, artichokes are in peak season there and they don't grow well on the East Coast. So, like lemons and oranges, some times you just have to get as close as you can and Cali is it for artichokes.

Classic Meals: Pastitsio

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When baby girl was born, I was lonely. None of my local friends were pregnant so while everyone wanted to meet baby girl and play with her occassionally, no one was interested in the nitty gritty of being with a baby all day long... and I was with her all day long. Did I mention that for her first six weeks baby girl screamed her head off day and night unless she was nursing or being walked?

Easy Dinner: Gnocchi with Creme Fraiche and Lemon Zest

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Wondering what to cook tonight? So was I the other day when I decided to take everything out of my fridge and see what's what. Turns out, I had the fixin's for a delicious meal. On friday, I'd bought fish for dinner, but then the hubby called up and said he had to work late. I hate putting a lot of effort into dinner for me and baby girl largely because she doesn't eat with the incredible gusto she use to. She's still good, but much of the time, she'll eat a few bites and then start desperately crying out, I wanna get down!

Snack Time: Labne with Za'atar and Olive Oil

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Hmm, this post is what my mother would call a cheatsie. As a child before TV, she and her sister spent hours playing card games. Double Solitaire was a favorite and, from time to time, when the cards weren't agreeing, my mother and aunt allowed one, two or even three cheatsies - depending on the day - where they could peer at hidden cards or reshuffle those in their hands. While I'm an admitted TV addict, I love getting away with my family where we play cards together constantly and laugh and get mad and tease and allow little cheatsies from time to time.

Easy Dinner: Flounder with Pea Shoots and Olives

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While spring has officially sprung, I haven't seen any evidence of it at the Farmer's Market. No asparagus or rhubarb or strawberries. It's murder walking through on a warm sunny day only to see the same old root veggies of winter.

Tasty Treat: Raspberry Shortbread Bars

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Five years ago, I was an unhappy cog in the machine that is Citigroup. Five years ago, I decided to stop being a cog and be happy and do things that make me happy and hopefully make me money. Five years ago I discovered Food & Wine magazine and, in the very first issue I bought, I discovered Raspberry Shortbread Bars. They are exactly what they sound like: a chewy, sweet and delicate cookie with a layer of raspberry jam in the middle.

Sunday Dinner: Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary

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My husband's biggest fear when baby girl was baptized Catholic (he's Jewish by birth and atheist in practice) was that she would be talking all the time about Jesus and how much she loved him. I laughed hysterically at his fears since I don't remember being completely obsessed with Jesus as a child and I was basically raised by nuns and priests. Not only is my mother very religious, but she put me through Catholic school all the way through college. Seriously, I was a convent school girl. Well, funnily enough, baby girl on her recent trips to church has begun creating songs about baby Jesus and how he's coming and how she loves him so much. I have no idea where these songs came from since Catholic church is more about singing of being blind and sinning.

Happy Birthday Almost Slowfood!

On this day 32 years ago, I was born. And then last year, on this same day, I mustered up enough courage to finally start a blog. Over the last year, I've shared stories, recipes and my ideas on local food and how easy and affordable it can be to eat well while supporting the environment. While I've tried not to preach, I hope you've found some recipes and some fun along the way.

I thank you all for reading, trying out recipes and telling your own stories. I'm excited for another year of cooking and eating well and sharing it all with you!

xx,
Peggy

PS - if there's anything you'd like me to try or if you have any suggestions on how to make this blog better, I'd love to hear them!