Autumn. There are many things to love about this most anticipated of seasons (yes, even more anticipated than Christmas, 'cos winter's after that). Everyone will say it's the sweaters, the layers, the changing colours and the casting off of sweaty, sand scoured mosquito bites that they love most; but for me, it's always about The … Continue reading An Apple a Day (is not enough!)
If you don't love pickles, don't bother reading this one. Seriously, it's all about beloved pickled vegetables, from gherkins and bread-and-butter pickle slices to spicy pickled beets, cauliflower, and sauerkraut.
by MK Martin There are one or two mentions of Pagan solstice festivals in the facebook feed these days. Midwinter is a 'trend', and did you know that Santa was really tripping on mushrooms? But one I've never heard of, until I went looking, is Yalda. I'll only give some brief details, as it's worth … Continue reading Yalda: Midwinter in Iran
This time of year is quiet and sacred for me, and is usually a time of reflection by the fireside while snow falls softly over the forest nearby. Ancestors are honoured, and so the foods I make for this dinner honour them, in my own way.
by Pamela Capriotti Martin We’ve been blessed to have friends who love to cook as much as we do. Sally, Luke, and Sophie are great friends and Sally is a marvelous, creative cook and baker. And the cooks in our house, and the cooks in their house have a tendency to talk smack about whose … Continue reading Have a Holly, Jolly Meatball
It's on evenings such as this one that I appreciate a warm drink to wrap my hands around and sip, as it feels cold enough outside that the stars themselves may crack and shatter.
What will you trifle with this season? Traditional boozy pound cake with custard and berries? Or crumbled ginger cookies with peach slices and vegan coconut cream?
by Pamela Capriotti Martin I grew up in a neighborhood with lots of young families in 25 houses with 68 kids. While my mother was the only one who had a full-time out of home job, the others served as afternoon surrogates with cookies, brownies, and treats galore. Every Christmas we would bake 24 dozen … Continue reading Sugar and Spice
by MK Martin Have you been good? Hide all your birch switches, and say something kind to everyone you see today. In many parts of Europe, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated December 6th. On the night before, the horned devil Krampus roams the streets, seeking out the homes of naughty children. Mostly, he just swats … Continue reading Krampus is a Comin’
by MK Martin The only STEM subject I enjoyed in school was Chemistry. It's pretty easy to make the jump from chemistry to 'alchemy' in the mind, and making fantasy a part of my reality was a form of anxiety quelling mechanism that, whether for better or worse has been my constant companion. The Food … Continue reading Sugar Cookies for Every Day
