by Anne Papina on August 10, 2014
When I was a young cook, I fancied myself mastering things such as yeast breads, summer preserves, and berry pies, delicacies that required time and patience to prepare. I envisioned a kitchen lined with blue ribbons from county fairs, living in a place where my preserves were recognized at least three towns over. Silly dreams […]
by Anne Papina on May 17, 2014
When it comes to food, nothing epitomizes comfort more so than the potato. Whether mashed, hashed, home fried, deep fried, baked with or without obscene amounts of cheesy, creamy goodness, the potato reigns supreme. With picnic and barbecue season just around the corner, potato salads are prime to take center stage. So, when the Sunday […]
by Anne Papina on April 27, 2014
The five-ingredient challenge–that’s the focus of this week’s #SundaySupper, and Alice over at Hip Foodie Mom is hosting. For me, this was a no-brainer–Auntie Marcie’s Drunken Chicken and Potatoes–a meal in a pan.
by Anne Papina on April 20, 2014
Happy Easter! We’re not terribly religious around here, but we do take time to celebrate the major holidays, Easter being one of our favorites. This week’s #SundaySupper is all about the holiday feast, and Alaiyo over at Pescetarian Journal is hosting. Occasions such as this bring the family together and deserve a special meal, so […]
by Anne Papina on March 16, 2014
I grew up in one of those meat-and-potatoes households and as a child found myself fascinated with the old Hidden Valley Ranch commercials. Could snacking on veggies be that fun?! As you might imagine, greens were hardly in my vocabulary back then, so when my buddy DB over at Crazy Foodie Stunts said he was […]
by Anne Papina on November 24, 2013
It seems hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just a few days away–are you ready? I’m not! You probably figure I’ve forgotten all about turkey day considering all the Christmas cookies I’ve been baking lately, but nothing could be further from the truth. Once I get Thanksgiving on the brain, all thoughts turn to the […]
by Anne Papina on November 10, 2013
Did you know the world’s largest cheese was an American Cheddar out of Wisconsin? True story. Made as a promotional gimmick for the Wisconsin exhibit at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, it measured 6 1/2 feet wide by 5 1/2 feet high by 14 1/2 feet long, and weighed in at a whopping 34,591 […]
by Anne Papina on September 22, 2013
What’s not to love about fall? Thoughts of turning leaves, cool, crisp evenings, and cozy sweaters paint a romantic portrait in my mind. But in my San Francisco reality, much of that won’t pan out yet as the fog finally clears, making way for our Indian Summer. Sure, leaves will turn, eventually, but without all […]
by Anne Papina on September 14, 2013
Growing up, the making of the “gravy” was a big production. Actually, it still is, but once your kitchen fills with the heady aroma of fresh herbs and garlic, you realize it’s worth all the effort. A simmering pot of meaty-tomatoey-herby deliciousness promises of good things to come. My mom would start her day early, […]
by Anne Papina on September 1, 2013
Parades, picnics, and barbeques all go hand-in-hand with Labor Day, which for most simply marks the end of summer. There was a time, however, when American workers weren’t afforded the luxury of a day off, and Labor Day honors the contributions and achievements of those who struggled to improve working conditions for everyone. Of course, […]