This chilled cucumber yogurt soup was the result of a happy coincidence. I wrote this post years ago, but the soup is now a favorite of mine during cucumber season. I've updated it with a few photos and edited the text. But the recipe remains as I wrote it almost a decade ago. How a Birthday Dinner Caused Me to Make Chilled Cucumber Yogurt Soup Our weekly CSA delivery included four English cucumbers. Normally, I would have made tzatziki , a cucumber and yogurt ... read more

Miso Tahini Chocolate Chunk Cookies
After a marvelous ramen meal at a DC restaurant I had a disappointing dessert. The starters, ramen, and noodle dishes were all delicious. The miso butter creme cookies not so much. Instead, they were meh chocolate chip cookies with a dab of miso butter on the side. On the way home I decided to invent my own version of the cookies. These Miso Tahini Chocolate Chunk Cookies are the result. Maybe I should not have expected so much in the dessert, as the Japanese are not known for their ... read more

Hosting 101, Not-Quite-Post Pandemic
I invited my friend Sonia Checchia, party planner extraordinaire, to do this guest post. Her confidence-boosting and sensible tips are a fabulous starting point for getting back to hosting. Like my 10 ... read more

Easy Shepherd’s Pie
When the weather turns unseasonably cool, or if the evening feels chilly after a warm day, this Easy Shepherd's Pie is my answer to "what's for dinner?" Actually, the person asking that question may ... read more

Easy Cheesy Loaded Cornbread
This Easy Cheesy Loaded Cornbread is truly addictive. It is basically savory, but with that touch of sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. And it's colorful too. It's perfect for a Memorial ... read more

Beet Greens Soup, The Vegan Version
Has this ever happened to you? You buy a bunch of beets to roast, pickle, or cook, and you're left with the tops. Not wanting to waste the greens, you look for a way to use them. But how to do that ... read more









