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When you see the word gnocchi – your brain starts to fizzle, you get a little sweaty and start looking for an exit. How do I say this word? Why is there even a G in the name if I can’t say it? GAHHHH! Ok. Ok. Let’s just settle down – we are still at the beginning of the alphabet here. Let’s call them dumplings. … Continue reading D is for dumplings
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Chocolate chip cookies. Simple, warm and comforting. I think we can all use a little simple and some kindness right now. Continue reading C is for cookie
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Yikes….almost a year between blog posts. Hi, how are you? I’m good thanks. Yes, I’m still cooking- but no, I’m not planning on opening another restaurant (but, never say never, I guess), yes, I still live in Perry and yes, I commute to West Des Moines every day, but after living in NYC for so long – a little 35-minute drive is nothing, actually is … Continue reading B is for baked sushi
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Now, before you say you hate anchovies, or you don’t really care for anchovies, or say, can you make this without anchovies please? NO! Give these little salty, briny, umami guys a break! What’s umami? It’s actually one of the five basic tastes along with sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Anchovies are a secret weapon. Fancy pants! Frequently asked questions. 1. Are they fishy? Well, … Continue reading A is for Anchovy
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Recently I made birthday dinner for a dear friend, one of my favorite things to be asked. And with the pandemic, we’ve had to rethink what birthdays look like. When you cook for a living, some people hesitate to ask you for your help or to even host a birthday dinner. They don’t want to bother you. But I will say it again, it’s one … Continue reading Birthday Shrimp
It’s my 44th trip around the sun this week, and while I’m more in-the-moment sensitive and emotional than retrospective, this year has me looking back. I’ve always had really great birthdays. I’m usually working, but that’s what made them so special. Employers, co-workers, employees, friends and my family always make the day incredible. Nothing over the top, Rick threw a surprise party for me one … Continue reading spaghetti pie
I’m not a huge fan of pumpkin – I don’t dislike it – I’m just not obsessed with the taste. I don’t PSL anything- I wouldn’t knock it out of your hands – I just wouldn’t go out of my way to order it. My friend Pat (owner and creative genius behind Salvaged Soul, Perry Iowa) LOVES pumpkin. She offered me a couple bags of … Continue reading hey pumpkin
I talk about New York a lot, but I lived there from 1995 until 2016 – 21 years. There are things about New York that I certainly miss (bagels), but I’m so happy I moved back home. Sunday mornings in Brooklyn were dedicated to bagels from Hot Bagel, soft pants, coffee (sometimes prosecco) and movies. Hot Bagel is owned/operated by an incredibly kind man, Yasser, … Continue reading everything BUT the bagel
Bartenders in NYC are a bit of a celebrity. They take their craft very seriously, and there is nothing more enjoyable than having a meal – at the bar – watching the bartender make drinks for the dining room and listening to the chatter around you. Some of my most memorable dining experiences have been at a “fancy” restaurant, starting at the bar, having a … Continue reading maple old fashioned
