2008 Year in Review: A Year of Seasonal Produce in New England

It’s no secret that our growing season in the northeast is a short one.  New England has its last frost some time around the end of April by the coast and early June in the mountains and first frost can be any time from early September to the end of October.  This year many crops were…

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The Winter Pantry: Surviving a New England Winter

I am not a weather junkie like my husband so I don’t usually plan for a snow storm or bad weather.  I try to check the weather periodically so my children are dressed properly for school/daycare, but even then I am not so consistent.  So what do I do to avoid dirty looks from my…

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The First Night of Chanukah: A Latke Recipe or Two

I made these latkes last year and have had a special request to serve them again. I am not a huge fan of variations on a theme, except perhaps in classical music, because I love tradition and tend to be a bit of a purist.  So to get around this, I usually prepare the classics…

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Weekly Holiday Bump: Cupcakes, Latkes, Giving, and Santa Claus

Kickass Cupcakes is holding a cupcake cocktail tastings all week. COCKTAIL CUPCAKE HAPPY HOURS! December 15th, 16th & 17th from 5pm-7pm Free tastings of mini cupcakes with cocktail inspired flavors On Sunday December 21st from 1pm-5pm they will host a Kids holiday cupcake decorating day.  The cost is $5 and includes 2 plain cupcakes and all…

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Christmas in Carver: From Carving Turkey To Carving Out Family Time

What does a family of New York (once or twice removed) Jews do when Chanukah falls right around Christmas?  We carve out some family time.  You can’t have a Chanukah party two weeks before Chanukah starts because waiting for the first night will be an eternity for the kids.  It is bad enough that they…

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Sustainable Saturday

(I know today is Friday, but I’ll be away from my computer on Saturday so just close your eyes until then or click on another article and save this for tomorrow.) The next secretary of agriculture will soon be chosen.  If you would like to read a little about what the issues are and have…

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Holiday Survival Series: Breakfast For Dinner

Okay parents.  It is that time of year.  We’re festive, we’re fun, we’re decorating, we’re shopping a little, we’re planning, we’re travelling, and we’re starting to get tired and cranky already. Take a deep breath.  I decided that I would re-evaluate everything I am doing right now.  First I think: Is it necessary?  Yes, I…

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Oatmeal Cookie Mix

This is taken from Canadian Living.  It was a holiday insert of theirs from a couple years ago. The ingredients are layared into a clear jar.  Be sure to attach the instructions for cooking.  If you want to take it up a notch, get a basket to put the “fresh” ingredients in along with the mix….

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Gifts From the Kitchen: Save a Penny, Please Many

Every year, we try to make at least some home-made gifts.  The kids love to make things and I do too.  I think there is intrinsic value in a homemade gift and thus intrinsic value in making them especially with my children.  I often invite friends to help, especially friends who describe themselves as craftaphobic…

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Kendall Square Ice Rink: All You Need is Hot Cocoa

The perfect winter day for me requires three main ingredients: snow an outdoor activity hot chocolate Well the snow has made a few appearances.  As my daughter says, “Jack Frost was here!”.  We have finally unearthed all the winter hats, scarves, mittens and under layers. There is not enough snow for great skiing, but surprisingly…

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