Gumbo with Ham Hock and Shrimp

Gumbo with Ham Hock and Shrimp

  Gumbo with Ham Hock and Shrimp I was lucky to be involved in many projects when I was teaching requiring travel to many areas of the U.S. and what I  enjoyed about each experience was that after a brain draining day of work — 

Pork and Cabbage Soup

Pork and Cabbage Soup

  Pork and Cabbage Soup When I think back on most years of my life, I am able to remember being sick once every year or two — and when I started teaching — every year.  Sometimes, it went on for more than two months, 

Roasted Spiced Carrot and Quinoa Salad

Roasted Spiced Carrot and Quinoa Salad

Sometimes when I’m at the market, I come across bags of brightly colored carrots — carrots in a deep burgundy and cheerful yellow nestled with the expected orange.  Once in a while there are a few  very pale yellow carrots in the mix as well, 

Baked Apple Dumplings with Sweet Browned Butter Sauce

Baked Apple Dumplings with Sweet Browned Butter Sauce

  I think the first time I tried to make an apple dumpling I was about 26, give or take a year. I don’t remember cooking much during that particular time in my life, but what I did cook has stayed with me — for 

Visiting Virginia: Almond Pecan Walnut Pancakes

Visiting Virginia: Almond Pecan Walnut Pancakes

A pleasant trip east to visit with my sister in Virginia. A boat ride along the Potomac, a hike to Great Falls Park, and quick visit to Charlottesville to see her youngest.