goose, goose, gorilla
Carnegie, Pa, is home to over 20 local businesses that support visual & performing arts. Performing arts organizations represent over 100 local performers, and visual arts organizations represent over 200 local artists. Carnegie Arts walk was in its first year and had a newly formed committee to make it happen. The four of us set out to set the benchmark and showcase our town. We had sponsors and over 33 stops for the day in just...
You have your grandmother’s eyes.
That is what everyone used to say. My grandma Margaret (my dad’s mom), that is. I don’t think I looked like her at all, but we spent a lot of time together, summers, and every chance I got. Eccentric. That is how people described her. Bold, creative, risk-taker, that is how I saw her. She has been gone for over 30 years, but she is with me every day. Margaret was a trailblazer. She owned a bar, was a seamstress who...
You Gotta Ricotta Cake
This cake is both elegant enough for company and easy enough for a weeknight. I think the secret to making this cake (or cookie) great is to mix the ricotta into the wet ingredients really well, that’s what makes it light. Also, I swapped out a bit of the flour for fine cornmeal and that is in this recipe, you don’t have to. Oh! I was looking for a simple way to apply a powdered sugar design for the top when Dave said he...
Curtain Call
I say you still have a chance to make the best tomato pie, tomato jelly, tomato salad, or the absolute best tomato sandwich this season. Make it all, then make a sandwich for yourself to savor. Here is how Dave and I approach the classic summer dish. Mediterra* sourdough bread (and never get this pre-sliced, you can do it!) Slab bacon (peppered, cook in a skillet, crisp) Hellmann’s mayonnaise 2 tomatoes thick sliced 2 slices...
Tomato Jam & Cornmeal Cookies.
This clever take on a dessert cookie can be served with wine, tea or add them to your August dinner party table. Jam. 2 lb assorted tomatoes 1 cup sugar .25 cup apple cider vinegar 1 T orange zest 3 T orange juice 1 T grated fresh ginger 2 t sea salt 1 t ground coriander 4 whole cloves Add tomatoes to boiling water for one minute to loosen skins, plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Peel core and chop and place in a saucepan. Stir...
The OONI pizza oven, connecting food and art
The OONI PIZZA OVEN uses a small amount of space. Delivers on big taste. I ordered ours from Huckberry, a great online catalog. It is simple and fun to use and turns pizza-making into a party. Like Paint Monkey but better. I know you are skeptical but see for yourself in this step-by-step guide to pizza perfection. Step #1 Set it on a solid surface (outside, of course!). Step #2 Add wood pellets and light with a lighter cube, one is...