Warm, soothing and aromatic, centered on nourishing produce, this soup has a truly healing vibe to it. But, more than that, what draws me to it is how alluringly tasty it is. Flavor-wise, sweet earthiness of butternut squash and sautéed onion lead the way. Those vegetables are simmered in a savory broth, along with chunks […]
Leslie Bridgers
Columnist
Leslie Bridgers is a columnist for the Portland Press Herald, writing about Maine culture, customs and the things we notice and wonder about in our everyday lives. Originally from Connecticut, Leslie came to Maine by way of Bowdoin College and never left. She joined the Portland Press Herald in 2011 as a reporter and spent seven years as the paper’s features editor, overseeing coverage of arts, entertainment and food.
This cocktail can keep you warm around the fire pit – and you can make it there, too
As the weather has gotten cooler and the pandemic news grimmer, we’ve cast our eyes ahead toward the holidays and the long winter to come and joined the hordes of Americans buying fire pits. We’ve socialized extremely rarely over the months since March, always outdoors, masked and socially distanced, but the encroaching dark and cold […]
Dance review: Maine State Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ movie a suitable substitute
Although a broader perspective is lost, viewers can get a more intimate look than they can in an auditorium.
Hark! There’s still music to herald
While live holiday music concerts are mostly unavailable, there’s no shortage of virtual concerts.
‘Maine at 200’ tells the state’s history in stories
The 20 chapters feature anecdotes that stood out during each decade.
Deep Water: ‘Work,’ by Sally Bliumis-Dunn
Maine poems edited and introduced by Megan Grumbling.
Meaning of life? Look to cats, they have it all figured out.
Cats are the vessels for John Gray’s austere worldview in his new book, “Feline Philosophy: Cats and the Meaning of Life.” The title may make it sound like a stocking filler, unexpected from a philosopher best known for his contrarian politics and skepticism about human progress. “Apocalypse Meow” might have been more in character. But […]
This crisp, classic potato latke recipe delivers a satisfying, celebratory crunch
I love latkes so much, I named my dog after them. That’s not the punchline to a joke. When we got our Labrador retriever puppy in November 2019, we took one look at her pale yellow coat and named her Latke. And last Hanukkah, we even tried photographing Latke with latkes, but being true to […]
‘I’m Your Woman’ puts a fresh spin on the 1970s crime drama
The upcoming film turns the lens on the suburban housewife who has to go on the run with a new baby when her criminal husband disappears.
Scratch Baking temporarily closed after positive COVID test
Other staff members at the South Portland bakery are being tested.