Peggy Grodinsky

Staff Writer

Peggy is the editor of the Food & Dining section and the books page at the Portland Press Herald. Previously, she was executive editor of Cook’s Country, a Boston-based national magazine published by America’s Test Kitchen. She spent several years in Texas as food editor at the Houston Chronicle. Peggy has taught food writing to graduate students at New York University and Harvard Extension School. She worked for seven years at the James Beard Foundation in New York and spent a year as a journalism fellow at the University of Hawaii. Her work has appeared in “Best of Food Writing” in 2017 and in “Cornbread Nation 4: The Best of Southern Food Writing” in 2008.

Arts & Entertainment, Books, Review

In ‘No Land to Light On,’ a husband and wife are torn apart by the 2017 travel ban

by Wendy Smith Special to The Washington Post January 9, 2022January 3, 2022

Yara Zgheib delves beneath the headlines with the tragic story of two Syrian immigrants.

Food, Vegan Kitchen

Vegan Kitchen: Save money, save your health, save the world, eat vegan!

by Avery Yale Kamila January 9, 2022January 8, 2022

A new study from researchers at Oxford University says eating vegan, in developed countries, costs consumers far less than eating a traditional western diet does.

Food, Recipes

This Kernza sourdough bread uses a grain that’s flavorful and climate-conscious

by Jenny Starrs The Washington Post January 9, 2022January 3, 2022

Kernza is a new kind of perennial grain that’s better for the planet and adds wonderful new dimension to sourdough bread.

Food, Recipes

This three-cheese pasta bake is comforting, better for you and easy to make

by Ellie Krieger Special to The Washington Post January 9, 2022December 31, 2021

It’s a healthier spin on a familiar favorite, baked ziti, made with whole-grain pasta and packed with mushrooms, broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes.

Food, Recipes

To rescue bland winter fruit salads, keep 9 simple guidelines in mind

by Peggy Grodinsky January 9, 2022January 8, 2022

It’s easier to eat healthfully in the new year (or any time) if the stuff you are eating actually tastes good.

Arts & Entertainment, Books

Bedside Table: Plagues, then and now

January 9, 2022January 5, 2022

“I just finished reading ‘The American Plague: The Untold Story of Yellow Fever, the Epidemic that Shaped Our History’ by Molly Caldwell Crosby. Its 285 pages-plus begins with an author’s note that ends with a chilling quotation from John Edgar Wideman’s book ‘Fever’: ‘Nothing is an accident. Fever grows in the secret places of our […]

Arts & Entertainment, Books, Review

Book review: In ‘Good Boy: My Life in Seven Dogs,’ a strong case for a new way of storytelling

by Tobias Carroll January 9, 2022January 8, 2022

Writer Jennifer Finney Boylan recounts her joys and sorrows, and ruminates on mortality, through the lens of dogs she has known, lived with and loved.