I recently spent a lovely summer day with friends in Georgetown at a cottage straight out of an Elisabeth Ogilvie novel. Overlooking a quintessential Maine view of lobster boats, kayaks and fish shacks, we lazed about in lawn chairs positioned in the shade, went for a saunter along the shoreline and dined on an assortment […]

Refreshing, sweet and spicy, this fruit salad with its Mexican-inspired flavor profile accented with lime, jalapeno and cilantro is easy to prepare, requiring little more than a knife, a bowl and a whisk. You’ll want to have the fruit and cucumber pre-chilled and be ready to gobble up the salad as soon as it’s assembled, […]

Here at the cove, I love sitting on the deck or on the flagstone terrace to enjoy a light and easy meal. Sometimes I take my summer drink down to the dock and sip it while I sit with my feet in the water. Talk about refreshing! I like to have homemade lemonade on hand […]

When I lived in California in the early ’80s, there was a restaurant called Bumbleberries that was famous for their mixed berry pie. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries were mingled together between two golden crusts and, oh, was it ever good. This easy bumbleberry tart is an easy way to enjoy those bursting summer flavors […]

Indulge me, if you will, while I reminisce for a few moments – I’m feeling nostalgic today. I’m remembering the fleeting summers when I was a young mom tending four children, a dog named Bosco, a kitty or two and a vegetable garden. Our basic version of taco salad had its place on the regular […]

Back when I was a little kid with skinned knees, freckles and cowlicks, these grilled chicken and potatoes were the stars of my favorite summer meal. Served with lettuce and corn from our garden, it was supper made repeatedly during those idyllic summers of the ’60s. The chicken was marinated in this sweet and sour […]

My granddaughter and I both like to eat and we’ve been cooking together since she was knee-high to a grasshopper. I’ll never forget the first time she came to visit me on her own. A wee lass of 3, dressed in her mother’s old OshKosh overalls, she perched on my kitchen counter and helped knead […]

What’s your favorite thing about summer? One of my many joys is shopping at farm stands and farmers markets. Sometimes I make a day of it and return home with bags of summery delights. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, melons, corn, tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, peas, peppers, lettuces, asparagus, herbs and more. Lots to unpack and, yes, […]

When I think of the food aspects of Father’s Day, a steak dinner always comes to mind. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to do something special for your dad this weekend, count your blessings. Not only can I recommend these recipes for Father’s Day, but this tasty trio can be prepared throughout the […]

I just can’t help myself – you’ll be hearing about picnics often from me this summer. If you’re not a picnic person (I am aghast to think of it), these ideas and recipes can of course be eaten in other places. Hopefully not in front of your computer or television, though. If that’s the case, […]