Shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking, an evening at Gardens Aglow, a concert at the Chocolate Church, a school play, a church fair … all the December doings can add up to a whole lot of rushing around and crankiness and sleep deprivation. I’m here to advise you to take it easy on yourselves. Plan for some […]
Forecaster Lifestyle
Sande’s Picks: Create memorable moments with unique gifts of food
Food and beverage gifts are perfect and fun for the holidays – not so much for the items themselves but for the experiences and memories they provide. I think the most special food gift is a record of your family’s food history through recipes, stories and memories. Several years ago, I purchased a three-ring binder […]
Cooking at the Cove: Be ready for the hygge
If memory serves me correctly, I introduced you to hygge last winter. May this week’s column serve as a reminder. This is the time of year when we Mainers may as well embrace the Danish/Norwegian word that is pronounced “hyoo·guh” and means “the mood of coziness and feelings of comfortable conviviality, wellness and contentment.” We […]
Cooking at the Cove: Thankful for family’s favorite pies
In a departure from my usual schtick, this column is all about pies, thanks to a suggestion from one of my readers. It wasn’t difficult to decide which pies to include, either. There are others in the repertoire that appear from time to time, but these are the three standards. Each of these pies has […]
Cooking at the Cove: Let’s be elegant
For the first time in quite a while, I invited a few friends over for Sunday dinner. It was a fine fall day and I wanted to prepare a special meal, yet keep it simple. This time of year has so much abundance – I especially like to incorporate pears, cranberries and leeks into my […]
Cooking at the Cove: Snuggle up – it’s November
These two recipes are lovely cooking projects for a chilly, late-fall day. Braising the short ribs for this hearty shepherd’s pie takes a few hours, but this main dish is also perfect for preparing in advance or taking it in steps. You can roast the ribs a day, shred the meat and place it in […]
Cooking at the Cove: Make pasta night count with fabulous fall flavors
I do love pasta, although I don’t often indulge. But when I do, I want to make it count. The tasty components of this main dish go together quickly and have some flexibility. Winter squash can sub for the potatoes, and pancetta, prosciutto or even leftover ham instead of bacon can be added to the […]
Sande’s Picks: Stay warm this fall with cozy outdoor dining
During this beautiful fall weather there are still several outdoor dining experiences with heaters for chilly evenings. Some also take reservations. All of the outdoor dining is weather permitting, of course. Freeport Linda Bean’s Maine Kitchen and Topside Tavern, 88 Main St., 865-9835, open daily noon-8 p.m., with fire pits at street level. The Broad […]
Cooking at the Cove: Fight fall chill with aromatic vegan soup
This is the time of year when I start preparing my favorite cold-weather foods and African Peanut Soup is one of my top favorites. Aromatic and healthy, this vegan recipe is a standout that will warm you up on even the coldest days to come. Adjust the spices to your liking and serve with the […]
Cooking at the Cove: Shrimp stir-fry on the fly
We all have those meals that we make on the fly and don’t even have to think about. A little of this mixed with a little of that, and we like it so much, we put it on repeat week after week, year after year. Quickie Shrimp Stir-fry is one of them. I first began […]