I have a distinct memory from around the time my writing career began in the early 2000s, and, strangely, it involves Greta Van Susteren. Van Susteren had come to fame during the O.J. Simpson murder trial years, when she worked as a CNN legal analyst. Later, she was promoted to co-host of CNN’s “Burden of […]

With Mardi Gras fast approaching, I thought it might be fun to salute New Orleans’ cuisine by finding a new use for the city’s unique and far-famed Creole spice mix. Creole is the term used to describe something — or someone — of mixed European and African descent, like New Orleans itself. Creole spice mix […]

NEW YORK Move over Friendsgiving. Galentine’s Day is on the way. Designating Feb. 13 for the ladies has endured since 2010, when Amy Poehler’s “Parks and Recreation” character, Leslie Knope, declared the fictional holiday her favorite day of the year on the NBC show: “Ladies celebrating ladies,” Knope explained of her Galentine’s breakfast bash with […]

My son, Ford, drove me to work on Friday morning. He got his driver’s license the afternoon before, and less than 24 hours later, my oldest child, the one I remember jumping up and down in his exersaucer, left me in a parking lot and drove away. When your son’s name is Ford, you know […]

A reader, Vicki, wrote recently asking if it’s time to start Brussels sprouts indoors, and if so, how? No, it’s not time for them yet. But I will start a few things soon. Here are some tips. First, know that most vegetables and flowers only need to be planted eight to 12 weeks before you […]

Primed to romance your certain someone on Valentine’s Day? Nothing says “I love you” more persuasively than a home-cooked meal. This one-pot noodle dish, a variation on Beef Stroganoff, is the ideal messenger. Although the roots of the classic recipe are certifiably aristocratic — a French chef working for Count Pavel Stroganoff, a Russian, created […]

Like gardening? Want to share your skills with your community or family? Master Gardener programs are creating an army of volunteers who contribute hours of stewardship. Specialties run the gamut, although most focus on nutrition. There are Master Food Preservers, Master Beekeepers, Master Recyclers, Master Naturalists, Master Wellness Volunteers, Master Financial Volunteers, Master Clothing Construction […]

I do a lot of public speaking, and was recently asked to give a talk that put forth a list of “Commandments” for gardeners. Not wanting to sound pretentious, I decided that 12 rules sounded better than 10 commandments. Here they are: 1. Do not use chemicals in the garden. Not insecticides, not weed killers, […]

We recently had a 5-foot, 10-inch stormtrooper living with us. He was well-proportioned, moved swiftly and held a blaster. Also, he was filled with helium, a decoration for Lindell’s 10th birthday. The boys named the stormtrooper Jason. We all thought “Steve the Stromtrooper” sounded better, but “Steve” was the name given to 2014’s helium-filled minion, […]

NEW YORK How might a bread basket for the table be counted under America’s new calorie posting rules? What about seasonal items, croutons for salads, or pizza that’s cut into squares? Restaurant and grocery chains scrambling to post calorie counts on their menus by spring have peppered the Food and Drug Administration with queries that […]