Matzah in the Middle – Matzah a la Lasagna That’s Kosher for Passover

If you're like me, it's the middle of Pesach that brings on the hungries and the hangries. Those meals in between the Seder(s) and the final two holy days when matzah brie for breakfast, gefilte fish for lunch, and matzah crackers with peanut butter for a snack at the office don't cut it. You're looking for a filling, casserole-like dish that's reheatable in individual or group portions. With or without sauteed spinach as a side, this creamy, saucy, filling Matzah a la Lasagna is that dish.

Empty Den Syndrome

Once Lila’s three cubs reached the size of kittens, the young ursine family probably needed more den space. And, by the time Lila assembled her bigger little ones and led them off, the weather forecast of gusts higher than the falling to freezing temperatures, driving rain and snow had us all on alert. It was time to prepare. It was Monday morning, April 1st when the meteorologists put us on notice and Lila’s instincts inspired her exodus. As she led her cubs away that evening, I hoped it was all an April Fool’s joke. It wasn’t. It was moving-on day.

I’m Hungry as a Bear, So Do I Dare, Prepare the Fare My Bear Hopes to Share?

It's a good thing the little black bear in my yard is still in the early stages of spring eating. It comes out of its den, takes its daily constitutional, and rakes the brush to uncover insects and other "light" comestibles that are nourishing and easy on the digestive system after months of torpor. It's not yet ravenous and "hungry as a bear." However, I am. And I cook. A lot. Mostly fish, grains, and veggies that bears love, too. Yikes! What are the possibilities for this bear's behavior in the coming weeks? Can I "see" what s/he's saying?

Stop Stewing about Spring’s Faux Start! Instead, Stay Healthy and Warm with this Nutritious and Delicious, Easy-Peasy Pottage

In March in New England, winter leaves the party and then dashes back for one last last dance. We may pretend this encore isn't coming, but seasoned cooks and people of certain age anticipate and prepare for it. In my kitchen, that means my high-protein, low-fat vat of carrot-chickpea soup was simmering on the stove on Friday. The leftovers are on my grab-and-go menu for workday hot lunches this coming busy week.

The March of Surprises & Splendor

Initially, I was hopeful. Believing that this bear is a sow - a female - and seeing her licking the snow framing the front entrance to her den - presumably for hydration - I imagined a thirsty laboring or post-partum bear. I read that black bears in labor have been spotted circling their dens, walking through their distress. The mystery deepened when that adorable head remained inside and no chortles were heard in the coming days or weeks.

Sharing My Family’s Zest for Our Winter Customs

This year, my crate of Gregory's Groves sun-kissed seedless jewels - sent "up north" by my aunt from the Sunshine State - inspired my Orange-cranberry Bread Pudding with Chantilly Cream. It flowed from my maternal grandmother's preference for dryer and biscotti-like confections and my paternal grandmother's flair for baking luscious cakes and versatile pastries like Yorkshire pudding. Both were masters of efficiency in their elastic kitchens, wasting not a heel of bread or the peel of an orange. Bread pudding made complete sense to me - my heart, my mind, and my palate.

A New Year to Welcome Winter’s Gift of Negative Space

My photo is entitled "The Interlude." For me, it's a cyclical reminder to put the past year to a respectful and dignified rest, and to use the pause winter offers to behold, steward and nurture the blessings afforded me, including my memories.

With Ears and Paws and Height in Clear Sight, it’s Looking Like This Beauty is Female

With paws no larger than the oatmeal cookies I baked, and ears that are more pointed than round, this petite black bear appears to be a sow - a female. Her comfort with my neighbor and me is charming and flattering and inviting. I wanted to scoop her up and offer her a "girls day," complete with a massage and a manicure. But I know better. Black bears must be respected. They're not pets. We must not feed or attempt to pet them or enter their space. So we behold them with our eyes. Read on to share my view.

Time to Prepare … As I’m Sharing Space with a Bear

Is this the same bear who lived in your yard three years ago? She's quite plump; is she pregnant? Is it a sow, a female bear? Is the bear in torpor? Your questions are excellent and I am aiming to address them all and share the antics of this delightful black bear denning just yards from my writing desk and feet from my rear windows and deck.

The Sweet Gift of Homemade Applesauce

It's yummy. It's inexpensive, quick, and easy to prepare. It leaves your kitchen smelling fragrant and makes a pretty hostess gift. What is it? Homemade applesauce.