The Autumn Tide

As we shuffle our closets to adjust for the changing seasons, let's also think about shuffling out the pantry. A great way to embrace autumn is with a menu that reflects the season. As the weather gets colder and you start to think more about soups, stews, and roasts that make you cozy and warm, think about how that impacts your shopping and plan accordingly. Some ideas for you to consider next time you walk down the aisle: 1) Potatoes: These last for a long time so they are great to keep on-hand. They can be baked, boiled, broiled, added to omelets, used in a winter salad, or made into fries.... Talk about versatility. 2) Nuts: These winterize a meal instantly. Add pecans or walnuts to greens, chicken or pork dishes. They last for a long time if you keep them refrigerated, and if you have any left over, add them to cookie dough for a crowd pleasing treat. 3) Roasted Red Peppers: Easy to keep on-hand in the jar and the color is beautiful for fall meals. Make a soup, puree with herbs and cheese for a quick pasta sauce, or toss together with pine nuts and oil and vinegar for an easy salad. 4) Provolone: Roll up with jarred caponata for a quick easy appetizer or bake it on top of pasta for instant comfort food. 5) Carrots: Not only are these healthy as a snack, but they are a key ingredient for many fall and winter favorites, and are great on their own roasted with honey. And this is one treat that you can feel good about sharing with your friends - dogs included.

What Would Martha Do?

Martha Stewart represents my idea of domestic perfection neatly knitted into a tapestry worthy of shadowbox framing (corporate scandals aside). I love Martha and am constantly amazed at her pursuit of new opportunities. While I can cook up a mean leg of lamb, bake unforgettable cookies, and even dabble with my very own sewing machine and herb garden, my domestic prowess always seems to fall short of Master Martha. I contest that my shortcomings are not due to any lack of skill, desire, or willingness, but simply a matter of time. Ironing sheets is simply not in my repertoire. It can't be. So as we build our ideals, I think it is important to remember context. Pursuing perfection is alright so long as we accept when we have done our best, perfect or not. Whether you are in the kitchen, raising kids, working in the office, or dreaming about the future, don't think about what Martha would do, instead make it work for you.