YESTERDAY, I took freshly-cut chives, and processed them together with garlic, almonds, Parmesan cheese and a little olive oil. The result? Well, let's just say that after one bite, my eyes rolled to the back of my head. After two bites, I knew I'd have to share the recipe with you: Read more » Chive Pesto
May 3, 2013
YESTERDAY, I took freshly-cut chives, and processed them together with garlic, almonds, Parmesan cheese and a little olive oil. The result? Well, let's just say that after one bite, my eyes rolled to the back of my head. After two bites, I knew I'd have to share the recipe with you: Read more » How I Plant and Grow Leeks
May 1, 2013
I LOVE LEEKS. They bring a unique, onion-y flavor to soups, stews and risottos. I find them devastatingly-delicious when braised in chicken stock and vermouth. Fortunately these Alliums are very easy grow. To achieve a white, or "blanched" stalk, I plant the seedlings this way: Read more » Your Winter-Sowing Updates
April 29, 2013
THE PERENNIALS AND HARDY ANNUALS I planted in milk-jug greenhouses last winter have finally sprouted -- and how! Probably I could furnish my entire neighborhood -- if not my whole county -- with lettuce, spinach, Brussels sprouts, hyssop, Bachelor Buttons and more. Did you winter-sow your way to summer-beauty, too? Let me know how this outdoor method of seed-germination worked out for you: Read more » Late-April Garden Tour
April 26, 2013
TWO WEEKS AGO, I asked you to join me for a mid-April garden tour. But spring has progressed rather dramatically since then. Now clumps of blue Scilla siberica (above) dot the lawn, the Yoshino Cherry is in almond-scented bloom, the adorable fiddleheads of ferns are emerging in the Woodland Garden, the species tulips have opened their fragrant cups, and...well, care to join me for a late-April stroll? Read more » Strawberry Souffle
April 23, 2013
I LOVE THIS STRAWBERRY SOUFFLE. It's airy and light. It's sinfully delicious, but not too sweet. And best of all, it's pink! My easy recipe for this fabulous French dessert: Read more » Chicken & Mushrooms in Tarragon Cream
April 20, 2013
I MADE THIS FOR DINNER LAST SUNDAY. And then I fell in love. It's a simple saute of chicken breasts and mushrooms, gloriously-enrobed in a sauce of tarragon and heavy cream. Here's the easy recipe for this perfumed elegance: Read more » How I Restored My Victorian Pocket Doors
April 16, 2013
FIRST, THE GOOD NEWS: After extensive restoration work on my Music Room (we jacked-up the wing), its two sets of Victorian pocket doors are now functional. The bad news? The first time I closed the doors, I discovered -- to my utter horror -- that the ancient mahogany panels were badly caked with mildew. Here's how I dealt with this fungal-issue and returned the doors to a state of lustrous beauty -- for less than $20. Read more » 
