Recent Blogposts

Hurricane Marilyn, Part 1 – Grilled Shrimp

Hurricane Marilyn, Part 1 – Grilled Shrimp

September 1995 was the beginning of our second year living on St. Thomas and I was about to start my second year teaching. I worked at a private K though 12 school attended by local children. It was the heart of the Atlantic hurricane season 

I Used To Think “Fresh Pickle” Was An Oxymoron – New Pickles

I Used To Think “Fresh Pickle” Was An Oxymoron – New Pickles

When I think of pickles, a variety of things come to mind, but “fresh” isn’t usually one of them. The synonym I’d more likely apply is “preserved.” Thoughts of pickles include big barrels on old sailing vessels; food made for long-term storage to be eaten 

My Late June Garden – A Quick Video Tour

I thought this week instead of telling a story or discussing my garden harvest and providing a recipe, I would give a quick video tour of my late June garden.     As I watch this video, shot almost two weeks ago, I note how 

Fish Dish – Seafood Salad

Fish Dish – Seafood Salad

In the spring of 1994, I became a student teacher in a suburban high school on Long Island. One of the first people I met would become my mentor. Tom was tall and lean. Very tall and very lean. He taught a marine science class, 

My Obsession With Broccoli Rabe – Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

My Obsession With Broccoli Rabe – Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

My wife Marci thinks I’m obsessed with broccoli rabe. Maybe that’s because I frequently order it as a side dish or in this pasta with sausage when we dine on Italian food, or because whenever I eat it, I proclaim my love for this incredible 

My Daughter’s Graduation

My Daughter’s Graduation

My daughter, Ariana, graduated from college this past weekend, which brings with it a tsunami of parental emotions. On one hand I am so proud of and in awe of the incredibly important and hard work that she did, while on the other hand, I 

Baked Stuffed Clams

Baked Stuffed Clams

There’s something about carbohydrates and garlic; they go well together. Think garlic bread, garlic knots from any New York pizzeria, and even my mashed potato pizza, fragrant with roasted garlic, mashed potatoes, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. The carbs are a vehicle for the pungent 

Food Maturity – Fattoush

Food Maturity – Fattoush

Over the years in my job, I have come to work very closely with a small group of colleagues. We have travelled together numerous times, attending conferences, meetings, and workshops and during these excursions, we have come to know each other well and become friends. 

The Sun Is Your Garden’s Best Friend…Or Foe – Greens with Blue Cheese, Pear, and Spiced Candied Pecans

The Sun Is Your Garden’s Best Friend…Or Foe – Greens with Blue Cheese, Pear, and Spiced Candied Pecans

Plants cannot live without sunlight. Photosynthesis converts light energy from the sun into chemical energy of glucose, the food that all plants need to survive. But too much sun might be a death sentence, depending on the plants one desires in their garden. As we 

My Obsession With Dim Sum – Shumai

My Obsession With Dim Sum – Shumai

I was a messy eater as a little kid. In practically every photo of me as a child, my face is dirty, often covered with food. I have no idea why my parents didn’t believe in napkins. The long-term fallout has proven minor, but I