The sister of the famous chicken dish: coq au vin blanc. Bright, fresh flavors and incredibly tasty. The added herbs and vegetables give it depth and character. This recipe is a lighter variation of the classic coq au vin, using white wine instead of red. I add bacon, pearl onions, sun-dried tomatoes and a touch … Read more

Make your own great-tasting peppermint bark—in the microwave! For the past several years I’ve taught a class called Gifts From the Kitchen. It’s always a lot of fun, and many people return year after year as we prepare different homemade treats. One favorite we made recently is a simple marbled peppermint bark that’s quick enough … Read more

Have you ever heard of a “cutting garden”? I hadn’t until recently. As someone who loves gardens and country-style flowers, I quickly fell in love with the idea and thought you might enjoy learning about it too. I’m fairly new to cutting gardens myself, but below I’ll introduce the concept and share 10 cut flowers … Read more

The page failed because the app encountered an error. A layout that forces a full-screen iframe and hides scroll bars can create a polished, immersive look—but when the app crashes or the iframe fails to load, visitors can be left staring at a blank or broken screen. Understanding these layout choices clarifies why some pages … Read more

Of all the small kitchen annoyances cooks tolerate, few prompt as many tactics as peeling and chopping onions—and the inevitable teary “tear gas” effect. The scientific explanation is well established: cutting an onion releases volatile compounds that form syn-propanethial-S-oxide, a gas that irritates the eyes and triggers a blinking and tearing reflex intended to wash … Read more

Taste a forkful of autumn with this moist Apple Buckwheat Cake, filled with pecans, honey, and nutritious buckwheat flour, finished with a crunchy crumble topping. (Skip to recipe.) Fall has arrived—on the calendar, in the trees, and in the crispness of the air. I love the season: the earthy colours, the misty mornings, and that … Read more

Sweet, salty, charred and fragrant: Vietnamese grilled pork with perfectly caramelized edges I often serve this as a snack or appetizer, slicing the chargrilled pork steaks into bite-sized pieces people can pick up with toothpicks for a salty, umami hit. Many are surprised this recipe uses pork butt (shoulder). Usually reserved for pulled pork or … Read more

Quinoa fruit salad tossed in a honey-lime dressing combines blueberries, strawberries, and pineapple for a colorful, refreshing side or potluck dish. This easy, healthy salad is naturally gluten-free, high in plant protein from quinoa, and can be made vegan by swapping honey for agave. It’s a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and parties. Quinoa fruit salad … Read more

When I began this blog I wanted a place to record the recipes I tried or created so they wouldn’t be forgotten after a single attempt. I love making dishes repeatedly and sharing favorites with friends and family. Over time I realized I also wanted to preserve the old family recipes that get passed down … Read more

These homemade gluten free buckwheat scones are deeply flavorful, tender, and flaky. Honey mellows the earthy buckwheat notes while chopped kumquats add bright citrus bursts. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or tea and can be made in under an hour. ❤️ Sandi’s Recipe Summary The Quick Bite: These gluten free buckwheat scones bake up with … Read more