The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

While the world of winemaking is often defined by its strict adherence to time-honored techniques and traditions, its survival has always relied on embracing new trends. Perhaps no one knows this...

At about this time every winter, I find myself missing the sun-kissed flavor of tomatoes from our late-summer garden. The flurries of snow and cold have given me a serious case of wanderlust, and...

My mother's family has roots in Texas, which often influences our holiday gatherings. In Texas, as with much of the South, eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day is thought to bring good luck and...

For the food-obsessed, like me, planning a menu for a holiday fête can take weeks of research and recipe testing. While Thanksgiving is often made up of standard classics to pair with turkey, for me...

Among the things I love about living in Waitsburg are the packages of homemade Christmas cookies that we receive from several of our neighbors this time of year. Brightly frosted sugar cookies,...

While, to some, cranberries are seen only on holiday tables in the form of a jellied sauce out of a can, for me they are a beloved year-round ingredient. The bright red fruit, with its distinctive...

After a decadent week of holiday cooking, made with ridiculous amounts of butter, heavy cream, and cheese, I found myself craving a salad. In times like this, I turn to nutrient packed and brightly...

After a whirlwind week of menu planning, shopping, and cooking, all for one holiday feast, the next day can leave one with little energy to make another meal. Thankfully, leftover turkey is a...

Recipes for holiday side dishes can vary greatly across the country, and opinions on proper preparations can be a source of debate, even within families. My Aunt Gail learned this the hard way while...

When it comes to feeding a crowd, few things can satisfy like a bubbling creamy casserole. Green Bean Casserole is a retro dish from an era when canned and frozen foods were elevated to symbols of...

The beauty of autumn is in full colorful display, and the countdown to one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving, has officially begun. A celebration of the season in the form of a lovingly prepared f...

Among my most memorable dining experiences is of enjoying a bowl of perfectly sauced handmade pasta paired with a glass of humble house wine. This was a decade ago, at a little pop-up lunch counter...

Biscuits and Gravy is a dish that can swing wildly from utterly delicious to painfully disappointing. Seemingly on every breakfast and brunch menu across the country, this comforting classic often...

To say that Texans love their food is an understatement. As a kid, most of my summers were spent visiting my beloved grandparents and extended family in the great Lone Star State. Born and raised on...

Autumn, with its crisp sunny days and frosty nights, such as we have had this past week, is my favorite time of year. Watching the leaves change color, donning cozy sweaters, and tending bubbling...

This past summer, with its long dry heatwave, was difficult on several plants in our kitchen garden. I had lost all hope for our row of basil plants in August, as they looked quite sad and limp. Now,...

The season for sweaters and comfort food has arrived, and I couldn't be happier. While autumn is my favorite season for many reasons, fall cooking is at the top of that list. Few vegetables are more...

Summer is over and after what felt like forever, our tomatoes have finally ripened. To celebrate, this week ripe tomatoes have made an appearance at every meal, in salads, on sandwiches, tossed in...

At the age of twelve, I attempted my first risotto. I stirred and stirred, carefully following the instructions in a copy of Bon Appétit magazine. Slightly panicked that it wasn't looking right, I...

When I lived in Seattle, one of my favorite spots for relaxed dining was Le Pichet on First Avenue, just up the hill from Pike Place Market. Watching traffic pass by, while enjoying refined bistro...

Last week, we were gifted a bountiful bowl of fresh local peaches. Few summer treats are as special as the first juicy bite of a perfectly ripe peach at peak season. With a family birthday coming up,...

Kohlrabi, with its funny name and alien appearance, is the type of overlooked vegetable that can seem intimidating to most home cooks. Originating from northern Europe, kohlrabi is in the brassica fam...

Often, my kitchen inspiration is based on what is ripe and ready for picking in the garden. Our backyard has provided an abundance of tomatillos and chili peppers this week, which instantly had me...

America has a love affair with cheeseburgers. From fast-food to fine dining, there are different versions of this national favorite in every region. Inspired by the bounty of green chilis ready for...

Included on my cookbook shelf is a small well-worn paperback copy of Elena's Secrets of Mexican Cooking by Elena Zelayeta. Originally published in 1958, this 1973 edition of the cookbook was a gift...