The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

On a recent sunny walk around town, I spotted the first early spring crocus of the season, and on Main Street, the dirty giant mountains of old plowed snow have finally melted away. Even so, the cold...

In preparation for Valentine's Day, my attention naturally turns to food. The kitchen has always been an extension of my heart; cooking is an act of love. While flowers and little trinkets are...

As we trudge through the gloomy cold days of late winter, my kitchen has been keeping us warm with a steady rotation of favorite soup recipes. With these simmering pots of comfort, I am always looking...

My favorite recipes tend to be ones that serve as a technique and ratio guide, leaving ample room for experimenting with flavors. These are the versatile recipes that I turn to when assessing what's...

Brussels sprouts are sadly in the category of misunderstood produce. When poorly prepared, such as being boiled to oblivion, they become bitter and mushy, a taste that is sure to leave a negative...

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...

Of all the holiday parties, one of my favorites to host has always been New Year's Eve. Combining the effervescent excitement of counting down to midnight with my love for fancy finger foods 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... Full story

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... Full story

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,... Full story

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...