The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

As we move into the backyard growing season, I am always looking for flexible recipes that can be a foundation to whatever ingredients are ripe and ready to harvest. This splendid pizza has a flavorfu...

This past week, with its long bright days and temperatures well above 90, offered a preview of the fast-approaching summer months. On top of getting our garden planted, we have cleaned off the back...

When I was a freshman in high school, I had my first paid catering gig. Some family friends who were having a big, Italian American themed dinner party decided to take a chance on a 15-year-old who...

While planning a recent special celebration, I found myself searching for a simple but memorable dessert. This beautiful and unique cheesecake with a baklava inspired crust was the perfect discovery...

This time of year, as our home garden is still just getting started, I am always thankful for the fresh asparagus and spring onions abundantly available at local grocers. Each spring, I love searching...

With our recent soggy spring weather, I have found myself researching dishes that feel like sunshine on a plate. This classic dish balances a spicy chili and tomato sauce with sweet, plump shrimp,...

All around, the valley is erupting in the pleasant sights and sounds of spring. The hills have awakened with bright green sprouts, and daffodils bursting in sunny hues, keep things cheerful even on...

With the changing of the season, we have been busy with spring cleaning projects around the house and out in the yard. In anticipation of warmer days, we have rows of vegetable and tomato starts sprou...

While there are countless reasons why I try to include more vegetarian meals in my week, including the health and environmental benefits, it is for the love of vegetables that I truly crave them. When...

Ah, Spring. The days are getting longer, and all across town flowers are beginning to push up out of the soil. While most people love the returning sun, it is the cloudy and rainy days that make me...

There are few sensory experiences more inviting than the smell of fresh baked bread filling your home. Though I was once terribly intimidated by bread making, through careful and delicious...

As someone who spends a lot of time thinking about food, I am endlessly fascinated by the origin stories of the diverse ingredients used in modern kitchens. For example, how crops which were integral...

In recent years, I have become increasingly obsessed with making perfect homemade corn tortillas. In this quest, I have studiously tested different brands of masa harina, noted the effects slight...

While searching for dessert recipes it is easy to get lost in the seemingly endless options of new and trendy flavor combinations. Exotic ingredients and complicated techniques can be fun when you...

When I lived in Seattle, the last soggy, grey weeks of winter were the hardest to endure. One of my favorite ways to combat the dreary short days was to head to the International District for a...

Over the past year, my time has been fully occupied with recipe testing, managing two businesses, and keeping up with my schoolwork. With this busy schedule, I am always looking for quick and...

Everyone has their own unique way of expressing matters of the heart. For me, my love language has always been centered around the kitchen. Sharing recipes, cooking together, and serving special...

My version of a classic recipe from central Mexico, is bright and nourishing, with just enough warmth from dried chilis to shake off any case of late Winter blues. Simmered with tender chicken then...

The chilly nights are back after a brief, unseasonable warm spell, which has pushed me back into the kitchen to continue my exploration of comfort food classics. This week, I found myself craving the...

Sometimes, while researching recipes, I am overcome by unexpected cravings. This week, I was reminded of the flavorful and messy childhood lunchroom classic, the sloppy joe sandwich. Always up for a...

In response to our recent run of soggy and gloomy days, I have been looking for comfort in my soup pot. From meaty pozoles to classic chicken noodle, I have an arsenal of tested soup recipes kept on...

Generally, I am not one for strict New Year's resolutions, however, after a long holiday season full of rich and decadent food I often find myself craving lighter fare in January. This usually also...

After a sparkly night of champagne toasts and kissing when the clock strikes midnight, I love hosting a casual, open-house New Year's Day brunch. A lazy morning, (or afternoon), enjoying comforting...

While I love sharing treats from my kitchen throughout the year, there is something extra satisfying about gifting edible delights during the winter holiday season. Baking batches of assorted cookies...

A dear friend of ours just left to live in Tuscany for several months, and to say I am a little jealous would be an understatement. Over the years, much of my food and wine obsessions have been...