Many pleasing dishes

Even effortlessness requires effort. That I'm fine with. Fussiness, however, I don't care for. Same goes for food. Thus:

White bean and tuna salad with spinach, etc.

Gnocchetti with asparagus, etc. No, I didn't make the gnocchetti, but it's nice to think so.

Simple spinach salad with sautéed haricot verts and red peppers.

More of the favorite bread. This time without sesame seeds.

And finally the famous NY Times chocolate chip cookies. The two distinctive features, as you may know: bread flour + cake flour and the overnight resting of the dough. A little salt on top helps too.

And then for a just-right combination of effort and effortlessness, some magnolia blossoms, just out.

I couldn't decide

—so I baked two quick loaves on Sunday: an oatmeal breakfast bread with currants and a chocolate tea bread. The latter is better but both are worthy.

And for simplicity and visual appeal and deliciousness, an easy kale, spinach, and chick pea salad.

As for the seasonal report: the forsythia is just out. A good sign, always.

Simply pretty

It's interesting: lovely things are frequently nearly effortless.

Here's a simple white bean salad that belongs in that category.

And here it is, plated, with chicken on a bed of sautéed kale. And a few dates, just because.

Officially Spring

—and sometimes the weather has seemed like it.

Regardless, we're on our way.

And here's a round-up of a few recent things....


Grilled sea bass on a bed of brown rice with sautéed spinach, toasted almonds, and dates.

Chick pea and chicken curry.

Two small loaves of my favorite bread.

Savory more than sweet

Irish soda bread with cheddar (white & yellow), cranberries, and pecans.

Well, I did see one robin

And the snow is mostly gone. And the pussy willow, as you'll see, has decided to go ahead with its catkins.

But first: cappuccino chip cheesecake. I wish it had photographed better, but it was pretty amazing and that's what counts.

It was for a just-up-the-street party.

And today: Irish soda bread. KAF recipe.

Several views...

And some easy sesame noodles with asparagus and red pepper. Very photogenic.

Lastly, as promised, the pussy willow in action:

I've been negligent

Also, just pretty much cooking and baking the same things: mac & cheese, spicy tomato soup, chicken with valencia orange, eggplant parmigiana, wheat germ bread. The usual. The only "new" thing I can report is simply a variation on the bread. Two small loaves, one of which I froze. Here they are. I'm reminded of St. Agatha, if you know what I mean. If not, that's fine too. Best not to think of such things, in any case.

The other news involves the deer. They're back. Or, just out and about again now that the snow has mostly melted. 

And the pussy willow beside the house has its catkins, so that's a good sign. The tree in the yard seems a week or so behind. But this is progress and I'll take it.