When Tara Mataraza Desmond (http://crumbsonmykeyboard.com) asked me to join in on her blogger potluck to promote her fabulous book, “Almost Meatless”, I jumped at the chance. Not only is Tara kind, eloquent, and naturally glamorous, she is also a great cook, something clearly shown in “Almost Meatless”, co-written with Joy Manning. All the recipes are accessible, fast, and delicious. I was fortunate enough to prepare the Tomato Pancetta Linguine, because, as far as almost meatless lifestyles go, mine would not be whole without a little bit of pasta, a little bit of pancetta, and a story to go along with it.

Growing up as a Jew in a predominantly Catholic South American country had its moments of confusion. Sure, there was a church on every street corner and every sentence with folks seemed to …Read on

Four uncertain eyes gazed at me inquisitively, trying desperately to find a comfortable balance between trust and that gnawing guttural reaction begging disbelief.
“Don’t do it,” a voice pleaded in my two children’s tiny yet potently precise psyches.
“Her smile is not quite right and the rapid eye blinking screams deception.”
Although only 9 and 6 years old, these kids are well-versed in the art of body language. Casting aside requests to watch popular children shows, they demand a daily fix of the CBS Evening News.
Every night, at 6:30 sharp, they greedily absorb the nightly offerings of their favored news anchor, Katie Couric, who appears to be their vehicle for, not only current events but also the nuances of communication.
“See how she had to ask him that question twice, mom?” my oldest, and very insightful child asks while watching Katie Couric in …Read on

“What kind of sauce is this?” they asked in unison with scrunched eyebrows, ignoring the bead of sweat that had formed on the nape of my neck from my constant whisking.I turned around to face my two young children, looking aghast, noses upturned (cute noses albeit, but still pointed in the wrong direction to receive much more than a swat from my Vermont Cheddar cheese goo of a whisk).”It’s the wrong color”, they persisted, insisting that I reply to their unanswered question.”It’s homemade” I threw at them like a confident Aborigine hunter throws a boomerang in the dead of a quiet summers’ heat. This one would surely come back to me.”I don’t like it”, the little one said without skipping a beat, deflating my life’s mission of teaching these suburban brats to appreciate good food, i.e., MY food.”Try it,” …Read on

Sometimes the weekend rolls around and I want to break all dietary rules. I know, I know, I am adult, female, American and it is practically illegal to eat carbohydrates, sugar, salt, and most definitely fresh, whole milk mozzarella cheese. But Saturday and Sunday are my days off from the gym regimen, and so, the gut craves a break too. Thankfully, I am the parent of young, thin, energy-crazed children and I can conveniently hide behind the maternal guise of feeding them and indulge in deliciously goopy pasta dishes. Luckily, no kid will turn down mountains of melted cheese plus mine are well trained to know they get chocolate at the end of their meal if they eat, no questions asked. Either way, I get carte blanche to indulge in my carb cravings without getting …Read on

It’s been a dreary week for us here in South Florida. Early mornings begin soaking wet and seem to continue the same pattern for the rest of the day. This may be okay for folks in Norway or our Brit friends across the pond, but, for delegates of the Sunshine State, endless drizzle mixed with downpour doesn’t sit well. On the other hand, there is something downright comforting about rainy days (when you aren’t caught in the midst of it with a broken umbrella). Nature’s wrath begs us to seek shelter and suddenly, the confines of our home instantly becomes more inviting. Inside we are dry and safe and eating a good meal tastes even more delicious.I always crave carbs when it rains. Maybe it’s my caveman instinct of hunkering down that calls …Read on