Taking Time for Death
by Jan on February 2, 2010My dear friend and neighbor Helen died today.
Helen died at home surrounded by her family. I can list all the things about Helen that I admired and loved about her, but it is her family that I am touched by. She has an amazing family of children, grandchildren and a remarkable, romantic husband.
Helen’s greatness is [...]
Read More »White House
by Jan on January 25, 2010What does one bring on a tour of the White House?
We were not allowed to bring backpacks, bags, or purses of any kind. Luckily, a camera was permitted…
I have to admit that I did not go to the White House with any real expectations. I was curious about the garden, and perhaps, the kitchen.
I was [...]
Read More »He cooked, I drooled.
by Jan on January 24, 2010Last night I participated in Sunday Night Suppers, a Washington D.C. event which raised over $100,000 to benefit both Martha’s Table and D.C. Central Kitchen - two organizations whose efforts work to fight poverty and hunger in the city.
Nick Stefanelli of Bibiana restaurant and I partnered our efforts to prepare one of several Sunday Supper [...]
Art & Health
by Jan on January 22, 2010Science Hits The Pan in Washington D.C.
I just finished the two-day workshop, “Cooking for the Heart and Soul”, collaborating with John Bagnulo in Washington D.C.. The entire event was filled with good company and conversation, as well as wonderful, healthy, nutritious food.
John Bagnulo emphasized the value of a whole foods diet, offering science-based nutritional reasoning [...]
Read More »Small Plates in D.C.
by Jan on January 20, 2010Where to grab an easy bite to eat while in Washington D.C.?
That is what I was wondering last night.
Yearning for something fun, young, interesting, and yet, at the same time delicious, I perused the options for this particular evening in D.C.
My choice? Zaytinya Middle Eastern Restaurant
When I told my friend Joan Nathan that we were [...]
Read More »Oyster Shells - for Ear Ringing & Chickens
by Jan on January 16, 2010My husband is standing over the sink, staring at a pile of oyster shells.
“How is one suppose to eat oyster shells?” he asks me.
“Why would you want to?” I respond as I’m peering in the sink at a pile of shucked shells.
“That’s what I am suppose to eat according to the book you gave me [...]
Venison For Breakfast
by Jan on January 15, 2010Yesterday I came home to a package on my doorstep.
I opened it to find two hind legs and a back strap of a deer. A friend who is a hunter had left it.
My first thought was “urgh!… more meat to cut up!”, but we love venison, so I was grateful.
It is always an interesting dilemma [...]
Read More »Kombucha
by Jan on January 12, 2010Once a week at least, someone walks into my kitchen, glances at my jug of kambucha that sits on my counter, and is bold enough to ask, “What is that?”
Sometimes I reply back, “A biochemical powerhouse.”
While I see that it has some resemblance to a moldy pancake floating in old beer, foaming and bubbling, I [...]
Wild Turkey or Kombucha?
by Jan on January 10, 2010I recently had major surgery and my biggest concern about the surgery was what food to bring with me to the hospital.
The day before my surgery, I could only drink clear liquids and so I pulled out my juicer and made a blend of fresh juiced organic apples, carrots, beets, celery and parsley.
Being deprived of [...]
Read More »Cast Iron Pans and Brussels Sprouts
by Jan on January 2, 2010I am often asked what my favorite tool in the kitchen is.
Well… it clearly depends on what I am doing.
And so today, I will begin to share my tools with you, one by one, as I find myself in the kitchen, grateful for a tool or wishing I had a better one.
A classic piece of [...]