My grandmother gave me a recipe book that includes various recipes from her, her friends and other family members. I love it.

The best “real” cookbook that I was given is The Improvisational Chef by Sally Schneider, which was given to me by my husband.

Do you have a pie crust recipe that you recommend? I am realizing that I tend to only make crisps and don’t have a good pie crust recipe.
On another note - I love your recipes since they always have natural ingredients in them. :)

Kim, thanks for the links - they are extremely helpful! That is why I love this website! I definitely plan on trying this lemon cake with my whole wheat flour this weekend. :)

This sounds delicious! I have had a hard time finding good non-sugar recipes.

I have a lot of white whole wheat flour at home - do you think that would work? I haven’t cooked with whole wheat pastry flour or brown rice flour before. Have you experimented with different whole grain flours? I am sure that each of them alters the final texture and taste of the baked good, but I am a fairly inexperienced baker and don’t know what the differences are.

Nice post! It is a great reminder that we need to be engaged with our cities and local legislation so they enact policies that align with what we value - including a healthy food system.

I enjoyed your post! It is great to be reminded that eating locally 99% of the time is still a success. My husband and I try to eat locally as much as possible, but we still buy some fruits and vegetables from California for the variety. I definitely am striving to just have one ingredient that is a splurge instead of ten. :)

Yeah! I am delighted to have won one of your lovely paintings. Not sure how to email you, but you can reach me at emily(at)novnine(dot)com.

Your mother’s lunches sound fabulous. Enjoy your your time with family and the yummy food!

Wonderful post! It is amazing how many plants are edible that we walk past everyday.

I wanted to take one of John Kallas’ “adventures” last year, but life always got in the way. I am definetly going to make time for one this year though. It sounds great!

My first attempt at Foccacia was a disaster as well - extremely dense with little flavor. I haven’t made it since, but after reading your article, I think I will have to try again (and hope it turns out as yummy as your third loaf).

Great article - thank you! Now I need to find an egg lady. :)

My husband and I are going to join a CSA this year, and I can’t wait to see what yummy produce we get each week. Unfortunately, our first choice for a CSA is already full, but I am sure my runner-up will be just as good.

I think that is great that you wrote a cookbook for your CSA!

I realize I am over a year late for this post, but I was just looking for a good tortilla recipe this past weekend, but ended up making pita bread instead. I definitely know what I will be making next weekend. Thanks for sharing!