This is a story of our perfectly imperfect Christmas season. It was magical! It was grand! It wasn’t at all perfect — and perhaps that’s the best part. As the days ticked away toward Christmas last year, I shelved the idea of cutting down our own Christmas tree. There didn’t seem to be enough time…
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Introducing the Newest Member of the Sarah’s Cucina Bella Household
There’s been a new addition to our home. And honestly, it was among the most unexpected new additions. But sometimes, it’s the things we don’t expect that turn out to be the greatest gift of all. Meet Bippity. This precocious, curious kitten has sauntered his way into our hearts and added joy to our days while…
Dilly Beans or How to Make Pickled Green Beans with Dill Weed
The word pickles probably conjures an image of small cucumbers in brine or other pickling solution. But so many foods can be pickled — including green beans. This recipe for Dilly Beans, or Pickled Green Beans with Dill Weed, is a lovely way to preserve summer’s green bean harvest for enjoying all year. The beans came…
In Our Maine Garden: Week 4, or I Can’t Believe We Grew This From Seed
Someone pinch me! Our garden is growing and I am still amazed that we did this all from seed. That’s what I am sharing in the fourth installment of In Our Maine Garden. When we planted radishes last year, I was surprised when they grew and even more surprised when the row was lush and full. Every…
Small-Batch Homemade Lemonade
Sweet, tart homemade lemonade is a refreshing drink for sipping on hot summer days. This recipe makes four servings and is perfect for a small pitcher. “Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good.” This English variant of a Voltaire quote is something I have to remind myself from time to time. Such was the…
Asparagus and Carrot Ribbon Salad
Light and delicate, Asparagus and Carrot Ribbon Salad is a lovely salad to make on late spring days. Serve it with something warm that’s crispy or crunchy. The variation in textures and temperatures is delightful. When the sun streamed through the windows on a recent morning, I wasn’t sure where in the morning we were. Was…
In Our Maine Garden: Week 1 … Or, The Growing Season Begins
We’re growing our own food again this summer. What’s in our Maine garden? And what are we buying from the local farmers’ market? Find out. Our local farmers’ market has quickly become an explosion of produce — radishes, baby arugula and greens, lovage, rhubarb, pea shoots and more. It’s been delightful to plan our meals around…
Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
With swirls of airy dough and fragrant sweetness topped with a thick, vanilla-y icing, Homemade Overnight Cinnamon Rolls taste of sweet love and relaxed mornings. It’s been months since we moved, but boxes stubbornly remained around our house until recently — a reminder that we’re still making this our home. Little by little, the paintings,…
On Cooking Ruts, and Breaking Out of Them
On the cooking ruts we find ourselves in and the simple things we can do to break out of them. Sometimes all it takes is merely remembering that yes, we can do this. The oil sputtered as I poured the rice into the Dutch oven with the already-browned onions. I gave it a stir. Next…
Crunchy Vanilla Waffles
Crispy on the outside, airy on the inside, this recipe for Crunchy Vanilla Waffles is perfect for all your weekend waffle making. Laughter erupted from the living room, full-bellied and joyous, a harmony of voices. Someone asking what color they were on. A response. More laughter. Late one Friday night, as my kids and their…