Perfect Split Pea Soup with Ham Hock

I cannot describe what split pea soup does for my soul. Everyone has "that soup" that brings them back, in such a good way- like Christmas morning for your tongue. So festive, so warm, so anticipated. Why had I never made it from scratch?


Probably fear. Fear that mine would not live up to the expectation placed on it. It's just one of those things I always ordered out, requested when home visiting- that kind of a thing.

Apple Almond Cake

One might think there is no need for "reason" to bake a good cake.  I tend to agree.  But I usually come up with something to celebrate.  After all, if there's going to be cake, there might as well be something to honor, toast or remember.

I had just been to the apple festival in Portland and came home with these lovely Mutsu apples.  They are a cross between Golden Delicious and Japanese Indo.  They have almost a spicy sweetness to them.  Kind of like a good chai tea- sweet, but with spice.  Perfect for baking.

Fish Tacos with Red Cabbage and Fennel Slaw

"Just think 'fish tacos.' "  The man pouring at Cor Winery had me had hello.  The estate was unassuming, but I had a feeling we had stumbled upon a gem when we walked in the door.  ALL of their wine was fabulous, but their white blend began our afternoon love affair with their complex and sophisticated wine.

So we came home with the Pinot Gris/Gewurztraminer (there's a good word for "words with friends"- scrabble anyone?) blend with 'fish tacos' on the brain.