The first snowflakes of the season fell this afternoon, bringing with them a familiar mix of emotions. Like boarding the ferry after saying goodbye to a romance that was never meant to last, you know beautiful days lie ahead but you're still not quite ready to let go.
Author: Wendy Franzen
Weighing Anchor
41. A seemingly inconsequential birthday, no? With zero expectation (or desire) for the grandeur of a 40th fete, and feeling 50 to be lightyears away, I wasn't looking forward to it, nor was I dreading it as I had 40. Well, that's not entirely true. Celebrating 41 was of little importance, but I was looking … Continue reading Weighing Anchor
A Midwest Autumn
"Chicago is an October sort of city, even in Spring." - Nelson Algren Yesterday's blustery grey skies created a perfect backdrop for the Chicago Botanic Garden's jewel toned autumn landscape. Wind gusts scattered leaves along the winding gravel walking paths - a bittersweet reminder of the season's fleeting beauty.
Delicata Squash with Apple Pecan Quinoa Stuffing
Delicata is sweet with an edible skin just like acorn squash, but the texture is much smoother and creamier. I love this dish as a vegetarian main course served with mixed greens or as a side dish to accompany pork tenderloin. Filled with the flavors of fall, this is comfort food at its healthiest. Delicata … Continue reading Delicata Squash with Apple Pecan Quinoa Stuffing
Bagpipes and Bonfire
Each year when September comes to a close, Lake Forest families gather in celebration of autumn and our community's dedication to preserving open land. Set against the serene backdrop of Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve, this year's Bagpipes and Bonfire included Highland games, fiddling, fly casting, wagon rides and a delicious harvest dinner. As the sun … Continue reading Bagpipes and Bonfire
The Weekend Kitchen: Apple Dumplings
Apple dumplings hold a special place in my heart. My Grandmother Porter, of German descent and a product of the Depression Era, could not stand to waste a thing. Her cooking was simple, hearty, and utterly delicious, and everything she made was from memory, learned no doubt from watching her mother and grandmother. During her … Continue reading The Weekend Kitchen: Apple Dumplings
Splendid
Give me the splendid silent sun with all his beams full-dazzling, Give me juicy autumnal fruit ripe and red from the orchard, Give me a field where the unmowed grass grows... - excerpt from Walt Whitman's Give Me the Splendid Silent SunOur family made its annual trip to the orchard in Wisconsin where we have … Continue reading Splendid
Sunday Suppers with Bea of La Tartine Gourmande
A few weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of attending a photography and food styling workshop taught by Béa Peltre of La Tartine Gourmande fame. It took place over two days in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, much of it at the envy inducing Sunday Suppers space (I don't think a single person left … Continue reading Sunday Suppers with Bea of La Tartine Gourmande
Summers to Remember
Another summer has come to a close. Looking back over the years, I am most nostalgic for the summers spent sailing with my grandparents in Canada. Our journeys always began in Penetanguishene, Ontario, where we would gather provisions and fish from the docks while our grandfather readied our boat, Mañana. Our grandmother would stow … Continue reading Summers to Remember
Weekend in the Country II: Swept Away
Last weekend's highlight was a hot air balloon ride over farm-and-field-dotted country. From our fiery hot lift off to the scalp-tingling quiet at three thousand feet, it was an unforgettable experience for the entire family.
the aesthete and the dilettante 