Archives for 2011

It’s a rare recipe that turns out well when you substitute a low-fat or fat-free version of something, especially dairy. And don’t even get me started on margarine. For some ingredients, there really are no substitutions. Since I plan to live and therefore must eat this way for decades, I’m determined that my food be foodie-worthy, […]

Those who know me know that I’m a serious cook and a serious eater. I love food and everything about it: the farmer’s market, pretty linens, cookbooks, dutch ovens, china, my gourmet grocery store, aprons, my dining room, and people, always the people. Food is a language of comfort, of companionship, of caring, of fun. Food […]

Serves 4 hearty eaters, with a bit left for you for lunch the next day. Adapted from Real Simple magazine 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup chopped red onion 1 tsp crushed garlic (from a jar) 1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives (about 12) 1 teaspoon anchovy paste 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 teaspoon dried oregano 28-ounce can Italian plum tomatoes with juice kosher salt […]

Alright ladies, listen closely. If you haven’t ever had your cholesterol checked, do it now. If you know you have high numbers, start working on it. If you have a family history, get yourself a cardiologist and have a full workup. Know your body and know your risks. Now. As if you need a reason […]

Her name was Ellen and she brought me dinner. The parish nurse at our church has organized volunteers to bring over dinner a few times a week, and Ellen’s day was Tuesday. She came to the door with a roast chicken, a salad from her garden, and a loaf of nine-grain bread. We chatted awhile, […]

Her name was Mary Jean and she leaned over to talk to me as I waited for orientation on my first day of cardiac rehab. “Will you be joining us?” she said. “Yes,” I said. “I had a heart attack last Sunday, and I left the hospital on Wednesday.” “Oh,” she said, and paused. I […]

A simple question, really. But it has taken me three days to try to answer it. The question came in a one-line email from a friend I haven’t seen since I was a teenager. It also came at a time when I was feeling, well, miserable. So I didn’t answer. (Sorry!) Here’s the weird thing: I really feel […]

Yes, you read that right. I’m 37, a woman, a marathon runner, a healthy cook. I’m in shape with a normal BMI, an active, healthy, young(ish) mom of two. I’m not even stressed out. And I had a heart attack on Saturday night, late, maybe Sunday morning. It’s hard to tell, since it wasn’t diagnosed until I was […]