of summer incarnate

I’m a tropical fruit fiend. Living in the Netherlands. Add to that my preference for local produce and you understand why I’m in constant mourning for the buttery mango, lime-drenched papaya, and quirky… Continue reading →

of summer roasting

It’s almost July! *cue vacation shimmy* During the summer the country sucks in its beer belly and shrinks dramatically. The Dutch enjoy about 25 paid vacation days per year, and many use those… Continue reading →

of Quinoa Tabbouleh, or desert island fare

This is in my desert island top 10. What I mean is that if I had starred in the pilot episode of Lost and woken up in airplane wreckage on a remote island, I… Continue reading →

of liquid intrigue: Belgian lambic beer

I do love a good intrigue. Especially the sort that goes on in an ancient family-owned beer brewery in rural Belgium. It’s scandalous stuff. First, a hoppy brew is left uncovered and completely… Continue reading →

of Elderflower Cordial, or living off the land

You’ve just licked the last gummy bit of rhubarb-anise syrup from the lip of your glass and now you need a new delicious drink DIY? Elderflower cordial, come on down! It’s a simple… Continue reading →

of Rhubarb and Anise Syrup

After dangling shorts-and-sunnies weather in front of our noses for a few glorious days last week, the sun packed up and headed for the Mediterranean. I’m wearing a sweater now, but I refuse… Continue reading →

of Tempeh Bolognese

When I was young, lunch was often a bowl of steaming white rice, some greens, and a crisp, salty slice of fried tempeh. Since moving to the Netherlands I’ve fallen in love with… Continue reading →

of snaps

The Muss has been quiet this week — one of my dearest childhood friends is visiting from New Zealand, and we have been scuttling around, stuffing her and her husband with as much… Continue reading →

of the things my eye collects

I’m not sure if you also flit between reality and a literary fantasy land like I do, but today I lived this poem by Richard LeGallienne: I meant to do my work today,… Continue reading →

of the Raw Brownie

This morning I had a glorious breakfast. Don’t hate me. What is this girl thinking? you ask, all bristly and indignant. I’m a grown-up and I don’t eat brownies for breakfast. Oh, friend. We… Continue reading →