Author Archives: heritagerecipebox

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About heritagerecipebox

I am named after my great-grandmother, who only prepared two dishes, according to anyone who remembers. Somehow I ended up with a cooking gene that I brought with me from Richmond, Virginia to my current home in Boston, Massachusetts. I have worked as a journalist and published three cookbooks plus a memoir and a novel. This blog gives me a chance to share family recipes and other American recipes with a past.

Spring Soup from France – and Chicago!

When it comes to translating French cooking for American cooks, Julia Child still reigns as the grande dame. She made her first television appearance simply to publicize her book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, at Boston’s WGBH in 1961 – … Continue reading

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Foolish Recipes

In this book, the can opener is a “magic wand” leading to family meals that are “speedy, easy, appetizing – and fun!” Um, appetizing? Continue reading

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Soup for a Snowy Week

Our crocuses bloomed, but now they’ve face planted in a foot of snow, thanks to fickle New England weather. A blizzard shut down the city for an entire day last week, which gave me time to cook an intriguing recipe for … Continue reading

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Attucks Cake with Revolutionary Roots

When British troops opened fire into a crowd of patriotic protesters at the Customs House in Boston on March 5, 1770, five men were killed. The so-called Boston Massacre became part of the lead-up to the colonies in America declaring … Continue reading

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A Bright Brunch Cocktail

Because I’m a runner, my brunch beverage of choice is usually Gatorade, but once in awhile it’s fun to set a festive table without resorting to the Bloody Mary and Mimosa standards. This recipe for San Francisco Cocktail comes from … Continue reading

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Icicles and Parsnip Chowder

One way to cope with the recent snowy spell in New England would be to make a batch of tropical cocktails. But for once, I decided to go along with it. I headed out on cross-country skis before work and … Continue reading

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Rich and Thin Brownies

That old adage, “you can never be too rich or too thin,” coined by Wallis Simpson – the scandalous divorcee who cost King Edward VIII the crown – applies to brownies as well as social climbers. This recipe for Thin … Continue reading

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Snow Blower Cocktail for Patriots Fans

Since I live in the capital of Patriots Nation, I could hardly pass up a chance to serve my Super Bowl crowd a locally themed cocktail to supplement our beer. I found my recipe in the St. Jean’s Book of … Continue reading

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An Inaugural Food Tradition

As a candidate, President Donald Trump dispensed with many traditions. Continuing that theme, he  removed Boston-based Legal Sea Foods chowder from the celebratory menu, where it had been a fixture since 1981. Then he put it back! Want to make … Continue reading

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Party Punch that Swirls and Sparkles

Whether you plan to celebrate or protest, the U.S. Presidential inauguration week begins with gatherings of all kinds.

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