Category Archives: History

American home recipes

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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New Year Tradition: Tea, Cakes, Egg Nog

Most Americans associate champagne and caviar with the New Year, but other traditions pre-date that. The Puritans used to visit each other for tea and cookies on New Year’s Day. New Year’s receptions hosted by women became popular in the … Continue reading

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Cranberries for Chanukah

This year marks one of the rare times that the first night of Chanukah coincides with Christmas Eve. Interfaith families might be lighting candles while waiting for Santa. My favorite latke recipe never changes but this year I decided to … Continue reading

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Follow Me to Tennessee Cookies

I’ve been waiting to try recipes from The Pear Tree, a cookbook from the Junior League of Knoxville, Tennessee (1977), ever since my daughter and I sped out of Nashville just ahead of a major storm in 2015. The book’s … Continue reading

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