IT FEELS GOOD to sit here this morning, in a quiet house, cup of tea keeping me warm while I get back to writing. The past two months have been devoted to taking care of the family. Not much creative kitchen energy emerged during that time…just sustenance. My biggest fan passed away. My mom. The queen of culinary standards. We grew up on her love of quality food-and learned to be comfortable cooks as we experimented on our own.  It’s no wonder that she spent her last few months only wanting the fresh fruits of summer and the home baking coming out of her daughter’s kitchens. Mom left us in style, just as she lived, and what a great feeling it was to be able to share that comfort and love with her. read more »