

sober tuesday - mint julep
It's been a bit of a hectic week, so today will just be a quick post. But I wanted to keep up the Sober Tuesday tradition since there are only two more left in Lent! Granted I can keep them up after that too, but Lent was the premise, so Lenten mocktails you shall get. I've always loved mint. When I was little, I saw my mom doing a lot of gardening so I of course wanted my own garden too. Like you do. So she told me I could have a small bed of my own, but I would be in charge


lemon curd
There are few things I love more than a nice, tart lemon curd. The trouble often is, while you can get some quite good store-bought brands, they're inevitably just too sweet for me. I realize this is mostly because I have a fairly low sweetness tolerance, but there it is. But in my defense, everyone I've served this to has said it's far and away better than what they've had from stores. Plus, it reminds me of our lemon meringue pie recipe (more on that in the future), so that


sober tuesday: a cucumber(patch) benediction
So... it's Lent, guys. And (fun fact for those who didn't already know) Aaron is a priest. So I couldn't help it - I had to at least have a bit of a shout out to that niche demographic of you all who are currently doing without something or other for the next month and a half-ish. Since ye olde alcohols seem to be a common do-without during such times, Tipsy Tuesday is getting the axe until April 1 and will be replaced by its more Lenten (and less boisterous) sidekick, Sober


earnest peas
A little over a month ago, Aaron and I went out for an indulgent mid-week dinner date at a Chicago restaurant we'd been wanting to try for ages. Pleasant House Pub is everything I hoped it would be. Warm, savory pies with all kinds of delicious extras and a beautiful interior to boot. It was the perfect place to go get warm and cozy during the subzero temperatures we were having at the time. Though I think it would be a great summer spot too - there's a beautiful outdoor area


tipsy (not)tuesday - lavender 75
I realize this isn't a Tuesday, but needs must. New Years Eve's a'comin and I have a cocktail that has to head your way before that bell tolls. So... We Wish You a Tipsy Friday and a Happy New Year! It's New Years, so of course this one will include a bit of bubbly. I know Champagne is the reigning monarch of such things, but I'll admit my partiality leans Prosecco-ward. So that's what I've used for this, though you are more than welcome to substitute the bubbly of your choic


it's lemon shortbread cookie thyme
Everyone! Everyone! It's here at last. It's the Most Wonderful Thyme of the Year! (Oh lord, even I hate myself a little for that one.) I'll blame the bad punning on remnants of tryptophan. Or something like that. Anyway, what I mean to say by all that is it's Christmas baking time! It's that glorious month where all the extra time is spent cranking out cookies and breads and spiced nuts and all the goodies that will make their way into boxes or baskets for our friends and rel