Great day to bake. Rainy and cold. The little pumpkins will like this pie for an after-school snack. I don’t have to tell them I’m testing recipes for Thanksgiving. 300/365
Tag: foodie
Last Fall, I spent some time in Normandy, France. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend it. Gorgeous and charming doesn’t really cover it, but it’s a good start. Part of my time in Normandy included a visit to a wonderful farm called Rabbit Hill. It’s the home and farm of a wonderfully talented writer, photographer, foodie and vintage seller, Cat. You should absolutely check her out here. If you have any interest in cooking, you’ve got to check out her Instagram feed too! Inspiration (I could only hope to cook like this!) for days. We were welcomed so warmly at the lovely Rabbit Hill, and had an absolutely delicious meal of pumpkin soup, a variety of French cheese and meats and warm cider as the scent of fresh lavender filled the room.
We were also treated to a peek at Cat’s kitchen, which is an inspiration in and of itself.
Lastly, and I think my favorite part of our visit, we met some of the animals who share the farm with their people. I fell in love with this cow. Really, I did. I LOVE cows. Cat writes beautifully about life on the farm, it’s gifts and challenges. 
This is Cat’s lovely Husband, who not only introduced us to some of the animals (I think this one might be a favorite), but introduced us to the beauty of Normandy (and ran us all around!!!)
Cat offers foodie workshops on the farm- so I know I’ll be back! Many thanks to Cat and her family for hosting us- it was a treat beyond measure.
And the little man has a fever. In the haze of jet lag, you make chicken soup. Lots and lots of chicken soup. And you call the doc to schedule flu shots for all your peeps. 288/265
So our family went on a long awaited, well planned-out road trip up the northern California coast and into the Pacific Northwest. We’ve never roamed there previously- so we were pretty excited for the hills, mountains, ocean, and of course the sea food. Let’s start there. We landed in San Fran and immediately after checking into our hotel- straight to Pier 39 we went. Touristy? You bet- sea lions lounging about and barking? Check. Infamous prison lurking in the bay?- absolutely. Who can focus on any of that when fresh crab, mussels and shrimp, with a side of crab chowder is being brought to your table? We may live in the midwest, but we love seafood like we live by the sea. The little man got some schooling from the college boy on how to sport a bowtie bib. We were at lunch for some time. 
When it’s too hot to cook. Grilled pizza! Super easy- highly recommended. 193/365
I love the idea of farm to table. Love to support restaurants that do it and do it deliciously. Hoosier Mama (get the Indiana reference?- fun right?) is one such place. Sweet or savory pie- it’s all good. No seriously, REALLY good. Damn good in fact. 174/365
But a lovely, fancy, French restaurant for Mother’s Day with my favorite people in the world, minus one, get me rethinking what I like. Soft-shell crab, lamb, and souffle- much, much better than a silly buffet. Add shouffle to the “yes” desserts, but only at this most special place. 129/365
Seriously, I had no idea before I met my beloved that an entire category in the food world was full of awesome goodness. Even that description doesn’t do it justice. Chopped liver, matzo balls, brisket- seriously I knew nothing of any of this, bmp (before mr. poll). So, for mp’s bday- I was on a mission to find the very best Jewish Deli in Chicago- and I absolutely did- Kaufmans Deli He was full and happy (birthday)!
All is well until your son comes home from school to ask, “what smells so good?”- and you realize those muffins have been in the oven for about 5 minutes too long… good save. I have to re-think that notion that timers are sissy. 104/365.
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