Avocado Soup – to Celebrate the Simple

By Lori Powell

It has been hot and super-hot in most of the country, not to mention what it going on with our economy, the world and the markets...not so hot!

Try to keep in mind that the simple things in life are not to be overlooked. We still have lots to be thankful for and if you have your health…well put simply, it does not get much better than that.

So much these days is out of our control but being thankful for what we still have and rewarding ourselves with good food is a good thing.

Make yourself something delicious, invite some friends and celebrate the simple! Here’s a refreshing soup for four to start you on your way.

Click to read more ...

Make these Cucumber Pickles in Minutes

By Lori Powell

There is a local farmers’ market about a quarter of a mile up the road, open on Sundays from 9 to 1. After watching “CBS This Morning,” my go-to show and a regular weekend ritual, I grab my market bags and stop by to check out the new offerings. This week, there was an abundance of cucumbers, tomatoes and corn.

A freshly-cut cucumber perfumes the air as soon as it is cut. It’s so refreshing on hot summer days – and hot days seem to be a regular occurrence here in Pennsylvania. I love cucumbers as a snack, done simply, freshly sliced with a sprinkle of sea salt...yummmm!!

Click to read more ...

A Taste of Summer…Shellfish!

By Lori Powell

Here’s a quick take on dinner with super-fresh littleneck clams. Having these juicy morsels in my fridge is sheer joy!

Real little littlenecks are about1 ½ inches in diameter. Larger than that, they are appropriately called middle necks! Love that name – it makes total sense, at least to me.

Click to read more ...

Summer Days

By Lori Powell

Ribs are so delicious and summer is the best time for them since they are messy, necessitating a picnic table and the outdoors to consume them properly. All ribs are pretty scrumptious, and I usually like mine super-meaty, like country style ribs.

But baby back ribs are making a comeback at my house. Since they are not as meaty, they don’t take as long to cook and the upside is that there is a lot more bone to meat – yes, upside, since the bone adds flavor.

Click to read more ...

Mom’s Potato Salad is a Family Favorite

By Lori Powell

I love my mom’s potato salad which is a version of my nana’s. Mom just made some last weekend when my brother came to visit from Australia, but not enough. Seems that there is never enough of this family favorite, sooo I had to make it for myself the other day since my comfort craving hadn’t been satisfied.

It is the perfect side dish for a picnic or Fourth of July BBQ and it’s my go-to summer comfort food. (Remember that the salad has mayo so it’s best to keep it cool by simply placing the serving bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice, so it stays chilled while outdoors.)

Click to read more ...