Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Apples, Bacon & Balsamic

Gnocchi is therapy. The mashing. The rolling. The shaping. It’s a quiet, process-oriented little task that requires just enough focus to clear the mind of its remaining clutter. Should I be throwing another load of laundry in the wash? Nope – gnocchi. If I get into work early two days next week, will it make up for a Monday out of the office? Shuttup — gnocchi. Really, does no one find it odd that all this airing of dirty laundry just happens to coincide with Emily Thorne’s arrival in the Hamp—gnocchi. See? It purges the crap, I promise you. And … Read More

Spring Pea, Bacon & White Cheddar Frittata

Quiet night here at P&Q headquarters. Leftovers. An obscenely large hunk of brie — and the requisite water crackers. And Revenge.  I’m late to the party with this one, I realize. It’s also thoroughly possible that I’m addicted. This is what happens when I’m left alone with the remote control and many lifetimes’ worth of streaming television at my fingertips. What’s a girl to do? Just to keep things somewhat productive this evening, perhaps now’s a good time to post the recipe for the little frittata that was easily the star of the show when Cristin dropped by. For once, … Read More

Baked Tofu Banh Mi with Basil Lime Aioli

I began writing this post yesterday and then decided to postpone it after just a few paragraphs. In the wake of the tragedy in Boston, food writing — no matter how close it is to my heart — just seemed…trivial. On the somewhat bright side, humans constantly amaze me: for every cruel and villainous asshole in this world, there are a dozen more folks who are loving, generous and truly admirable. I love that. So now it’s Tuesday, and I suppose it’s still worth running down a brief weekend recap, even if it is a day late. Until Monday, the … Read More

Minted Pineapple Salad and Photo Fun Time

Last weekend, I swindled Cristin of the faboo Cristin More Photography into driving into the suburban abyss that is the Peninsula in exchange for brunch. I was prepared for some serious arm-twisting, but she came around surprisingly easily. I’d like to think she was really digging the company, but I’m thinking the promise of bacon had something to do with it… While she was here, we killed two birds (sadface) with one stone and knocked out a few fun shots in the kitchen before tucking into a meal of the fruity salad you see here, a spring pea and bacon … Read More

In the Pigpen No.4: Random Friday Ramblings (and our Contest Winner!)

TGIF! I’m a scotch underwater with lots on the plate in both the work and play worlds this coming week (note new biz cards above, whAt whAt), so I’ll take a quick sec to ask for forgiveness if things slow down here for a bit. Seems we’re long overdue for a completely schizo Pigpen roundup, so before I go: 1) Wanderlust. Yep, that quirky movie with Paul Rudd at his awkward best and Jen Aniston. Have you seen it? No? Let me tell you: do it. Well, ok, don’t do it if you’re sensitive to language or raunch. Clearly I’m affected … Read More