First, a tremendous thank you for the comments, messages, virtual hugs and social media shares in light of my last entry. Shortly after pressing publish, I asked Chris how he felt about the post, and he pushed back with “how do you feel after writing it?” To which I offered, “Better.” So. Thank you for listening, for allowing this spot to be about more than just side hustle and SPAM. For indulging me. If I could hug and squeeze every one of you, I would. But as I cannot, I’ll offer up this — the coziest, most comforting gift I … Read More
Pigtales 06: The One About Chemo
Pigtales is a glimpse at the going-ons that take place (mostly) outside of the P&Q kitchen. Kiddo stuffs, things I love, general musings and other tales from my life as a momma, wife and semi-professional goofball. This particular post is about my personal experience with breast cancer treatment. For more about my initial diagnosis, see this post. I’ll jump right in with the disclaimer that this post isn’t going to start out pretty, and it likely won’t wrap up pretty, either. It’s not intended to solicit pity or, conversely, to suggest that what I’ve been through on this journey is … Read More
Fruit Basket Ice Cream Cake + Scenes from Sonoma
This post is sponsored by I Love Ice Cream Cakes. As always, I only support partners whose products and practices complement those employed in The Pig & Quill kitchen. I am the queen of planning elaborate vacations that never happen. Working by the glow of my laptop, late into the night, researching houses and hotels, the best coffee! the best breakfast sandwich! the best ramen! the best ice cream! until I’ve compiled an itinerary so fitting, in a destination so revered, that my skin literally prickles with excitement. And then something comes up — a work trip or a case of … Read More
Marmalade ‘N’ Cream Pops + Strawberry Cheesecake Pops
I know. I’ve been hitting the snooze button on blogging pretty hard lately. But if there’s anything that can raise me from my chemo-induced slumber, it’s Billy’s annual #popsicleweek, which is like the ultimate summer pool party in popsicle form, minus the part where you slink into the water as slowly as possible because holy freezing tatas, plus a hundred or so inflatable swans. Or flamingos. Or whatever hip floatie is this year’s jam. (It’s a cactus, isn’t it? Fuck.) This year, I decided to honor Chris and my fave frozen treats from childhood with grown-up, lazy-girl versions that are … Read More
Three Cheese Butternut Squash Pasta Bake with Mushrooms + Chard
Some weeks ago I saw a Tasting Table video on Facebook I couldn’t resist. Jumbo shells, stuffed with roasted butternut squash and ricotta, topped with burrata and baked. It was undeniably appealing, instantly evocative of the frozen, cheese-stuffed jumbo shells my bestie Whitney and I used to heat up for summer lunches back when Costco was Price Club and we still owned more cassette tapes than CD’s. Looking in my fridge, I was heartbroken to remember using the last of our ricotta on that morning’s toast (with sliced pears and honey — never a bad idea) — but was blasted with hope in the … Read More