Another Labor Day weekend is upon us and marks the end of most swimming pool seasons and the last of cookout get togethers. I’m always glad for a long weekend but never ready for summer to slip away! Let us be positive and reflect on how much gratitude we hold for the American work force and ethic. [...]

(Polenta cakes served with goat cheese, roasted veggies and hot sauce.) Polenta, which originated in Europe, is similar to grits as both are made from stoneground corn. The type of corn for each varies as does the coarser texture of the cornmeal used to make polenta. I consider polenta to be a great vessel for [...]

Tender pockets full of melt-in-your-mouth sweet, smoky, soft pumpkin coated with an aromatic cream. Every now and then, I create a recipe that even leaves me pleasantly surprised. With sheer determination and thought and no experience or research, this very autumn ravioli and decadent sauce turned out so well. It is certifiably a gourmet meal and [...]