Family, Friends, & Love

Cross My Heart and Hope to Love Update

3 March 2010 by Jean Johnson
For those that haven't been following the romance, after Celeste appeared on the back cover of Beyond Measure, friend Laura said in a rather fetching way, "I have a frog." A moment of silence. My brows arched. "Is he a boy?" That's where it started and since then it's been a few of ...

Gettin’ to Know You Over Thai Slaw Rolls and Daffodils

2 March 2010 by Jean Johnson
Now that we're sure only those really interested are subscribed to this list, I'm hoping this blog gets a little more, like,  commenty. I know over on my facebook pages people like to visit--and it's fun to get to know others a bit. You're welcome to join the bantering there ...

Froggie Valentine’s Engagement Pah-tay

13 February 2010 by Jean Johnson
What can we say?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The recent Cross My Heart & Hope to Love Waffles and Chocolate Goodies videos were merely a prelude to the big Valentine's Day engagement party. It's been two years now since Mr. HH spotted Celeste on the back cover of Cooking Beyond Measure. Although Celeste turned her ...

Hippie Kitchen Appeals to the Upcoming Gen

17 December 2009 by Jean Johnson
Lenore's not two yet, and she's already in the groove. Angela, her mom and next door neighbor, sent these images and says they weren't posed. Rather Lenore loves to page through Hippie Kitchen, pausing particularly at page 159 where Iris (same-same from the Cat in the Cheese blog post here) ...

Laura Gets It

27 November 2009 by Jean Johnson
Healthy, thrifty, delicious, and green. That's the whole point behind measure free. The idea that if we quit being slaves to paint-by-numbers recipes we'll be likely to cook more, eat well, be healthy, and save a bundle on the food bill. So at the end of the day, it's not ...

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things…

22 December 2008 by Jean Johnson
Clearly a copy of Cooking Beyond Measure wrapped up in kitchen towel figures as one of my all time favorite things--proud mama that I am. It does with Susan and Paul Coleman, too, who came up with this festive offering. I hope whoever gets this copy of Beyond Measure from the ...

Fancy Berries

1 August 2008 by Jean Johnson
Actually, the real story today is about black cap raspberries--the berries my new neighbor Nick brought from his grandparents farmstead out in Sandy, Oregon. Black raspberries to match the black, gothic attire he sports. The berries were an unusual, delicious treat on cereal this morning, but wouldn't you know, the photos ...

Roasted Chiles Hopi-Style

16 October 2007 by Jean Johnson
When I lived in the Hopi village of Shipaulovi it was all about cooking. And in the mornings plates of roasted chiles would appear centermost in the table for enjoying along side the eggs and tortillas. They came directly from the oven for eaters to do with as they wanted. Saving ...

The Larger Conversation

4 September 2007 by Jean Johnson
Many sensible folks are naturally reticent to blather on in public the way bloggers do. Nonetheless, I'm pleased to report that some have messaged me directly with comments, reports, and questions related to the wonderful world of kitchen confidence--or sensible cooking.So here they are--and for those who weren't planning on ...

Mom’s Favorite Dinner

10 August 2007 by Jean Johnson
I've always found it interesting that my carnivore mother's favorite dinner was nothing but three vegetables: tomatoes, green beans, and corn. For sure the meal was served with chicken or some sort of meat, but that wasn't what got the attention. Rather it was the trio of vegetables from her ...