Category Archives: STORIES

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: DECEMBER 4, 2013

Posted on December 4, 2013 by thesolitarycook

Wild bunny tracks in fresh snow on a 2º morning

Posted in STORIES, WORDLESS WEDNESDAY | 8 Comments

THE WEEK IN PICTURES, THANKSGIVING 2013

Posted on December 1, 2013 by thesolitarycook

While, yes, the abundance of the week was consumed with shopping for, preparing for, and celebrating Thanksgiving (and its leftovers), we first had to get through yet another surgery for Basil, on the right above.  He has a dreadful, and … Continue reading →

Posted in STORIES, THE WEEK IN PICTURES | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

THE WEEK IN PICTURES

Posted on November 24, 2013 by thesolitarycook

A week ago today, virtually to the minute, this was our sky.  What a difference a week makes.  A fast, cold storm blew in on Wednesday.  It began to snow that afternoon. I fell asleep that night to the sound … Continue reading →

Posted in STORIES, THE WEEK IN PICTURES | 3 Comments

THE DAY IN PICTURES: Sunday, 11/17/13

Posted on November 17, 2013 by thesolitarycook

Five-minute breakfast:  leftover multigrain rice warmed in the microwave with  leftover black beans, add a gently poached an egg and a spoonful of salsa.  And NPR.  And coffee. A long walk with two happy dogs.  Actually, a short walk makes … Continue reading →

Posted in STORIES, THE DAY IN PICTURES | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

CALIFORNIA LUNCHING

Posted on November 3, 2013 by thesolitarycook

Thank heaven I traveled a day earlier than I’d originally intended.  The daughter and her roommate picked me up at the terminal which 24 hours later would be shut down after a horrible shooting.  But I knew none of that … Continue reading →

Posted in RECIPES, STORIES | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

FIFTY SHADES OF A SUMMER MORNING

Posted on August 24, 2013 by thesolitarycook

Dear butter, we’re taking a break.  I love you, just not in summer.  You’re either too soft or too hard.  Or too much. Give me olive oil instead.  Always just right.  Neither too obvious, nor too subtle.  Happy to slip … Continue reading →

Posted in Breakfast, Pantry Dinners, RECIPES, STORIES, Vegetarian | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

IT’S TIME TO GO HOME

Posted on August 5, 2013 by thesolitarycook

The wedding was beautiful.  I’d say I’ve never been more proud of my son, but that may be inaccurate; suffice it to say that he was the happiest person alive, which will continue to lend me a warm glow and … Continue reading →

Posted in RECIPES, STORIES | 17 Comments

PRE-REHEARSAL PANTRY PANZANELLA

Posted on August 2, 2013 by thesolitarycook

“Congratulations! It’s a cake!” said the daughter as we finished the last tier and shoehorned it into the refrigerator.  She whipped cream in freezer-cold bowls while I brushed each layer with a brandied syrup and filled and iced them with … Continue reading →

Posted in Pantry Dinners, RECIPES, Salads, STORIES | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

GETTING READY FOR A WEDDING

Posted on July 31, 2013 by thesolitarycook

      While the second round of cakes was in the oven this morning (I baked a first batch yesterday afternoon), I stepped out into the back yard with some coffee and a book.  I moved a chair into … Continue reading →

Posted in RECIPES, STORIES | Tagged , | 19 Comments

WEEKNIGHT DINNER: GRILLED LAMB CHOPS with MINTY QUINOA

Posted on July 6, 2013 by thesolitarycook

I’m still basking in the glow of a beautiful 4th of July.  I was invited back this year to a picnic given by friends who own a ranch in the achingly-beautiful East Rosebud River Valley.  It’s actually Poppy and Esmé … Continue reading →

Posted in Entrées, Meats, RECIPES, Side Dishes, STORIES, WEEKNIGHT DINNER | 12 Comments