Tim Wiechmann’s Beet Salad Chef Wiechmann is the chef and owner of T.W. Food in Cambridge, MA. He creates his menus using local organic produce with a classic French approach. How you go from planning a dish to putting it on the table? I start with the ingredients—they all have to be in season. I … Read more
When I was growing up, I distinctly remember the day my family got a dog. We went to a local humane society where my sisters and I picked him out. His name was Charlie. He was a great dog. I think he was a mix of cocker spaniel and something else. For all intents … Read more
Sistine Chapel Works Plan of the Sistine Chapel Adam and Eve God imparts the spark of life to Adam in one of western art’s most famous scenes, then pulls Eve from Adam’s rib. Creation God separates darkness from light, water from land and creates the Sun and Moon. Michelangelo veers towards blasphemy by depicting God’s … Read more
White Bean and Garlic Soup (Winter) In a bowl, soak for several hours or overnight: 2 cups dry white beans, such as cannelloni beans After soaking overnight, drain the beans, place them in a pot, and fill it with water (try adding a few bay leaves or a sprig of rosemary). Bring to a boil … Read more
Melinda Bryan might best be described as a young woman with an old soul At least when it comes to music and family traditions Since childhood, Melinda’s heart strings have been pulled tightly by traits she inherited from her ancestors such as a love for gospel music and a deep compassion for others. She … Read more
The Vatican is the world’s smallest nation, covering just 50 ha (120 acres), and is a theocracy of just over 550 citizens, headed by the Pope, but its sightseeing complex is beyond compare. Within its wall are the ornate St Peter’s Basilica (see Features of St Peter’s Basilica), the astonishing Sistine Chapel (see Sistine Chapel … Read more
Gazpacho (Summer) Purée, using an immersion blender or food processor: 2 large (500g) tomatoes, peeled, with seeds removed Transfer the puréed tomato to a large bowl. Add: 1 (150g) cucumber, peeled and seeded 1 cob (125g) corn, grilled or broiled and cut off the cob 1 (100g) sweet red bell pepper, grilled or broiled ½ … Read more
Friendship skills A complex activity It may seem that making friends just happens, an effortless side effect of your child playing with others and having fun. However, underneath this apparently simple activity, a host of personal and social skills are being tried and tested. Give and take Your child’s ability to share, developed gradually between … Read more
Cooking “within season” means using only those ingredients that have good, fresh flavor and are ripe. Restricting yourself to ingredients that are in season in your region is a great way of creating constant challenges and exposing yourself to new ingredients. And because in-season ingredients tend to be of higher quality and pack more of … Read more
Q: My child keeps coming home crying, telling me he’s been left out. What can I do? A: Not knowing whether he’ll be welcomed or rejected by friends can be both upsetting and anxiety-provoking, since each day brings uncertainty about what he’ll face. While falling out with friends is common at his age, the situation … Read more
The site of 1962’s Century 21 Exposition, tagged “America’s Space Age World’s Fair,” Seattle Center has survived decades of massive growth all around it. The main attraction is still the Space Needle, revealing the futuristic vision of 1960’s Seattle. Today, a close second is the ultra-modern and controversial Experience Music Project, Paul Allen’s monument to … Read more
1. Rice, Wheat, Grains ≅ Congee, Cream of Wheat, Porridge A billion people eat congee daily, but you’re unlikely to find it on many restaurant menus in the United States, for the same reason that “porridge” and “gruel” don’t appear very often: it’s a dish meant to stretch the filling power of a few cheap … Read more
The Market stretches for several blocks high above the port traffic sailing on the gleaming waters of Elliott Bay. This historic district includes a meandering multi-level underground arcade, and street-level tables and stalls. Established in 1907, America’s oldest continually operating farmers’ market has become one of Seattle’s most treasured institutions. By mid-century, most farmers’ tables … Read more
Say your Aunt Suzie sends you a jar of her famous (or is it infamous?) homemade quince jelly. What to do with it? Someone suggests that you try it with Manchego cheese and crackers and, sure enough, the combination is delicious. But why? One potential explanation can be found in the history of the ingredients: … Read more
Of all the buildings in Berlin, the Parliamentary Building is probably one of the most symbolic. The mighty structure, erected in 1884–94 by Paul Wallot as the proud manifestation of the power of the German Reich, was destroyed by arson in 1933 and bombed during World War II. In 1996, the artist Christo wrapped up … Read more
You’ll have an easier time cooking as you learn about more flavors and the ingredients that provide them. Take time to notice the odors in the foods you are eating, taking note of smells that you don’t recognize. Next time you’re eating out, order a dish you’re not familiar with and try to guess its … Read more
The best known of Berlin’s symbols, the Brandenburg Gate stands proudly in the middle of Pariser Platz, asserting itself against the hyper-modern embassy buildings that now surround it. Crowned by its triumphant Quadriga sculpture, the famous Gate has long been a focal point in Berlin’s history: rulers and statesmen, military parades and demonstrations – all … Read more
When my best friend passed away, her children and I both wallowed in despair. Afterwards, we found that we need the heal each other. Barrie and I met each other in the line of people queuing for lunch at school in the autumn 1975, two 3rd grade pupils united due to the mutual antipathy towards … Read more
Keeping your Child Safe Now that your toddler is on the move and can speak for herself, she is more independent and potentially more vulnerable. Begin to teach her about safety issues in the home and elsewhere, but emphasize the need for awareness rather than increasing fears. “Be prepared for accidents. Stay calm, make sure … Read more
The consultant for your relationship is showing up here! And she is waiting to answer your toughest questions… My husband and I both work at home. However, he thinks his job is more important; therefore, I have to run the errand and take care of the children. How to divide these works equally? It is … Read more