image:  www.freeimages.co.uk Ruhlman ranted a little the other day about complicated recipes made simple and I think I agree with him.  Years ago I had very little knowledge about cooking and really didn’t appreciate the art of cooking.  Now I have learned the difference between getting dinner on the table and making a fine meal.  98% of the time I have to get dinner on the table, but there is that 2% that I wish to do something a little more and even learn a bit more. Ruhlman was addressing a recent cookbook, Ducasse Made Simple, and his immediate reaction was why would you want Ducasse Made Simple? ”Can you imagine a book called The French Laundry Cookbook Made Simple?  Such food would cease to be French Laundry food.” ... [Read more]

I have learned a lot while writing this blog and one of the most important lessons has been to try and cook in the season.  It is better for the environment, it is cheaper and quite frankly the food that is grown for each season seems to really meet the needs of my palette.  It may be because I have gotten use to eating certain foods at certain times of the year and it is merely psychological, but I think it probably more than that. Epicurious has a seasonal cooking guide From Farm to Table and now they are focusing of the bounty of Fall.  They have a USA map letting you know what is farm fresh in your area and what you will discover at your local Farmer’s Market.  The have a Farmer’s Blog written by Iowa native Ethan Book. ... [Read more]

There is A LOT of people voting and feeling passionate about the election this year.  Not matter who you are pushing for, I think that is exciting.  One of my biggest dreams is that we end up having more people will end up voting by close of polls November 4th, than who voted on the last American Idol. I know people on both side of the aisle who don’t only feel passionate about their candidate, but who have volunteered their time.  So, if this is you or you just plan on staying up until the bitter end, invite some friends over, watch the returns and chow down. In the most recent magazine issue of Every Day With Rachael Ray, she shares some recipes for the munchies, Campaign Trail Mix and some Uncle Sammies.  Check-out Rachael’s... [Read more]

   image:  the boys with Nana D/Thompson 2007 I am writing today to say good-bye to everyone here at b5 media and all the readers.  Life at home has become interesting and complicated and I am having to spend some more time with my boys.  They are the lights of my life and as I have written before, they both have autism. These last two months I have found it difficult to keep up with just about everything in my life and as much as I love writing this blog, I don’t have the time to dedicate to it as much as I want.  A new writer will be taking over the reigns very soon and I know that I will be around reading and dropping a comment or two.  Thanks to everyone for their warm wishes and keep on keeping on. Tracey Thompson [Read more]

   image:  www.freeimages.co.uk I am actually going to a Halloween party tonight.  At this moment I have absolutely NO clue what me and my husband are going as.  I told him that my creative energy is obsolete and that he would probably end up just wearing his Boba Fett t-shirt and I will probably end-up as the corpse bride.  At this moment I would need very little make-up. One thing I didn’t forget was what I would be caring underneath my arm to the party.  There are some fun Halloween inspired wines out there, but I thought that I may be a little different and I am bringing some Witches’ Brew. Witches’ Brew is only available in 750 ML and has a champagne like cork.  It is very old school looking, but is a strong ale... [Read more]