Recent Posts

Christmas Cookies are a Hit at Work

Christmas Cookies are a Hit at Work

Two crowd-pleasing cookie recipes for Christmas that have withstood the test of time and always generate kudos for the cookie-baker.

New Recipe! A Glover Gardens Twist on Focaccia

New Recipe! A Glover Gardens Twist on Focaccia

Inspired by a memorable restaurant bread, this cast-iron focaccia bakes up soft and tender with a golden, herb-scented crust and a tender crumb that’s perfect for dipping and sharing.

The Absolute Best Mashed Potato Recipe, Ever

The Absolute Best Mashed Potato Recipe, Ever

This mashed potato recipe from Food & Wine has everything: creaminess, depth of flavor, fluffiness, and reheatability without loss of flavor or texture, which provides the make-ahead convenience we all crave when we’re doing holiday cooking.

Trying to Coax Out a Little Wisdom (A dVerse Quadrille)

Trying to Coax Out a Little Wisdom (A dVerse Quadrille)

A dVerse Quadrille prompt on the word coax sent me down a path of wondering—about rumor, belief, outrage, and whether wisdom can still be persuaded to show up.

What We Mean to Each Other: A Belated Día de los Muertos

What We Mean to Each Other: A Belated Día de los Muertos

A belated Día de los Muertos celebration at Glover Gardens became a night of food, remembrance, and laughter as we honored loved ones through their favorite dishes — discovering, once again, what we truly mean to each other.

Ocean Winds Shaped the Days We Kept (Perfect Childhood Poem)

Ocean Winds Shaped the Days We Kept (Perfect Childhood Poem)

A simple poem in a Chaucerian structure that conveys the simple innocence of a childhood along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Autumn Leaves: Haiku for Autumn

Autumn Leaves: Haiku for Autumn

Three haiku that celebrate autumn, along with the lyrics and a recording of the lovely old standard “Autumn Leaves”.

Remembering Fiona Glover, Queen of Glover Gardens (2010–2025)

Remembering Fiona Glover, Queen of Glover Gardens (2010–2025)

A tribute to Fiona Glover (2010–2025), our regal, funny, fiercely independent calico who ruled Glover Gardens with wit, affection, and attitude. From feral kitten to queenly companion, her life was a master class in curiosity, courage, and love. She was ours—and we were lucky to be hers.

Today’s Cold Miasma (a Poem)

Today’s Cold Miasma (a Poem)

A poem reflecting the bad news of today. Now is the winter of our discontent.

Smash Burger Test Kitchen Finale

Smash Burger Test Kitchen Finale

Test kitchen happenings! Will the smash burger work with the ‘double trouble’ (beef and pork) approach?

What We Mean to Each Other: Happiness in the Moment

What We Mean to Each Other: Happiness in the Moment

When my friend Rose and her dog Pepper visit seniors in memory care, they bring joy, laughter, and lessons in grace. A reflection on mindfulness, empathy, and what we mean to each other.

White Picket Fences and Wild Ravens: A Birthday in Mendocino

White Picket Fences and Wild Ravens: A Birthday in Mendocino

Four unforgettable days in Mendocino, California — celebrating friendship, food, and a birthday by the sea. A charming white-picket-fence town where coastal breezes, laughter, and even ravens add their own kind of magic.

Our Family’s Smoked Turkey Secret: Bold Brine, Big Flavor, and Delicious Leftovers

Our Family’s Smoked Turkey Secret: Bold Brine, Big Flavor, and Delicious Leftovers

Smoked turkey isn’t just for the holidays. Our signature method uses a bold brine, Zippy Sicilian spice mix, and oak smoke to create juicy, flavorful meat perfect for meals now—and later.

Easy Caprese Salad for Two as Summer Moves Aside for Fall

Easy Caprese Salad for Two as Summer Moves Aside for Fall

This caprese salad is fresh, deeply satisfying and light, just the right thing for a late-summer / early fall first course.

The Moon is a Reassuring Presence, Plus Birthday Haiku Magic

The Moon is a Reassuring Presence, Plus Birthday Haiku Magic

The moon’s magic and reassuring presence, explored in haiku, along with a repost of an earlier birthday haiku about a full moon.

Tuscan Chicken Panini – A Grilled Sandwich You Won’t Be Able to Resist

Tuscan Chicken Panini – A Grilled Sandwich You Won’t Be Able to Resist

Sandwich Wednesday magic! This Tuscan Chicken Panini layers shaved deli chicken, spinach, mozzarella, Asiago, tomato, onion, and basil on sourdough (ours was Pablo & Missy’s garlic rosemary loaf). A quick, flavor-packed panini with a true Glover Gardens twist.

Wild Mushroom Lasagna with Zippy Sicilian Flair

Wild Mushroom Lasagna with Zippy Sicilian Flair

This Wild Mushroom Lasagna is layered with rich umami, garlic, creamy cheeses, and our signature Zippy Sicilian Marinara for a dish that’s as romantic as it is comforting. Born from a cryptic magazine clipping but perfected in our kitchen, it’s a love story in every bite.

Two-Bean Salad with Mint and Lemon: A Fresh Take on Tradition

Two-Bean Salad with Mint and Lemon: A Fresh Take on Tradition

This Two-Bean Salad with Mint and Lemon is bright, fiber-rich, and a little unexpected—a perfect partner for hearty mains like lasagna, barbecue, or roast chicken. Crisp green beans and silky cannellini are tossed in a zesty citrus dressing and finished with toasted nuts for just the right crunch.

Imprinted Like Fossils on Our Hearts: Remembering Tracy

Imprinted Like Fossils on Our Hearts: Remembering Tracy

A deeply personal tribute to my childhood friend Tracy on what would have been his 62nd birthday, reflecting on our shared roots in Gilchrist, Texas—a town erased by Hurricane Ike—and the indelible imprints left on our hearts by those we love. This remembrance honors friendship, loss, and the echoes of childhood that never fade.

Megan’s Guacamole: A Simple but Fab Recipe

Megan’s Guacamole: A Simple but Fab Recipe

This simple, crowd-pleasing guacamole recipe from my daughter-in-law Megan is everything you want in a classic dip—creamy, fresh, and restaurant-worthy. Great with chips, tacos, or Trash Can Nachos!