On a trip though Ireland a few years ago, I fell in love with the low hedgerows that divided the field from each other. They seemed to rise from the fields themselves, as integral a part of the landscape as the rocky crags that rose here and there, like they had been there forever. I wondered if even the owners of the fields had any idea how long they had been there, or who had planted them. Then, last spring, when Sarah and I were on our way to the Double E Ranch, I had to smile as I noticed…
New Beginnings
The lights are down, the Christmas decorations are all put away, and 2012 has tottered off into history. Outside, the skies are low and gray and a cold rain is falling, but, even so, I have to admit I love this most reflective time of year. It’s a time for putting a pot of soup on the stove, setting some bread to rise, and thinking about all the things this brand new, totally unused year might bring. Some of the things I see coming up in the new year are exciting. My first novel, Welcome to Last Chance, will be…
A Helping of Hospitality
Have you ever noticed how often eating is mentioned in the Bible? From the trees God planted that were pleasing to the eye and good for food in Genesis, to the Marriage Feast described in Revelation, food plays a really big part. Another thing I’ve noticed is that in almost every occasion, the meal is presented as a gift and honor to someone else. I especially like the story of Abraham’s visitors. Three guests turned up unexpectedly, and Abraham ran to meet them begged them to stay and refresh themselves before they moved on. When they agreed, he set someone…
30-Minute Soup
This is my all-time favorite soup recipe. You can stop by the store on your way home, be back in the car with the ingredients fifteen minutes later, and be serving hot, homemade soup to your family a half hour after you get home. Plus, it is scrumptious! Green Chile Posole 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ½ cup chopped onion 1 cup bottled green chile salsa (mild to hot—you choose) 4 oz. can chopped, roasted green chile (optional) 28 oz. can Mexican style hominy (look on the Latino foods aisle) 1 rotisserie chicken 1 quart chicken broth Sautee…