I just made the ciabatta from The Bread Baker's Apprentice. I don't have a stand mixer, and definitely got a workout! However, I didn't get the springy, large-holey result I was expecting (althou...

His recipes pretty much sum up Chez Panisse - my all time favorite restaraunt!

My mom's 'clear the fridge & pantry' stews, which always involve creamy white beans that practically fall apart...heavenly!

Big spinach leaves filled with sauteed late-summer-squash and brown rice in peanut sauce!

I'm up to my ears in San Marzano tomatoes - so this weekend I'm cooking up a storm of ketchup, sauce, slow-roasted tomatoes, and caponata.

mango-jalapeno salsa on grilled salmon!

chilled chocolate mousse pie w/strawberries!

How often do I apply compost - and does it depend on the type/quality of compost?

Dark, always!

An opera cake with lots of layers (but probably too much complexity!)