Tea's Profile

I love this, and the presentation is wonderful. Who wouldn't feel spoiled and taken care of if something like this showed up on their doorstep? The flowers are a lovely touch.

I have a few new baby dinners I like to bring. One is a hearty soupe au pistou, the other a healthy take on baked burritos, filled with black beans, corn, quinoa, and spinach.
http://www.teaandcookiesblog.com/2010/05/soupe-au-pistou-and-new-baby-dinner.html
http://www.teaandcookiesblog.com/2011/01/new-baby-dinner-adams-enchiladas-2.html

I always try to make it a complete meal, with greens or side dishes and dessert. People tell me later it makes them feel so civilized in the midst of new baby chaos.

Another option I love, for new babies and also for families going through hard times, is to stock their freezer with homemade tamales. They can be heated up in the microwave for quick lunches or dinners and almost everyone likes them. They are also gluten-free, for those who need it.

What a wonderful post!

One thing that no one has mentioned is the environmental impact of canned beans vs. dried. I do sometimes use the canned ones in a pinch, but think about the extra energy and waste that goes into producing, shipping, and then recycling all those cans. On the green scale, dried beans are the clear winner.

I'm a big Rancho Gordo fan (and, full disclosure, a friend of the founder). One thing I've learned is that dried beans on the shelf can be up to ten years old. The RG are much fresher, so even if you don't buy them, try to purchase your dried beans someplace with good turnover. Health food bulk sections are always a good option.

Great post! I've been thinking about (struggling with) much of the same--living in Seattle after growing up in N. Calif.

I take my morning tea ritual very seriously—and like you, I stock up and experiment. I wrote about this recently and got lots of great comments/suggestions from others in dark/cold climates: http://teaandcookies.blogspot.com/2011/01/winter-survival-morning-rituals.html

I also like to make hot pot or communal meals—like fondue or sukiyaki—with friends. It's a great way to have some fun with dinner and spend time together (gah, the long dark evenings!). Even tortilla soup can be made more communal, by putting all the toppings on the table and having a pot of broth simmering. This is one of my favorite ways to entertain.

I also find myself drawn to spicier foods—Mexican, Thai, Indian. Sometimes coconut milk alone can make me happy.

I also usually immerse myself in some sort of cooking project/quest. One year it was fresh pasta, another year it was baking bread, last winter I was obsessed with making various Asian noodles from scratch. Not sure what this winter will bring (cheese making, perhaps), but it gives me a sort of focus and challenge.

And of course, all your great suggestions above. Thanks for addressing this topic!

Oh, Dana. This is lovely. I don't think I'm going to look at apple blossoms the same after reading this. Thank you.

I've been trying to do the very same thing in my kitchen. Currently road testing some Pyrex with plastic lids (love that they can go in the oven, but the overall verdict is still out). My long time favorite small storage glasses are the Luminarc jam jars, called Working Glasses at Crate & Barrel, with the red or orange plastic lids. They last forever and are extremely durable. Perfect for those half lemons, onions, etc.

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=150&f=1693