Butcher’s Ragu

Rain doesn’t come easily to these parts. Southern California, I mean. During the dry months, not so much as a damp-against-your-face fog seems to roll through. In the wet season, such as it is, when clouds gather and suddenly you’re needing to turn on the wipers, you’re a bit shell-shocked. Down to the last driver stuck on the 405 Freeway because there’s a fender bender every few miles. In LA, the visceral reality of actual weather, from the faintest hint of humidity... Read More

Only White Food

For weeks during her first trimester, as our little Jude baked in utero, growing from the size of a blueberry to a Mission fig, Kristen ate only white foods. Bagels with cream cheese. Yogurt drizzled with honey. Gallons of full-fat milk and crackers.  Pasta dressed with olive oil and a dash of salt.  No meat, no greens. She did allow for the occasional bit of brown to sneak in — whole wheat sandwiches smeared with almond butter. And she had her chocolate, of course. Morning... Read More