Ashley Meyer

Countless cooks caught the sourdough baking bug in the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown. Yeast was scarce and with time on their hands, modern bakers discovered the joys of this ancient process. I was fortunate to grow up with artisanal sourdough baking, but as a Midwestern kid in the 1990s it was anything but […]

Did everyone have a great December? I certainly did. It was quite a run of eating and drinking and I have no regrets. Unfortunately, my once roomy jeans are no longer roomy and the ache in my joints is a reminder that there are consequences to my gluttony. As lovely as all those cookies were, […]

Of all quintessential holiday flavors, eggnog might be one of the most divisive. Folks either love it or hate it, however it’s hard to argue that this richly spiced and strongly spiked holiday beverage has left an indelible mark on the American holiday tradition. Eggnog is widely believed to be a descendant of posset, a […]

I finally got my act together this year and got a head start on holiday baking preparations. Last weekend’s blustery weather practically begged me to bust out the stand mixer, put on some jaunty carols and get to work. I’ve been making holiday treat boxes for friends and family for years and always find myself […]

Great food takes time, a commodity that’s in notoriously short supply during the frenetic holiday season. The freezer is a savvy host’s best friend, especially if you’re wanting to wow guests with sumptuous homemade treats. Whether you’re planning ahead for a grand holiday soiree or just want to be prepared for last-minute gatherings, these freezer-friendly […]

A customer recently walked into the wine store where I work. She was looking to pick up a few bottles to take to a dinner party and to stock up for the holidays. As we perused the white wines, I asked what she normally liked to drink. Her responses made it clear that she was […]

When we moved into my great-grandmother’s little old farmhouse over 10 years ago the quantity of stuff that cluttered every room was positively overwhelming. Nana wasn’t exactly a hoarder, but, like many folks who survived the Great Depression and a world war, she didn’t like to throw anything away. It might have been easier if […]

Curious wine lovers have likely noticed a new category emerging in recent years. “Natural” wines have been popping up on wine lists and in boutique wine shops throughout the country. And while the current trend can be traced back to the early 1980s, natural winemaking has existed for centuries. If you’re lucky enough to have […]

I’m not sure why I love camping so much. It’s quite an effort, especially when kids are involved. Yet each year when the frenetic pace of summer relaxes into the steady amble of autumn, I simply cannot wait to make the lists and haul out the gear and prep the food and get outside for […]

As I stepped outside early this morning the shot of air that greeted me was cold and crisp, a welcome indication that the seasons are beginning to shift. Now that we’re in the homestretch of summer, chilly mornings are giving way to warm afternoons and our gastronomic focus has switched from sweet corn and blueberries […]