Twelve Tasty Things

The world’s trickiest cookie?

Grilled cheese from an expert.

Cheeeeeeeeese.

Don’t forget the drinks.

It’s almost time for this.

I’ve got to make these again sometime.

My family loves this soup.

I’ve got to try this curry.

Eclair heaven.

Even the biggest meat eaters need to go veggie sometimes.

Big Cheeeeeeeeese.

In case your favorite vanilla treats have disappeared from the shelves: an explanation.

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All Hail the Pumpkin Spice Latte (And Other Thoughts About Fall)

Last fall with my little pumpkin.

The fall solstice doesn’t happen until September 23rd, but as far as I’m concerned, autumn is here. Labor Day has passed (September 1st marked the start of meteorological autumn) and here in the suburbs of Seattle, it’s a damp 62 degrees. Starbucks has yet again rolled out the Pumpkin Spice Latte, and the pumpkin-spice-loving world has rejoiced. I’m sure some of you are sad and cold, while others are saying, What? Fall? It’s still 92 degrees here. But I’m not hiding under a blanket or sunning on a beach. I chose the Pacific Northwest for a reason. In some regions it’s perpetually summer. In others, winter lasts nine months. In the Pacific Northwest, we get a gorgeous, lengthy fall.

Fall is my favorite season. I could moon about it all day. Rainstorms, falling leaves, my birthday, pumpkin patches, cinnamon, sweaters, firewood, chili, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Charlie Brown specials about pumpkins and pilgrims, turkey, cranberries, raking, hot tea. Oktoberfest. If you go by the solstices, then technically, most of the Christmas season is part of fall. My husband’s birthday, my mother’s birthday, my brother’s birthday: all fall. I love to put on a turtleneck and heat the house up with baking. I love to spend an afternoon knee-deep in leaves. I love the way the tip of my nose stays cold long after I come inside.