Christmas Cookies & Candies
Pumpkin and Squash Recipes
Pear and Apple Recipes
Greenmarket Inspired Recipes
Sunday, June 2, 2013 at 3:37PM In my book, peonies need few enhancements. But with a little photoshop magic (and patience), these elegant beauties are transformed into a work of art. Aren't they just stunning?
Sunday, March 31, 2013 at 11:27AM 
When I was growing up, our holiday celebrations were firmly grounded in Polish traditions. Hopefully this year, I will have the opportunity to write more about a traditional Polish Christmas Eve meal, Wigilia. But for now, my thoughts turn to spring and Easter.
For Poles, the blessing of the Easter Basket, Swieconka, continues to be an enduring tradition. The blessing takes place on the Saturday before Easter, and the basket typically contains a sampling of traditional food: hard-boiled eggs, ham, sausage, salt, horseradish, fruits, bread and cake. Just like the seder plate, each food in the Easter Basket has symbolic meaning.
Eggs symbolize life and Christ's resurrection
Bread symbolizes Jesus
Lamb represents Christ
Salt represents purification
Horseradish symbolizes the bitter sacrifice of Christ
Ham symbolizes great joy and abundance
This is my (93 year old) Grandmother's version of the Easter Basket or what she commonly refers to as "blessed food". The dogwood is from her garden on Eastern Long Island. Happy Easter everyone!
