Food

The best and worst gift I ever gave my mom on Mother’s Day was a hamburger patty press.

In the introduction to her book Breakfast in Bed, author Jesse Ziff Cool catalogs all the people with whom she advises sharing the gift of breakfast in bed: “With a sweetheart who needs to feel your love in a new way, with a spouse who needs strength to face a tough day, with a sick child who needs a little extra TLC, with an aging parent who needs to be reminded of her importance.”

In better economic times, cooks are eager to try the latest cookware. Brushed stainless steel, triple-ply stainless, enameled cast iron or enamel on steel are what gourmet cooks covet — even though some are costlier than a new range top.

The first produce from the White House kitchen garden has moved from farm to fork.

Smoked Salmon, Avocado and Mango Sandwich

Bananas and avocados suffer the same fate on my kitchen counter: Seemingly overnight, they go from impossibly unripe to the brink of rotten. The frugality that prompted me to buy in bulk turns to panic as I figure ways to use the ingredients quickly.

Is it camping if there’s a microwave?

As local forecasters were predicting a coastal heat wave, I made a foray into the Central Valley, where it was really hot. Thank heaven for the perfect climate to bring crops there into fruition! And thank the Lord for field workers willing and able to work in the heat to bring the crops into your favorite local and farmers markets.

It must be getting closer to the summer solstice (June 21), because more folks are sporting their shades — wearing sunglasses, that is. I know, because some have left them behind on the counter at the post office and, more alarming, are leaving their keys there, too.

Keep up the good work - we've received another recipe contribution, making this column a true "readers exchange," a goal we established seven years ago!

We have returned from a memorable experience of seven days in Lourdes, France, with the Catholic Order of Malta, which I found too spiritually profound to relate in this column. However, when we rode through the nearby valley up to the village of Sainte Savin, I was reminded of our upcoming Memorial Day observances by the vision of crimson red poppies studding the emerald ranges, reminiscent of Flanders Fields in World War I.

Traditions meet up with trends when it comes to Nick Ranch Gourmet Grass-Fed Beef. The certified organic steaks, roasts, briskets, ground beef and sausages from this label come from a picturesque ranch in the Pozo hills that has been home to the Nick family for six generations.

When my granddaughters first caught sight of the pre-lit evergreen in the living room, they paraphrased Goldilocks, saying "Why Grandmother, what a big Christmas tree you've got!" Even though it was but two days until Easter, it took some explaining that the decorations actually reflected the Vernal Equinox, Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year, and holidays yet to come.

Judge's verdict: Chile con carne pros' pros and cons