Look for the Beauty Within

Oh bananas, I’m so sorry, I had such plans for you. Laying on a bed of grape nuts, enjoying healthy smoothies, a nutritious snack on the way to work. But I let you languish, alone, in the bowl in the corner. I didn’t notice you. I (gulp) forgot. My cruel husband, who frowns on even a single brown speckle, scorned you a week ago as long past your prime. Don’t despair - I can, I will, I must make it up to you. There’s still time for us…



Banana Cake!

Adapted from this recipe to include extra chocolate instead of those pesky potentially healthy walnuts. Great to bring if you’re a dinner guest because your hosts can store it and eat it for breakfast the next day rather than feeling obligated to serve it that night. If gifting, decorate the top with drizzles of melted chocolate.

Could This Be Love

While watching the Vinegar/Sauerbraten episode of Good Eats I heard Alton Brown mention that as far as he’s concerned, raisins are ALWAYS optional. Could I have found my soulmate?

Trust Me, I Deserve It

It’s been a nasty nasty week and a half here in the land of Raisinhater, and yesterday was my birthday, and today is my wedding anniversary, and it’s cold and rainy, and I’m pregnant. I say all this to justify the breakfast I made for myself today.



Yes, biscuits with sausage gravy.

I posted this recipe about a year ago, but reading about Mona’s breakfast at Egg started me thinking about it again. Irresistible. Almost delicious enough to wipe away the horrors of last week. Probably one more dose tomorrow and I'll be good as new.

Thank you all so much (on behalf of the whole Raisinhater family) for your good wishes and congratulations! Soon there will be quite a bit more posting and time to cook, as I'm starting maternity leave at the end of the month. It's a bit early, but the working as a line cook during my last few months of pregnancy sounds like a pretty bad idea. Instead I'll be going in to the restaurant occasionally to help out and spending lots of time at home playing around with food.

Eating for Two

We Raisinhaters have been keeping a big secret for a while now. Check it out…



Those little red things are the toes of my clogs. They’re obscured by six months of pregnant belly. The worst thing about being pregnant – no gorgonzola. The best (but also sometimes worst) – the superhuman sense of smell. I can tell what the neighbors are cooking for breakfast (usually, burnt toast). At work, I can tell from across the room when it's time to take the beets out of the oven.

The young Raisinhater (a boy!) is due in late April and we’re very excited for his arrival. We’ll be hosting a wine and gorgonzola party approximately 30 seconds after he is born. You’re all invited.

Happy New Year!!