After an early afternoon of picking apples at, I the Wickham Farm on Long Island, NU, USA, I returned home with several pounds of them. I thought it was the ideal time to use some of the apples, along with a large pumpkin from my friend John's vegetable garden to make some pie recipes I hadn't attempted to make in over 30 years! You could say the abundance of the autumn harvest inspired me, so I got to work roasting pumpkin and baking pies for several hours.

As the leaves change hues and the air gets a little chillier it's time to embrace the bounty of fall. Butternut squash emerges as one of the highlights of the season. This vegetable is not just flavorful but also incredibly versatile. In this post I'm sharing tasty ways to enjoy butternut squash, focusing on roasting and two delicious recipes that spotlight its unique taste.

Spending an early afternoon at a fruit farm is truly enchanting, particularly when the farm is the Wickham Fruit Farm i Long Island, NY, USA. Nestled in the heart of apple country, this charming destination provides a break from the daily grind offering joy, a touch of education, and, of course, tasty delights.

As the summer heat approaches, there's nothing quite like a refreshing salad to help you beat the heat. One of my favorites is a delightful combination of juicy watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy pine nuts, all elevated by the freshness of basil and mint.

Although I was tempted to try one of their winery flights, I opted for their 2024 white Merlot, appreciating its delicate aroma of white peach and subtle hint of citrus zest. This was followed by a glass of the delightful 2021 Mercato, an herbaceous red fruit table wine that truly hit the spot!

On Saturday, June 14th, 2025, I was invited to join American friends at an event rich in history and national pride—the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade and Celebration in Washington DC. The blend of the Festival and the Parade filled the nation's capital with nostalgia and excitement, offering all of us a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

At the Sannino Winery, the blend of tradition and innovation was apparent in all facets of the vineyard's operations.

Christmas uniquely unites people, weaving tales of friendship and forming enduring memories. This year I'm enjoying the season in Mattituck!