I love a good ramen bowl. I make them with salmon, all kinds of vegetables... but when I'm eating alone or in a hurry (or the pantry is mostly bare!), this scaled down version is still delicious, filling, and nutritious. 

As Labor Day approaches each year, we find ourselves straddling the seasons. 

Although we're so glad to say goodbye to the heat of summer (yes, it actually does get hot up here in Maine for a few days, a week, tops!), we're not quite ready to dig out our mittens and snow boots yet.

When I've had a long day and am tired and hungry, I always reach for pasta.  Buttered noodles are quick and easy - and entirely satisfying... but this ramen recipe is even better than plain buttered noodles. 

Puttanesca is a traditional Italian pasta dish that is not for the faint of heart. The flavors are very forward and in-your-face, but not in a bad way at all. 

Cacio e Pepe is a classic Italian pasta dish that translates literally to "cheese and pepper".

And if you have both of those ingredients plus some pasta and butter, you've got the makings of this delicious, but deceptively simple, classic pasta dinner.

Homemade gnocchi is one of those things that was sort of always on my to-do list, but I just never got around to. 

We love eating breakfast for dinner, and do so often, considering all the eggs we collect from our chickens. 

If you raise chickens (or ducks) and aren't making your own pasta, what are you waiting for? Fresh pasta far surpasses dried/store bought pasta in taste, texture and nutrition - no surprise there - and it's super easy (and fun) to make.

Some days are better than others.  

Today I have already been stung by a yellow jacket, chased our horse around the pasture trying to catch him for our farrier, cleaned up puppy puke - on OUR bed, no less - and discovered that a bunny has not only eaten all our spinach but also all our beet tops....and it's only 3 o'clock  in the afternoon. 

All in all, I've had better days.