The Colors Of Winter

I sat looking out my studio window watching the robins gobble the last remaining red berries from my yard, wondering why I placed a Peanut Blossom, such a sunny cookie,  in a decidedly cool background. But watching the last speck of red in my yard

Loving Agnes Martin And Other Favorite Things

I never do resolutions for the New Year. I do have a New Year tradition however, that I call 'Reviewing'. Reviewing is a visit to the past year's favorites. 'Favorites' can be places; people; things;  or events. And favorites can be new or old! I  just

Peace In A Cookie?

While pondering my last post of the year, I decided to explore the "Peace" cookie. Oh, if only baking would make it so. But, what if we ALL made Peace cookies around holiday time? After a busy holiday season when we are all through with this: and

Have A Happy Red, White And Chocolate Holiday!

At Art On The Menu it's been holiday baking time for the past 6 weeks. My approach is eclectic a best.  I look through my books, cookie magazines, and recipes. What jumps out, goes on the list. This year it was 2 bar cookies; one sliced

An Artful Tradition

Look at this gorgeous Tree! Most of us have a seasonal decorating tradition, but let me introduce you to Danielle. She is not only an accomplished artist, but also a dedicated art collector. Since 2003 Danielle has been collecting art for her 12' Tree, and she spends

Mock Salmon

We've had enough turkey talk, so lets talk salmon. This amazing fish has quite a place in history. Salmon lore crosses cultures from Native American to Druids, with the traditions of preparing this fish spanning from grilled to gravlax.  And of course, there is the

Are Pumpkins Edible?

It's beloved, but not for eating.  Although it's delicious roasted; pureed; baked in bread and pastries or stuffed in ravioli; mostly it's a centerpiece.  And the final degradation is on Halloween, when it's carved and left to slowly sag as it rots away on porches around the country. 

A Morning At Art On The Menu

9 Am: It's cold today, and pouring rain, but I have to get to the post office to ship commissions.  Living in the city has advantages. I live within close proximity to several post offices. But I do have a favorite: it has a large tree

Oysters

Why do I find oysters attractive as a subject. I have no doubt it is all the multi- hued layers of shell they build up throughout their lives. Layering is definitely a theme:  in the studio I layer paint; in 'The Cardboard Kitchen' I layer

Mushroom Madness

My recipe this month had to include mushrooms as the star ingredient. We had a spectacular mushroom season in the PNW. Remember the Caterpillar's advice to Alice in "Alice's Adventures In Wonderland".  I concluded he was referring to the 'heightening' powers of all that flavor,