Mikki Barrett

“To ‘put by’ is an old, deep southern way of saying to ‘save something you don’t need now, for the time when you will need it.’ Preserving fresh food by canning, freezing, or dehydrating is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables throughout the year. It can undoubtedly be a healthier alternative to commercially available products and a more cost-effective way to feed your family. I find great pleasure in knowing that I have a delicious product made entirely from “scratch.” Every food has an optimal way of preserving it. Much of that depends on your personal preference for consuming each food. For example, berries can be canned as jam or syrup, made into juice, dried into leather or slices, or frozen in bulk.

Gourmet foods , beverages, spices, condiments, spreads, sauces and such that enhance your culinary adventures.

Charcuterie and other grazing boards are an ideal appetizer for entertaining. Often, they can be prepared and served to your guests swiftly. Building a visually appealing board begins with a solid foundation, which, of course, is a beautiful vessel. Many boards can be assembled without cooking, and with the right ingredients, they can provide a complete meal. As a widowed empty nester who often eats alone, it’s important to me to not only present myself with an appetizing plate but also one that’s aesthetically pleasing. Many of the boards I create for myself are served from unconventional vessels. I frequently thrift for mismatched antique tea cups or other oddities that allow me to create a beautiful presentation. You’ll find some sources to purchase gourmet food and boards here, but I also encourage you to use your imagination. Almost any shallow vessel will work if you take the necessary precautions to ensure it’s food-safe. Although edible flowers are not easily sourced, they make a lovely addition to the boards, as well as strategically placed herbs and greens.

I’ve been an avid lover of the printed word since I was a toddler, when my parents would read to me before bed. Even after all these years, it’s rare that I don’t end each night snuggled under a blanket in bed, engrossed in a book before turning off the lights. This collection features some of my favorite reads and thoughtful gifts for fellow readers.

I’m widowed, and my daughter is grown, but I still love to cook and want my meals to be not only tasty but also aesthetically pleasing. However, after becoming an empty nester, I found it increasingly challenging to prepare appetizing meals in smaller portions. When I searched for ways to prepare meals for myself, I was disappointed to find that many of the recipes on the web were quite tasteless, and inaccurately documented recipes were abundant as well. Determined to create a repertoire of individually portioned meals that were easy to prepare and appetizing, I set out to do so. This list includes recipes that I have tried and found to be delicious, as well as other ideas, tools, and small appliances that contribute to making a table for one easier, tasteful, and more beautiful.