By Suzanna Leigh and Marjorie Watkins These days Marj’s words come slowly and painfully, as she sometimes tells us a story she has told many times before, and sometimes a new one. Today, she told us about a boy she knew who lived under a bridge. It was back in the Depression days. He lived…
June 2025, Recipes
McSheehy’s Disappearing Summer Pasta Salad
By Dr. Slade McSheehy In our house, no graduation party is complete without a big bowl of McSheehy’s Disappearing Summer Pasta Salad. It’s perfect for large groups, forgiving on ingredients, and pairs well with speeches, sunburns, and proud tears. Guaranteed to vanish faster than your last free weekend in June. Ingredients: 1 lb rotini or bowtie…
Island Resilience, May 2025, Recipes
Mayo is Magic
By Marc J. Elzenbeck For decades I thought mayo was the province of professionals and was too intimidated to try my hand. But looking at store shelves full of white stuff made with industrial oils at $10 a jar provided the final oomph. (What is a canola? Where does it grow?) Turns out, mayonnaise is…
May 2025, Recipes
Island Epicure – A Mideastern Dinner
By Suzanna Leigh and Marj Watkins “I am getting to be an old lady all wrinkled up,” Marj frowned, as I handed her a cup of tea. It was the day after Easter Sunday, traditionally a day our extended family gathers together for feasting and visiting. Mom loves having her family around, but only my…
April 2025, Recipes
Casserole …
By Megan Hastings The definition of a casserole is “a kind of stew or side dish that is cooked in the oven” … Ok, that is a wide berth of genres. But let’s talk about the best of the best. First, I’d like to say, I have always been a sucker for a casserole ……
April 2025, Recipes
Island Epicure – Easter
By Suzanna Leigh Resplendent in a blue brocade robe she brought back from the Orient, Marj presides over Easter dinner. A widow now, she is the matriarch who sits at the head of the table and blesses the food. “Lord of the Universe,” she begins, “Thank you allowing us to live in this beautiful place.”…
March 2025, Recipes
Cranberry Chutney with Ginger and Orange
By Chef Julia This chutney is a vibrant blend of tart, sweet, and warm flavors that bring depth to any dish. The cranberries provide a tangy base, while fresh orange zest adds citrusy brightness, and ginger lends a subtle heat that enhances the chutney’s complexity. Its rich yet refreshing taste makes it an ideal accompaniment…
March 2025, Recipes
Island Epicure – Sure ‘Tis the Month to Think o’ the Irish
By Marj Watkins Feast yoursel’s, friends, on the foods of dear old Ireland. A blessing ’tis, too, that they’re mostly cheap, easy to make, and tasty they are with … butter! I believe in butter. Sure, it’s got saturated fat in it, but never mind that. It’s Omega 3 fat, an essential to provide skin…
February 2025, Recipes
Island Epicure – The Happiness Foods
By Marj Watkins and Suzanna Leigh Chocolate of course! Who doesn’t love it? Choose cocoa for a temporary boost to your brains’ serotonin, the happiness chemical. It won’t give you lasting happiness, but it will—for a little while—make you smarter. There are many components in chocolate, especially dark chocolate, that help to lift our mood….
February 2025, Recipes
Minglement – Roasted Acorn Squash with Squash Risotto
This delightful and elegant vegetarian entrée or side dish was created by Cat Rose, a staff member. Acorn squash is stuffed with an herbed risotto, speckled with delectable chunks of butternut squash, then baked until meltingly sweet. Serves 8 4 acorn squash3½ tbsp extra virgin olive oilSalt to taste6 cups water or gluten-free vegetable broth1…