shortbread and tea

Sunday afternoon with a pot of tea, shortbread by the fire and the NYTimes ...a good time to recharge...photograph by jeff mcnamara

rainy weekend cooking by the fire

indian summer supper

no need for fussy table linens with this beautiful weathered wood table by roy hardin for the new general store...lanterns for candlelight, soft linen napkins weighted down by stones and big buffet plates make it simple and comfortable...a few pots of herbs add greenery and flavor...

corn from the farmstand

this last summer weekend is the time to enjoy the end of summer produce: corn on the cob sprinkled with mint, rosemary or citrus salt is the best!
salts from www.thenewgeneralstore.com

sprig of rosemary

signifying remembrance, a simple sprig of rosemary is perfect for each placesetting: decorative, fragrant, and useful for personal flavoring ...I love using it in salads, and soups, and to flavor caramelized onions, ratatouille, and grilled pizzas...

summer afternoon

a simple summer lunch at the boathouse...photographs by tara sgroi, tabletop available at www.thenewgeneralstore.com

summer cheese course

I love to put a few simple white cheeses on a platter with a drizzle of lavender honey on the goat cheese, and some lemon verbena jelly on the side with a basket of carr's water biscuits....a lighter version for summer with more delicate flavors, a manchego, chevre, and gruyere with a big green salad is perfect for a light lunch on these steamy days..."Summer" photograph by matthew mead