The In the Kitchen Issue

Brittany Riccaboni with her daughters Eliza and Adelaide baking cookies in the kitchen of their Springfield home.

The kitchen in my childhood home spoiled me in many ways. The room was spacious, big enough to fit a table for a family of seven and allowed my mother to move said table around from time to time. The house was built before the open concept design took hold, but because it was so large the kitchen was naturally the center of activities. I would sit at the table completing my homework while my mother prepared dinner, a tableau etched forever into my memory. She would choose an apron from a hook near the stove, tune the radio to WOR New York and cook our evening meal while listening to news, music and the comedy team of Bob and Ray. (If you don’t know them, check YouTube for some classic humor that still makes me laugh.)

Naturally when I moved into my own home, I expected a similar roomy kitchen. That has somehow not been the case in any of the houses I have lived in as an adult. Although I loved those homes, each one had narrow galley kitchens with no space for a table. And yet, as I reminisce on the many meals, potlucks and parties (including an anniversary party for 40) assembled in those kitchens, each one functioned to its fullest capacity and then some. As I have learned over the years, it’s not the size of the kitchen, it’s what one creates in that space that matters.

Our In the Kitchen issue reflects the role this room plays in bringing us together. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, check the tips from some home cooks and professionals on how to personalize and bring this essential space to life. Read how to turn cooking mistakes into unexpected treats and add pizzazz to your holiday meal presentations. Need some new ideas for appetizers for an upcoming gathering? Check out the seasonal offerings from some local chefs. And if you want to get brownie points at your annual cookie swap, check out the sweet recipes on page 40. And don’t forget the handy holiday gift guide for plenty of ways to support our local food community.

The holidays provide a wonderful excuse to pause and give thanks for the local bounty. Whether you have a large eat-in kitchen, or your space reflects the small is beautiful philosophy, we hope you can share meals with loved ones during the coming days and that your celebrations include appreciation for all those who play a part in growing and preparing our food.

Lauren Titus, Editor

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STORIES FROM THE IN THE KITCHEN ISSUE