Like many at this strange and uncertain time at home, I’ve been baking a lot more…mostly for it’s therapeutic qualities. Baking bread specifically has always been a coping mechanism for anxiety of stress for me. It took several attempts to finally perfect and get it right, but I’m happy with what I’ve put together so far. The little rascal seems so too.

Home has a new meaning these days, from a newly fashioned classroom to makeshift office on the kitchen table. It’s the center of everything lately, which can be wonderful yet also confining. Although I haven’t family here besides the occasionally naughty puppy running around, it still can feel like I need an escape sometimes. I’ve been trying new recipes and techniques in bread, sourdough and brioche to start which have turned out surprisingly delicious.

The beaches are empty and the island has never been more quiet. There is a stillness and emptiness which I’ve never experienced here before. Being an introvert, loving my peace and quiet, this has been an easy adjustment to make out of all the other life interruptions.

This year has just flown past, it seems that once January was over the weeks have gone by so quickly I can’t keep up. January was quite dull and gray, raining for weeks straight…it’s a relief to have some sun and warmth back again. Despite the idyllic image of Hawaii, the winters can be very cold and damp, especially where I live at the base of Haleakala. I escaped the cold Maui winter to another beautiful island in the Caribbean.

Christmas is always a cherished time in my family. Growing up on a rural horse farm in Vermont, our childhood Christmas’ were absolutely magical. The heavy snow would begin to fall late October and by December, the whole landscape was blanketed with a thick snow. As kids, we would spend every bit of daylight outside sledding or playing pond hockey.

Waking up to a beautiful sunny morning with the little one at my heels. With my family thousands of miles away, Thanksgiving hasn't nearly been the same since I've moved to Maui. Although he is such a little joy in my life that it makes it a little easier being away from home. Winslow is turning into quite the little assistant on these shoots. Before this shot was taken, he was being very patient albeit grumbling in the distance watching on.

It has been over 5 years since I last had a true fall…and the autumn has always been a special time of the year growing up in Vermont. As you can imagine, we celebrated this time as it was so fleeting. The leaves slowly progressed from a muddy palette to the most vibrant and fiery hues that lit up the whole landscape.

Anyone who truly knows me, knows that I have a thing for good bread — and by good I mean homemade, rustic, artisan type…because there is a lot of terrible bread out there! Growing up my mother would bake bread just about day and never bought loaves from the store. We would trade in our huge country loaf sandwiches that fell apart to our friends who had the whitest as white bread on theirs.

Growing up my mother used to make all sorts of sweets on the weekend. She didn’t use a cookbook, she just whipped up something delicious in a matter of minutes, still able to hold a conversation over her shoulder. I remember once when we were little on a Sunday afternoon she let us help her roll up these sweet sticky buns.

This bread is all of your charcuterie favorites stuffed into one loaf - what’s not to love! Green olives, basil, a trio of cheeses, and peppered salami are all rolled up in one. It’s a delicious accompaniment to your appetizer spread or crudite platter. Honestly, I would be satisfied with just this and a nice glass of wine — it ticks all the boxes in my opinion. I hope you love it and give it a try for your next dinner party or picnic outing!

This was a summer dinner party favorite growing up. My mother would throw this flatbread together like it was second nature to her. She would serve it up to a hungry group of guests after a day spent by the water. It also delicious for that transitional time; it’s like the end of summer with its’ malty, sweet and savory flavors.

This salad celebrates the simplicity and simple goodness of summer peaches. These soft, juicy, fuzzy globes are one of my favorite parts about summer. Back home, I used to bike to a local Mennonite farm a few miles away in the summer heat to pick up some fresh peaches that were brought in from Pennsylvania.

August has been a time of new beginnings for me. I moved to my own little place upcountry which is absolutely a little slice of heaven all to myself. It a quiet and peaceful little place on a large property surrounded by pasture, olive and citrus trees. It was a working farm back in the day and they’re are remnants all around from the old chicken coop to the stables.

This salad is bright and light, perfect for a breezy summer picnic. The brilliant citrus hues are the epitome of summer and a visually gorgeous addition to your picnic spread. The salad works well with any citrus fruits you have on hand. The bitterness of the fennel beautifully balances the sweetness of the fruit for pure sunshine on a plate!

Summer is in full swing here. Even though its mild year round, there’s nothing quite like a Hawaiian summer. The water is so warm and the ocean breeze feels so refreshing. There definitely is a slower rhythm (if that is even possible!) during the summer. I try to spend as much time as I can outside in and out of the water.

Spring is has fully peaked and summer is in the air. It’s been rather hot lately which makes me feel like spending less time in the hot kitchen and getting outside. I been craving light and simple foods of the summer even though it’s only May.

March went by in a flash and April flew right in. Despite the mild temperature difference, it does feel a bit springy here in Maui. The orchard blossoms are blooming with delicate pink buds and the bees couldn’t be any busier with all the fresh flowers in bloom. It’s such a subtle change but I can’t help but think of the quote by Margaret Atwood, “In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”

Maui’s lifestyle revolves around the ocean and sun. With tropical temperatures year round, picnics and outdoor entertaining are naturally apart of daily life. We are blessed with abundant locations in every climate zone that Maui has to offer — from the upcountry rolling hills alongside the crater to the black sandy beaches of Hanā.

It’s no wonder that rosé is an absolute favorite to serve at a picnic. Bright, fun, and pairs elegantly with a variety of foods, it’s a delight to serve anytime of the year. Ranging from fruity to floral in a spectrum of blush pinks, peaches, and corals, it’s a delicious addition to any picnic. It just makes eating outside all the more fun with a pink sip!

When the weather is right or a sudden inspiration overcomes you, knowing how to pack a picnic basket is the first step to get you out the door. Or if you are stuck inside, there is no reason why you can’t have an indoor picnic spread! Having a sturdy and stable basket on hand is a good place to start. I prefer the large French market totes, as they durable with strong leather handles and can easy hold over 40 lbs — quite the haul!