Author Archives: upstatedowntown

Coping with Christmas Tree Syndrome

Posted on December 28, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews As someone who has year-round allergies—pollen, ragweed, mold, dust, pet dander (especially cats and horses), nuts (specifically, walnuts and almonds), MSG, food additives and preservatives—I was distressed to add yet another allergen to my list last week: … Continue reading →

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An “Explosive” German Riesling

Posted on December 26, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews My wine tastes and affinities are wide-ranging.  But one constant staple at our table is Riesling. In particular German Riesling, which remains the benchmark for most Riesling styles — and quality — for what has become a truly international grape. It’s also … Continue reading →

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Birthday on the Hudson

Posted on December 16, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Most years, I’ve hinted broadly­—and often bluntly—to my husband Christopher about how I’d like to celebrate my birthday.  (OK…so I’m a control freak who hates being disappointed).  This year, however, otherwise preoccupied, I surrendered the fate of … Continue reading →

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Merrier with Molasses

Posted on December 14, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Molasses makes our Christmas merry. It’s the foundation sweetener for two of our favorite holiday treats: gingerbread and spiced ginger cookies.  We appreciate molasses for so many reasons….how it produces a lovely dark golden-brown hue, a soft … Continue reading →

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A Golden (Delicious) Memory

Posted on December 12, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews Taste memories can be powerful — and unexpected. I experienced such a moment the other day, on a back-country walk near our house upstate, something I especially enjoy in the colder months, when the deer ticks are dormant, and the … Continue reading →

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The Puppy That Came For Christmas

Posted on December 9, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews “I’d been taking some herbs, agnus castus and black cohosh….I had changed my diet to take more foods rich in folic acid…  I’d also contracted a charity called Baby Makers, who support people having difficulty getting pregnant….” … Continue reading →

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Get Naked. It’s Healthy.

Posted on December 4, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews That’s the promise Naked Pizza makes: they’re naked…and you’re gonna feel good. ”Naked”, in this case, refers to a pizza stripped of processed ingredients. Pizza is one of those foods I’d never miss if it suddenly disappeared.  … Continue reading →

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Hard Cider from the Big Apple

Posted on December 2, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews If New York City had an official apple — and some folks are indeed working on this — it should be the heirloom Newtown Pippin variety. And now, thanks to the award-winning, New York City-based Original Sin Cider, you … Continue reading →

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Less Meat, More Plants: One Home Cook’s Journey

Posted on November 30, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Here’s the wonderful thing about my recent, albeit way-too-short, visit to Pittsburgh…good as the burgeoning, local-minded restaurant scene is here (and which I highlighted earlier this year in my NYT article), I didn’t have to set foot … Continue reading →

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Turkey on a Road Trip

Posted on November 26, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews There’s something romantic about a road trip.  It sparks my spirit of adventure.  So, this year, not only did we drive 8-1/2 hours to Pittsburgh to spend Thanksgiving with family…we also volunteered to cook the entire Thanksgiving … Continue reading →

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