My favorite tree on Mendenhall is beginning to change color and I’m trying my best to take time to enjoy it.  This weekend I spent a lot of time with Winston, taking walks, enjoying the weather and preparing for the daunting week ahead. On top of my 9 to 5 gig, it’s going to be a wild week. Tomorrow morning at 7:15 and 7:45AM, I’ll be on the WFMY News 2 Kitchen Spot sharing some fall recipes. Tune in and check it out – and pray that it isn’t as embarrassing as I predict it to be. After the TV segment, I’ll be running back to the grocery store(s) to prepare for my Off Mendenhall Fall Cooking Class tomorrow evening at the Edible Schoolyard. We’ll be cooking some great Fall recipes – with hints from North Africa – braised chicken with fennel and olives, preserved lemons, a roasted beet and fried chick pea salad and cranberry clafoutis! Special thanks to everyone who is signed up to attend – and my great friend “Sous Chef Margo” for helping me out in class!  And, watch out this Wednesday for my News & Record Savor Section piece on the Triad Local First Community Table event. And, stay tuned for details on a Food Truck Friday Night event on Commerce.

This is the time of year for minor meltdowns in the kitchen. I’m taking deep breaths and repeating the mantra “she turned her cants into cans. and her dreams into plans.”

Bunches of recipes soon. In the meantime, I hope to see all of you somewhere this week!