If you had asked me a year ago what the term “ombre” meant, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you. I took four years of French in high school.

Confession time: I recently made dinner for one of my pastors. She fell and broke her wrist, and just a few days later her father-in-law passed away. I thought a homemade meal might help so I made a big pot of soup and some blueberry muffins. I was able to try out my new dual-fuel range (gas stovetop and electric oven).

For St. Patrick's Day, I enjoy making a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner for the family. We're not Irish, but when you live in Saint Paul, MN -- a very Irish town that celebrates with a parade and all sorts of festivities -- it just feels right to have a little fun around this holiday.