JUST LET ME STATE FOR THE RECORD, WE'RE GIVING LOVE IN A FAMILY DOSE

Growing up in Minnesota, Hecate and I were raised with a strong appreciation for two very important things:

1. family

2. food

Dinner together was SOP in our household- even (or especially) when we were in high school and college with various assorted friends living with the whole brood in our already packed-to-the-gills, albeit modest St. Paul home. And we have an amazingly strong bond with our family and extended family (Shields beautes, here's lookin' at you).

Since those St. Paul days, Hecate and I have moved out of Minnesota and back again, possessing a whole new appreciation for the dining experience with those we love. And now that we're big girls, the gathering spot has shifted from our childhood home to our own homes. Enter the new era of "Ladies Who Lunch" - a smattering of sisters, god sisters, mothers, Irish women and otherwise, and pretty much anyone who loves a good community effort in the kitchen, with the promise of excellent company (and endless British and Paris Vogue magazines!). You gorgeous women made my day last we met (and we all know I needed it- I love you all for that..), and I can't WAIT for the next date!

Hecate's Yorkshire pudding is always a smashing hit, and our Labor Day brunch last month also featured a delicious Salmon Frittata (the remains of which you miiiight be able to detect in the photo above). Try this recipe out, it's surprisingly easy:

SALMON FRITTATA

Prep time: 20 min

Cook time: 30 min

8 new or red potatoes, cubed

1 medium onion, diced

2 tbsp olive oil

12 large eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 lb smoked salmon, chopped

2 scallions, chopped

2 tbsp chopped fresh dill

3 tbsp fresh rosemary

2 oz goat cheese, crumbled

kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

1. Preheat oven to high broil.

2. Saute the onions and potatoes in olive oil in a 10-inch oven-proof deep pan.

3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add milk, dill, rosemary, smoked salmon, goat cheese, salt and pepper (to taste).

4. Pour the mixture over the softened potatoes and cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to harden. Sprinkle additional rosemary and goat cheese crumbles on top.

5. Transfer the pan the oven and broil for about 20 minutes, until it puffs and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Bon appetit!