12 Comments
User's avatar
words that got away's avatar

I love this!! Happy I found you. My Greek m-i-l makes pastitsio on special occasions, but I haven’t tried to reproduce her dish yet. I’ll add this recipe to my list.

I roasted butternut squash yesterday after sauteeing leftover Trader Joe’s mirepoix in avo oil. Winter squashes are work horses.

Expand full comment
Ellen Kornmehl MD's avatar

Glad you are here! Yes, you gotta love a vegetable that can sit on the counter for weeks until you are moved to use it!

Expand full comment
Cookwitch's avatar

Food and wisdom - what's not to like? I am one of those poor souls with PCOS, so as much as I love potatoes, they are a rare treat. They've been replaced with pumpkins, squashes and roots like rutabaga (called swede here in the UK) so my blood sugar doesn't get all up in my face.

That pastitsio looks most excellent. I grew up with the original version and loved it, but often felt it needed to be lighter for our more sedentary modern times.

Expand full comment
Ellen Kornmehl MD's avatar

I’ve grown to love all the Mediterranean foodstuffs and whole grains…I’ve fallen out of love with potatoes and explore all the rest

Expand full comment
L.E. Langner's avatar

This Substack always makes me hungry! There should be some button we could press that would allow us to sample the prepared recipes! Ellen, I hope you and your family have a happy and healthy New Year!

Expand full comment
Ellen Kornmehl MD's avatar

I wish you were here for a plate! and a glass of wine!

Expand full comment
Valerie Probstfeld's avatar

Such an interesting article! Thank you for sharing

Expand full comment
Jill L's avatar

What a delightful read on this special day!! You illuminate the topic of potatoes and alternatives with so much detail and thought, making it both interesting and easy to connect with. I really loved how you touched on the way medical conditions and food choices intersect—it’s such an important and fascinating perspective. Food for thought today and always!!!

Expand full comment
Ellen Kornmehl MD's avatar

Appreciate those thoughts coming from another physician. The more we know, the more what we cook can inspire life.

Expand full comment
The Simmering Chef's avatar

That was a truly splendid read, Dr. Kornmehl. Very informative, and I'm with you, give me a Swede or a rutabaga any day over a potato. More flavor. Have a very happy New Year!

Expand full comment
<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Gorgeous recipes with a potato in sight -- beautiful photos. Love this Substack.

Expand full comment
Ellen Kornmehl MD's avatar

Thank you, Mary! It’s been a whirlwind cooking in my kitchen! Even winter has great seasonal produce here in New England.

Expand full comment