Thanksgiving dessert : apple or pumpkin ? My inner child with a powerful sweet tooth says both. You could crank out the make ahead Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie and this Apple Walnut Tart. This tart is best on the day it is made, but my experiments yielded delicious results even with defrosting. Continue reading
Autumn. Frost is coming. Sunrises and sunsets are vividly colorful. Sweater weather has arrived and yours truly could not be more pleased. I adore the cold. We will all miss warm weather garden bounty, but fortunately one can always preserve summer’s best with canning, pestos and salad dressings. Continue reading
Cool and creamy desserts are always in season. Moreover, when you have company and you need a quick and easy dessert, you’re likely to grab a pint (or two) during your grocery run. Continue reading
Before my basil succumbs to wilt and frost permanently, I’ve got one more recipe for you. Basil Black Pepper Whiskey Cocktail is a pleasantly spicy herbal beverage which goes with all nibbles and appetizers. Continue reading
The array of summer fruits is dwindling at roadside stands, making way for a variety of crisp apples. Plums and pluots are heavy, round and fragrant at the grocery stores. Today’s simple salsa is an ode to these sweet-tart stone fruits. Continue reading
I gave my friend a bag of local peaches from a roadside stand. She took one whiff of the opened bag and declared that grocery peaches never ever have fragrance. Or flavor, for that matter. While you still can, grab some stone fruits grown locally and enjoy summer’s last hurrah. Continue reading
Blackberries are not just for dessert. Combined with dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar, they make a fine accompanying sauce for tender roast pork. Although pork tenderloin is a very lean cut, it becomes tender no matter the cooking method. Continue reading
Watermelon is plenty sweet enough. Notice that watermelon salad recipes add savory elements to offset the sweet factor : feta cheese, tomato, parmesan. One of my favorite pairings is melon and tahini. Although this Sesame Watermelon Salad has a touch of honey, the earthy silkiness of sesame oil and crunch of water chestnuts both add up to savory. Continue reading
Careless fingers hit publish last evening instead of save. Thus, the new title must be Mango Basil Dressing because somewhere out there is an incomplete post sans pictures or recipe. Sigh. Continue reading
Caprese Salad is on menus year round and even better when the basil is fresh and homegrown. See how easy this Mini Caprese Salad is when feeding a crowd. No plating and no need for guests to messy up that pretty platter of tomato and mozzarella slices. This fast and easy salad uses a spoon for serving and all ingredients are tossed . Beauty prevails. Continue reading