slice of bacon apple cheese tart

Bacon Apple Cheese Tart

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October 25, 2022

slice of bacon apple cheese tart

I have a tart which will serve as breakfast, brunch, appetizer, lunch or dinner. It can be made ahead and responds to all manner of substitutions. The words apple, bacon and cheese conjure cool weather comfort. This tart is a warm hug from the autumn kitchen. You can make this recipe your own with lots of other additions.

While local apples are fragrant and crisp, they inspire creativity. There is no need to limit your use of apples to sweet treats. Turkey Apple Meatloaf with apple butter dijon glaze is just the right mix of savory and sweet. Broccoli Apple Ale Soup is full-on savory. Apples, raw and cooked, are super versatile. Virginia apple season is spectacular this year and I am in apple heaven. Continue reading →

slice of zucchini fudge cake

Zucchini Fudge Cake

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October 4, 2022

slice of zucchini fudge cake

Zucchini is one of the last local summer vegetables at the roadside stands. Slick green squash batons keep company on the racks with many-hued fall squashes, smooth and warty, solid and spotted and striped. Continue reading →

plate of pimento cheese tomato pie

Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie

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September 20, 2022

plate of pimento cheese tomato pie

Until I tested this recipe, I had never had tomato pie. It’s apparently a southern thing, but I missed class that day. Countless versions exist in the vast online recipe wilderness. At last, I decided to fly bind and create something I would like to enjoy and serve guests. My goal was a marriage between pimento cheese and a savory tart with shortbread crust, using the last of the local tomatoes. Here is my version. Continue reading →

plate of salmo with cucunber corn salsa

Salmon with Cucumber Corn Salsa

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September 6, 2022

plate of salmo with cucunber corn salsa

 

Simple is best. A nice piece of fish, prepared well, with summer’s bounty of local vegetables : that’s a perfect meal. Today’s recipe honors the last of  fresh corn season. Virginia sweet corn is starting to peter out, but fortunately colorful autumn fruits and vegetables are taking its place at the stands. Continue reading →

platter of summer veggie shrimp cups

Summer Veggie Shrimp Cups

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Summer Veggie Shrimp Cups

august 24, 2022

platter of summer veggie shrimp cups

 

Eating light and cooking minimally go together well. This recipe for shrimp and summer vegetable lettuce cups is colorful, light, easy and versatile as appetizer or entree. You can also customize for spicy heat, types of vegetables and different proteins. Use this as your summer template. Continue reading →

Cucumber Rosewater Vodka Cocktail

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august 9, 2022

glass of cucumber rosewater vodka cocktail

A summer cocktail with the subtle, yet distinctive, flavors of cucumber and rosewater requires a special spirit. Sugarcane-based rum is too sweet and tequila from the agave plant is too strong. Continue reading →

overhead bowl fresh corn vichyssoise

Fresh Corn Vichyssoise

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july 27, 2022

overhead bowl fresh corn vichyssoise

 

 

Hot soups are for cold weather comfort. Chilled soups, like this Fresh Corn Vichyssoise, are for days when it’s too hot to even consider dining alfresco. So sit under your ceiling fan in  your air-conditioned home and enjoy a simple make ahead soup featuring summer corn. Continue reading →

halved raspberry fresh corn muffin

Raspberry Fresh Corn Muffins

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july 12, 2022

halved raspberry fresh corn muffin

Morning on a hot and sultry weekend. Hanging around the house for late breakfast appeals more than dressing for brunch at a cafe. You have all the fixings for a light breakfast, except muffins. If you have an ear of fresh corn and some summer berries, you will likely also have the basics for baking. Prep these Raspberry Fresh Corn Muffins the night before. After a quick stir and bake, you will enjoy warm fluffy fruit filled treats in the comfort of your home. Any left may be frozen to enjoy later. Continue reading →

jar of homemade smoky barbecue sauce

Homemade Smoky Barbecue Sauce

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june 28, 2022

jar of homemade smoky barbecue sauce

Grilling season is here, y’all. You need good barbecue sauce whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or carnivore. Homemade Smoky Barbecue Sauce is the condiment of your dreams. Whisk good quality ingredients and simmer for five minutes. Done. Store in your fridge for months and months. Continue reading →

overhead view turkey meatballs

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

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june 14, 2022

overhead view slow cooker turkey meatballs

Do you use your slow cooker only when the weather is chilly? Until recently, I believed this as gospel. On the contrary, the best use may be in warmer months when you want a hot dinner without cranking up the stove. Load it up, walk away, then return to a nourishing meal with minimal effort. These Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs are fluffed with almond flour, not breadcrumbs, and bathed in a tangy sweet and sour tomato sauce. Continue reading →