Eventually, the muggy heat of summer gives way to the chill of autumn. My favorite time of year to create in the kitchen is fall and winter. Simmer, braise and slow cook are the techniques of the more temperate months and I am all in. Continue reading
Think of summer stone fruit and your first thought will be peaches. Why stop there? Continue reading
Crisp, juicy watermelon is a terrific appetizer, especially if you add savory flavors. Salty feta and creamy tahini made with lime juice and fresh mint rescue watermelon from breakfast status. Continue reading
July is National Ice Cream Month. I am a little late to this party, unfortunately, but here is my contribution. Know that I enjoyed ice cream all month long. The recipe took a couple tries to get it right, so I enjoyed several servings, as did my Official Tasters. Continue reading
Lucky gardeners have an abundance of summer mint. Crush some leaves in your fingers to release an invigorating aroma. Make desserts . Add to savory dishes. Have some refreshing mint iced tea – this is my favorite way to keep the plants trimmed. Allowing them to flower cuts down on leaf production and, therefore, you have less mint to enjoy. Continue reading
Summer is picnics, backyard barbecues and cookouts. Whether you’re hosting or invited, you’ll want to bring a unique dish. Herbed Potato Corn Salad combines classic outdoor summer favorites : potato salad and corn on the cob. Continue reading
Lemon and blueberries are a match made in heaven. River City Good Eats has several recipes featuring this couple to pique your interest. This parfait is an ode to their marriage. I offer a completely homemade version and a second quick version, both of which will tickle your palates. Continue reading
Eat a sweet muffin and feel like you’ve just had a mini piece of cake. Invariably, muffins are designated as breakfast. I can’t start my day with sweet treats and prefer to enjoy them as a dessert or snack. At breakfast, give me protein and fruit and send me on my way to a productive day. These Strawberry Chocolate Chip Muffins were tested as dessert and that is where they will dwell. 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