Like lemon squares but better! The custard has the texture of mango pudding and the passion fruit flavor is incredible. These bars are really rich but worth it for a special occasion! For a 9″ pan of passion fruit squares (serves 32) you’ll need: 1 1/4 cups flour 1/2 cup powdered sugar 12 tablespoons butter […]
Pack a Pint of Pickled Peppers
Whenever I have more hot peppers than I need, I pickle the leftovers. I use pickled peppers in cooking where I would use fresh – in soups, stews, sauteed dishes, etc. Pickling retains the heat and adds a bit of tangy sourness. For this recipe you’ll need: Fresh hot peppers Canning jars (enough to hold […]
Refridgerator Dill Pickles
Home made pickles are so much better than store bought and they are really easy to make. I like to make refrigerator pickles because I find that the hot water bath required by traditional canning softens the vegetables too much for my taste. These dill pickles are sour – which is just the way I […]
Basic Pickling Liquid
This simple recipe can be used to pickle all kinds of vegetables. Add spices such as garlic, black pepper, dill or whatever sounds good. You’ll need: 3 cups white vinegar 3 cups water 1/3 cup kosher salt Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir occasionally until […]
CSA Overload
or My Fridge Runneth Over I love our weekly CSA veggie box but there are some many weeks where we can’t consume everything. I can’t stand the guilt of seeing something spoil so I’ve gotten proactive. Within a few days of getting a new box I try to preserve a few items. The trick with […]
Pomegranate Molasses Champagne Cocktail
This simple cocktail is a tangy and slightly fruity, with just a hint of sweetness. For each drink you’ll need: 3/4 teaspoon pomegranate molasses 4 ounces sparkling wine. Use any sparkling wine that you like to drink by itself; I like mine on the dry side. Spoon the molasses into the bottom of your glass […]
Pomegranate Molasses
Pomegranate molasses are tart, fruity and just a little sweet. A jar will last for months in the refrigerator. I use pomegranate molasses in marinades, dressings and cocktails. For this recipe you’ll need: Pomegranate juice – I usually buy a 1/2 gallon of Odwalla juice for this recipe Bring the juice to a boil in […]
Passion Fruit Champagne Cocktail
Fruity and tart – this cocktail sounds more complicated than it is. For each drink you’ll need: 1 tablespoon passion fruit puree – I buy mine frozen from a Mexican grocery store 1/2 teaspoon honey – or more to taste 4 ounces sparkling wine Strain the puree into a glass and add the honey and […]
Sauteed Corn and Mushroom
On a recent visit to The Slanted Door in San Francisco we ate a yummy corn and mushroom salad. We really loved the combination of corn, mushrooms and a little bit of sesame oil. This is my humble attempt to recreate the dish. You’ll need: 2 ears of corn 1 1/2 cups mushrooms 1/8 of […]
Figs with Blue Cheese and Honey
This is a dish with a very favorable compliments-to-effort ratio. The salty savoriness of the cheese contrasts nicely with the sweet fruit and honey. It’s easy to eat an entire plate all by yourself. You’ll need 1 pint fresh figs 2 1/2 ounces blue cheese – I prefer one with a creamy texture. I love […]