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 […]
cooking
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Boozy Summer Fruits
A little bit of effort in August will pay off during the holidays. Liquor soaked fruit makes a great gift and is great for holiday entertaining. Use the same quality of liquor you would use for mixed drinks. For this recipe, you’ll need: half pint canning jars and lids stone fruits such as peaches, plums, […]
Mr. Pepper Pants
or, Look What I Found at Target Curse you Target! Why is it that I always buy more than I need from your store? I found a great salt and pepper set while wandering through the store last weekend. Take off his pants if you need pepper! Best of all, these shakers match my much […]
Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book
This cookbook gets a lot of use in my kitchen and it’s fun to read. Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield with Nancy J. Stevens This is one of my favorite cookbooks. It contains great recipes, a charming narrative and fun illustrations. It’s true that I feel […]